From Arctic wilderness to Stockholm
By Zoe, Off The Map Travel
There is something incredibly special about experiencing the places we recommend to our guests first-hand. At Off The Map Travel, we believe that truly exceptional holidays begin with personal knowledge, and my recent trip to Sweden was the perfect reminder of why we love this part of the world so much.
Alongside my colleague Helga, I travelled from the spectacular wilderness of Arctic Sweden to the sophisticated streets of Stockholm, visiting some of the country’s most extraordinary luxury retreats, meeting wonderful local hosts and discovering a few unexpected favourites along the way.
Beginning our adventure in Arctic Sweden
Our journey began in Kiruna, where we visited the world-famous ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi. From its extraordinary ice sculptures to the remarkable craftsmanship involved in creating this iconic destination, it was a fascinating introduction to our Swedish adventure.
We continued towards Abisko, staying at Abisko Mountain Lodge and exploring a region renowned for its mountain landscapes and Northern Lights.
But one of the things that struck me most throughout our time in Northern Sweden was the incredible sense of peace.
I absolutely loved the tranquillity and seclusion. Everywhere we travelled, there were beautiful forests, wide open landscapes and a feeling of being completely immersed in nature. It was breathtaking, and something that photographs simply cannot capture.
Wonderful hospitality at Aurora Safari Camp
One of my absolute favourite experiences was our stay at Aurora Safari Camp.
Tucked away in the wilderness, this unique retreat offers a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from everyday life and appreciate the extraordinary surroundings.
What really made our stay special, however, was our host, Jonas.
His hospitality was exceptional, and he made us feel incredibly welcome from the moment we arrived. The food was absolutely fantastic, and the combination of delicious cuisine, personal service and such a peaceful location made this a truly memorable experience.
It reinforced something I have always believed about luxury travel. The most exceptional experiences are often defined by the people you meet and how they make you feel.
Discovering Loggers Lodge and Treehotel
Another real highlight for me was Loggers Lodge.
Set in a beautiful wilderness location, surrounded by forest and flowing water, the lodge offers exactly the kind of seclusion that makes Northern Sweden so appealing.
I was particularly impressed by the exceptional service and the way the accommodation sits so naturally within its surroundings. It is somewhere I would love our guests to experience, particularly those seeking privacy, comfort and a genuine connection with nature.
We also visited the remarkable Treehotel, where innovative Scandinavian architecture meets the forest canopy. Exploring its unusual accommodation, including the contemporary Oasis room, was a wonderful opportunity to see how imaginative design can create such distinctive places to stay.
Villa Äng: An unexpected favourite
Villa Äng was perhaps my biggest surprise of the entire trip.
Hidden among the Swedish forests, this striking contemporary property was a wonderful discovery.
I loved the contrast between the modern architecture and the natural surroundings. Beautiful interiors, expansive windows and wonderful views across the landscape create a peaceful retreat that feels both luxurious and wonderfully connected to nature.
It was completely unexpected, which made finding it even more special.
These are exactly the discoveries that make our familiarisation trips so valuable. Sometimes the places that leave the greatest impression are those you knew the least about before arriving.
Relaxation and Nordic cuisine at Arctic Bath
Our journey also took us to Arctic Bath, another exceptional example of Swedish architecture and wellness.
The peaceful waterside setting, beautifully designed accommodation and Scandinavian approach to relaxation make it a particularly special retreat.
I also loved discovering more of Sweden’s food culture throughout our journey. From the incredible hospitality and delicious meals at Aurora Safari Camp to beautifully presented Nordic cuisine, food played such an important part in the experience.
It was wonderful to see how local ingredients, thoughtful preparation and beautiful surroundings come together to create something memorable.
A luxurious finale in Stockholm
After several days exploring Northern Sweden, we travelled south to Stockholm for the final part of our adventure.
Our stay at the magnificent Grand Hôtel Stockholm was faultless in every respect.
The service was impeccable, with every detail thoughtfully considered, and the spa was absolutely beautiful. After our adventures in the wilderness, it was such a lovely place to relax and unwind.
I loved the contrast between the secluded lodges of the north and the elegance of Stockholm. They offer completely different experiences, yet both showcase what makes Sweden such an exceptional luxury destination.
Bringing our experiences back to our guests
Returning from Sweden, I have an even greater appreciation for the incredible variety this country offers.
From the genuine warmth of Jonas at Aurora Safari Camp to the beautiful seclusion of Loggers Lodge, the unexpected architectural discovery of Villa Äng and the impeccable luxury of Grand Hôtel Stockholm, every experience taught me something new.
For me, the greatest highlight was simply being surrounded by Northern Sweden’s extraordinary wilderness, enjoying its tranquillity and discovering the people and places that make it so special.
These are the experiences that inspire us at Off The Map Travel and help us create truly personal, tailor-made journeys.
Because there is nothing quite like being able to recommend somewhere you have experienced yourself, knowing exactly what makes it exceptional.
