The start of a new year is the time to look ahead and make plans for where to visit. For this travel feature, we’re looking into an incredible new adventure from Off the Map Travel that lets you experience traditional Sápmi life in a lavvu with all the creature comforts.
When you think about an adventure to the Arctic circle, sleeping under canvas is the last thing that springs to mind. But that’s exactly how the indigenous Sami people of northern Europe live – in teepees known as lavvu.
This month, travel experts at Off the Map Travel have uncovered a new way to experience the life and culture of the nomadic reindeer herders – without compromising on comfort and luxury.
Located on an Arctic nature reserve in the spectacular Laponia World Heritage Site, the new experience, which launched this month, combines lavvu living with the decadence of an Arctic cabin.
The lavish accommodation’s bespoke solid structure provides extra cosiness and warmth while maintaining the design, sustainability and culture inspired by nature and the Sami people.
The lavvus are central to an exclusive Sápmi Experience adventure by Off the Map Travel, which will see visitors spend four days in Swedish Lapland.
Guests will get the chance to experience all aspects of the Sami culture from the comfort of the new properties, which reside 100 miles above the Arctic circle.
The trip also includes:
- A wealth of traditional activities such as a Sami guided skiing tour.
- The opportunity to meet a reindeer herder and his family and a wildlife safari to spot moose.
- Heading out onto a frozen river to take part in a traditional Sami Fika.
“This exciting new travel experience is the perfect chance to get away from it all to experience another world and culture,” said Jonny Cooper, founder of Off the Map Travel, which designed the experience.
“The new lavvus each sleep two and feature luxurious double beds, stoves, cosy furnishings and a private en suite bathroom – all inspired by nature and the Sami culture.
“During the stay, along with immersive planned experiences, guests can get as involved as they like with the traditional Sami lifestyle.
“Those who like food can learn how to prepare and cook dishes based on the Sami cuisine, including fish, reindeer and moose supplemented by berries and herbs, from the area, with the majority of the meat and fish coming from the host family.”
The lavvus were created by the founders of the Sápmi Nature Camp in Swedish Lapland, whose mission is to develop sustainable, off-grid Sami experiences that celebrate their unique culture and nature and wellness.
The experience will be available throughout the year – from the dark winter nights and Northern Lights to the midnight sun in summer.
During warmer months, it will also include the chance to forage for wild berries and mushrooms with an open fire cooking lesson, nature walks and wildlife photography with the chance to immerse yourself in the Sami culture through storytelling.
Guests embarking on this new adventure can do so safe in the knowledge that it is not adversely affecting the environment or local culture.
Sustainability is at the core of the Sápmi Nature Camp. It was granted the “Nature’s Best approved” status, an ecotourism Sweden’s only sustainability label in recognition for sustainable nature-based experiences.
The three-night, four-day, Sápmi Experience itinerary from Off the Map Travel costs from £2099 per person and is based on two adults travelling on a full-board basis.
“The stay will provide a unique insight into the lives of Sweden’s Sami people while delivering the ultimate glamping experience,” added Jonny Cooper, founder of Off the Map Travel.
For more information on the Sápmi Lavvu experience, visit www.offthemap.travel/the-sapmi-experience.
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