Visitors to Sweden are invited to enjoy the health and meditative benefits of a new sauna ritual that includes bathing in crystal-clear natural spring water 262 feet (80 meters) below ground.
Created by Scandinavian travel specialists Off the Map Travel, “Savouring Swedish Serenity” incorporates mindfulness, yoga and wellness centered around the new “Lady of the Mine” sauna ritual, a tribute to the history of the mine itself. The combination of Swedish sauna, natural surroundings and culinary connection adds to the achievement of relaxation and peacefulness. A stay in the Scandinavian-designed Hello Sunnanhed barn-lodge with meals by an accomplished Swedish chef completes the experience.
Guests access the unusual underground “Lady of the Mine” sauna experience via a series of spacious tunnels and steps which gradually descend to the sauna below which clings to rock overhanging crystal-clear, emerald water. The experience is designed with a mix of story, song, hot and cold temperature, and tranquility and is guided by Sauna Master Elin Hietanen with a goal of calm and relaxation.
Between sessions in the sauna, guests emerge from the heat into the opening of the cave to cool down in the 40 degree Fahrenheit water, or simply enjoy a moment of silence in the stunning cave. Adding a further Swedish dimension, local drinks and foods are available throughout the sauna experience, with cheese and smoked meat from a nearby farm a significant part of the hearty provisions.
Guests will stay at the luxury Hello Sunnanhed barn set in an area popular with Swedish musicians who come to reconnect with nature for musical inspiration. Located near beautiful Lake Oreiön in Dalarna, Sweden, Sunnanhed is a meticulously renovated barn in Scandinavian style with soaring ceilings and expansive windows framing the natural splendor outside. The boutique barn-lodge serves as the perfect sanctuary for guests seeking solace and self-reflection. Mike Lind, creator of Hello Sunnanhed, explains, “At the heart of our retreat is the belief in the power of disconnecting to truly reconnect.”
The culinary journey continues at the lodge where private chef Görgen does what he does best: connecting his menus to the surrounding nature and celebrating local produce. A believer in storytelling as part of the dining experience, Görgen is a favorite among Swedish royalty and dignitaries and enchants guests with his tales. He is also available to take guests on a hiking and foraging experience to search for wild blueberries and other edible flora which will be incorporated into meals. Guests can prepare the meals alongside the chef if they wish.
“The whole experience is meditative. Cutting out the world around and immersing yourself deep underground and in the lodge allows you to connect with yourself and nature in a way that isn’t possible with the distractions of life,” adds Jonny Cooper, founder of Off the Map Travel.
The 5-day/4-night program is priced starting at £9999 per person ($12,690 USD at the time of this writing) based on double occupancy. Included are accommodations in the Hello Sunnanhed barn, all meals, private ground transfers, sauna excursions, and activities.
Flights to and from Stockholm are additional. The experience is offered year-round and is appropriate for ages 12 and older.
ABOUT HELLO SONNENHED
Hello Sunnanhed boutique barn, open to the public for the first time, offers a new experience combining accommodations, foraging, yoga and wellness, centered around the property’s crystal-clear natural spring water sauna experience 80 meters below ground.
ABOUT OFF THE MAP TRAVEL
The team at Off the Map Travel works with experiences and destinations that allow people to explore hidden wonders of our planet. Specializing in the Nordic region, OTMT creates tailor-made itineraries offering authentic experiences not offered by many larger travel companies. For more information on Off the Map Travel holidays visit www.offthemap.travel; call 1-646-701-0041; email info@offthemap.travel or join in the conversation on Facebook or Instagram.
Full itinerary:
Day 1:
Arrive in style for a six-course dinner of local and regional foods.
Your exclusive transfer whisks you away from Stockholm to the tranquil countryside of Dalarna. Upon reaching Hello Sunnanhed, your host awaits, ready to welcome you with a unique ritual by the outdoor fire camp. Immerse yourself in the cozy ambiance while savoring homemade Fika and local delicacies.
Take the afternoon to unwind from your journey and explore the picturesque surroundings of the barn.
As an introduction to the local culture, Chef Gördi will curate a special local product dinner for you, presenting a six-course tasting menu featuring ingredients sourced exclusively from Dalarna. Embark on a culinary journey through the region’s flavors, accompanied by storytelling about the origin of each ingredient—all sourced within the country.
