Denmark & Sweden self drive family holiday

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

The city centre hotels we have chosen for this trip in Copenhagen and Stockholm; Villa Copenhagen, Lydmar Hotel and Smadalaro Gard are members of Visita is the industry and employer organisation for the Swedish hospitality industry. Visita signs the industry's collective agreement and is a member organisation of the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise. People are the heart of their hotels. They champion their local community, and cherish their culture and environments.

The Aurora Safari Camp in Swedish Lapland, is deeply committed to minimising their environmental footprint and fostering a harmonious relationship with the pristine wilderness that surrounds us. Their sustainability practices are woven into the very fabric of the operation, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same untouched beauty we cherish today.

They have implemented a strict policy against single-use plastics. From the kitchen to guest amenities, and prioritise reusable and sustainable alternatives. They source local produce and ingredients, reducing transportation emissions and supporting regional economies. Meals are prepared with care, focusing on fresh, seasonal offerings, and any leftover food is composted, minimising waste.

Their commitment to responsible waste management extends to their sanitation facilities. They utilise state-of-the-art compostable toilets, which minimise water usage and transform waste into valuable fertiliser. This closed-loop system ensures that the impact on the delicate lake ecosystem is negligible. Greywater from showers and dishwashing is carefully filtered and treated before being released, preventing pollution and safeguarding water quality.

Arctic Bath:

Environmental Sustainability focuses on preserving natural resources and ecosystems, reducing pollution, and managing resources like water, energy, and raw materials efficiently. It aims to maintain biodiversity and minimise the negative impact of human activities on the environment. Arctic Bath was built with the principle of creating a small footprint. Not only was there an effort to build as much as possible with natural materials from the region, but also to use local human resources and companies to bring the Hotel to life. The way the architects incorporate the buildings with the natural environment leaves us all in awe.

Building in a sustainable manner not only offers environmental advantages but also creates a healthier living environment. The use of natural and non-harmful materials has been demonstrated to provide superior and more healthful living spaces.


ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE

Their respect for nature is paramount. They operate with a 'leave no trace' philosophy, ensuring that their presence has minimal impact on the surrounding environment, and encourage guests to participate in their sustainability efforts, providing information about responsible tourism and the importance of respecting the local flora and fauna. The guided forest walks and wilderness activities are conducted with a focus on education and conservation, emphasising the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

The Aurora Safari Camp is mindful of their energy consumption, utilising solar power and energy-efficient appliances wherever possible. The Aurora Safari camp was designed to minimise its impact on the environment, with careful consideration given to its placement and construction of portable accommodation on the site. They prioritise the use of sustainable materials and minimise noise pollution to preserve the tranquility of the natural environment.

They collaborate with local communities and organisations to support conservation efforts and promote sustainable tourism practices, and believe in empowering local people and respecting their traditions, ensuring that their operations benefit the region as a whole. Our goal is to create a truly immersive and sustainable experience, allowing guests to connect with nature while minimising their impact. The camp works together with conservation of Råne Älvdal and the surrounding areas building partnerships with the local Forestry Companies as well as the Sami Villages.

They constantly strive to improve our sustainability practices, seeking innovative solutions and adopting new technologies that reduce our environmental footprint. We are committed to transparency and accountability, regularly evaluating performance and seeking feedback from their guests and partners. By embracing sustainable practices, they aim to preserve the pristine beauty of Swedish Lapland for generations to come, creating a truly unforgettable and responsible wilderness experience.

Arctic Retreat is Nature's Best Accredited®
Nature´s Best is Sweden's ecotourism in practice. A systematic tool in sustainable business development for companies in nature and cultural tourism.

Nature´s Best is also a quality brand that lifts sustainable experiences for conscious travellers, both national and international.

Nature’s Best identifies Swedish ecotourism companies with an internal set of standards that since 2023 have been recognised by GSTC, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s international criteria for sustainable tourism.

The log cabins at Arctic Retreat have been built with sustainable building materials, and are run with renewable energy sources, and utilise water-saving technology.

Private transfers are with electric vehicles, boats are usually rowed by local staff and guides, and where required, train travel is used instead of flying.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

The Aurora Safari camp creates employment of local staff / guides. The camp partners with a Sami village and offers cultural visits to clients.

Aurora Safaris has created an innovative and successful concept where they have not only developed their own business but actively worked to elevate the entire place they operate. They create the conditions for a vibrant countryside where Råne Älvdal is a place that maintains and attracts new residents to live, enjoy and work. The camp location is in the far north of Sweden and through this tourism initiative income is generated to local suppliers for purchases of all items needed for the camp.

They collaborate with local communities and organisations to support conservation efforts and promote sustainable tourism practices, and believe in empowering local people and respecting their traditions, ensuring that their operations benefit the region as a whole. Their goal is to create a truly immersive and sustainable experience, allowing guests to connect with nature while minimising their impact. The camp works together with conservation of Råne Älvdal and the surrounding areas building partnerships with the local Forestry Companies as well as the Sami Villages.


Arctic Bath
The Head Chef, David Staf, draws inspiration from the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of the northern region. Having dedicated years to working in Norrbotten, David has meticulously curated a collection of recipes passed down through generations from family and friends.

From this rich culinary heritage, he has conceived the concept of the Arctic Bath kitchen, where he seamlessly merges authentic, time-honored dishes with his own innovative ideas and contemporary cooking techniques. His overarching vision is to harmoniously collaborate with nature and the elemental forces to deliver a dining experience that is not only nourishing but also truly invigorating.

Nestled in the heart of Norrbotten, Arctic Bath offers a culinary journey, designed for true gourmands. Drawing inspiration from the world's finest restaurants, our chefs bring Arctic flavors to life in a small and cosy, family-friendly environment.

With deep respect for the region's culinary heritage and a passion for innovation, every dish reflects the beauty and bounty of Norrbotten’s untamed landscapes. From the snow-draped winters to summer's midnight sun, nature serves as both our inspiration and our pantry, providing seasonal treasures that shape our menus.

The kitchen is a creative space where tradition meets modern techniques, crafting dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Local ingredients are elevated to new heights, offering surprising and delightful flavors that transport you to the heart of the Arctic wilderness.

At Arctic Bath, every meal is a sensory experience. Step into the floating restaurant on the Lule River and embark on a gastronomic adventure that rivals the world's best dining destinations, with a distinct Arctic touch.

Local, pure and sustainable products set the tone for the evening in our Scandinavian designed restaurant.

It is important for us to work with mindful and passionate guides who share our vision of preservation and sustainable development of tourism and who are also passionate about sharing awareness for our cultural values and knowledge about the nature and wilderness in the region.

With our carefully chosen city centre hotels, people are the heart of their hotels. They champion their local community, and cherish their culture and environments.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

All of our trips support the local community, we employ local guides through destination management companies all on a higher than average minimum wage. We can also accommodate vegan or vegetarian dining options. All of our trips are LGBTQ+ friendly. Some of our trips may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility, however, most transport (boats and trains) do allow for limited mobility access and each case would be assessed prior to travel.

The Swedish law secures all staff salary according to union agreement which is compliant to all employers in Sweden.

In Sweden it is compliant by law for companies to nurture equal employment without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation or nationality.

Arctic Retreat was created to benefit local communities by providing employment, supporting local businesses, and respecting cultural traditions.