Ready for a gourmet getaway?Icehotel and northern lights travel specialist Discover the World has launched an exciting new foodie trip for its upcoming winter season at the Icehotel in Swedish Lapland; a destination more famous for its icy landscapes and snowy activities than its Arctic cuisine.
If you thought a food-focused break could only be based in the balmy hills of Tuscany or in a buzzy Med city, then think again! The tour operator’s new Chilly Gourmand package combines an array of foodie experiences, all from £1,607pp.
From an immersive 12-course Chef’s Table created by the Icehotel’s Michelin-trained head chef Alex Meier and an authentic wilderness dinner using only local ingredients cooked over fire under the starry Arctic skies to a husky sledding activity with the chance to stop en-route for a traditional Swedish Fika (a fireside snack combining strong black coffee, pine tea and cinnamon pastries) and the opportunity to master the art of Arctic sushi making, with fish caught by local fishermen, this package has it all.
Opening on 14 December, Icehotel’s new Chilly Gourmand foodie escape is available right away as a three or four night break coinciding with Discover the World’s exclusive #IceFlight from London Heathrow to Kiruna in Swedish Lapland (just a 20-minute transfer from Icehotel) in just 3.5hrs eliminating the hassle of long transfers via Stockholm. What’s more, this year’s hotel will have some incredible art for guests to enjoy; from an ice-carved candy shop and a frozen swimmer to The Living Ocean Suite from a British father-daughter duo that highlights the negative effects of climate change.
As well as the foodie experiences mentioned above, the Chilly Gourmand package includes a range of classic Icehotel experiences such as sleeping on ice, the potential to see the Northern Lights and the chance to add activities such as ice sculpting, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, reindeer sleigh rides and wilderness survival classes.
Chilly Gourmand Foodie Experiences:
1 Immersive 12-Course Chef’s Table
This decadent 12-course Arctic menu, designed by Michelin-trained Head Chef Alexander Meier, will be served at The Veranda using locally sourced ingredients and can be paired with recommended wines (optional supplement £54). Watch the theatrical performance of the chefs as they explain the history and concept behind each dish.
2 Wilderness Dinner Under the Stars
Warmed by a crackling fire, this three-course dinner, prepared by an experienced wilderness chef, is created entirely from local ingredients, encouraging guests to sample the distinct flavours of the north such as reindeer, Arctic char, salmon and cloudberries. Hopefully there will be a bonus ‘garnish’ of aurora borealis too!
3 Husky Sledding with Swedish Fika
Whoosh through the snowy forest on a husky sled, taking in the beautiful scenery and excitable dogs before arriving at a campfire ready for Swedish Fika. This coffee break ritual is part of everyday life in Sweden, a moment to slow down and warm up with a strong black coffee and freshly-baked cakes before heading back out into the winter wilderness
Available from £1,607pp based on two sharing (2x nights in a warm room and 1x night in an Ice Room) on a B&B basis. Phone 01737 886 131 to book.