Day 2:
Enjoy the simplicity of nature.
Your day will commence with a home-cooked breakfast featuring freshly baked bread and locally sourced produce.
Enjoy a tranquil nature walk in the forest, led by your personal nature guide. The hike will lead you through the woods to a serene lake, where a simple yet delightful lunch will be prepared for you. Along the way, you can engage in blueberry picking (season permitting) and enjoy stories from your guide about the local area and its diverse flora and fauna.
Indulge in an afternoon Swedish Fika provided by your host and prepare something delicious with help of the Chef with berries picked earlier in the day.
Later, your private driver will chauffeur you to Bruntegården Restaurant for a fine-dining experience with views over Lake Siljan.
End the evening with a sunset stroll on the jetty on the lake.
Day 3:
Enchantments of Culture
Choose from three morning activities. Start the day with a sunrise yoga session by the lake, guided by your private instructor, followed by a beachside breakfast or a tranquil SUP board ride to a secluded island, with breakfast awaiting your return on the beach.
If you prefer a cultural experience enjoy a private breakfast and a guided tour at the residence of artist Carl Larsson in Sundborn. This stands as a symbol of Swedish interior design and familial heritage.
Additionally, you will be serenaded by the beautiful sound of kulning performed by a professional singer. This ancient herding call is a traditional Scandinavian musical form often used to call livestock down from high mountain pastures.
Day 4:
Lakeside serenity
Following breakfast, prepare for a serene lakeside experience. Embark on a meditative canoe paddle to the opposite shore, where a secluded lakeside sauna awaits. A lunch picnic on the jetty overlooking the water sets the stage, followed by a wood-burning sauna session with local herbs and a few refreshing swims to open up your mind and senses.
When you feel rejuvenated, your private driver will return you to the barn for afternoon tea and a private yoga session with optional guided meditation.
The evening is a special event with dinner at Solgårdskrogen restaurant in their enchanting gardens. Meals at Solgårdskrogen are prepared from scratch in a rural environment, using ingredients sourced from their vegetable garden, the nearby forest and local producers.
The menu is influenced by the changing seasons, and during the warmer months, the focus shifts to the wood-fired grill.
Day 5:
A unique underground sauna experience – The “Lady of the Mine” sauna ritual
After breakfast, your driver will take you to your next destination or the airport. However, your Hello Sunnanhed experience doesn’t conclude just yet. Before you depart, you’ll have a final stop at the adventure mine for your second and most memorable sauna experience.
Delve into the world’s most unique sauna experience with the transcendent “Lady of the Mine” sauna ritual, a tribute to the Lady’s historical watchfulness over the mine and the miners, ensuring safety and productivity. Embrace the essence of the Lady and the mine on a guided sauna adventure led by Sauna by Elin, where mystery and knowledge intertwine, transporting you beyond the constraints of time and space. Situated 80 meters below the ground, you will experience an unusual sauna ritual like no other. Alternate with dips in the crystal-clear, underground lake. Lunch will be served after your sauna session, preparing you for your onward journey.
Görgen Private Chef Bio
Raised amidst the rugged and picturesque mountain landscape of Jämtland in Sweden, my childhood summers were imbued with a profound connection to nature and a reverence for simplicity. It was within this breathtaking yet challenging environment that my culinary journey began, instilling in me a deep appreciation for the art of gastronomy and the importance of working with locally sourced ingredients.
Having explored the depths of my homeland, I have since settled in Dalarna, where I have further honed my craft by forging relationships with esteemed local producers. Here, in Dalarna, there is a unique sense of pride and sophistication in utilising the region’s bounty without unnecessary embellishments.
I’ve had the honor of overseeing prestigious events such as the Vasaloppet (worlds biggest skiing event) and crafting exquisite dinners for distinguished guests, including royalty, and the residence of the Governor in Dalarna. Yet, I find equal joy in transforming family celebrations or private small dining experiences into unforgettable experiences.
Today, as a culinary creator and gastronomic connoisseur, I specialise in bespoke catering and event planning, catering to the most discerning palates. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for culinary innovation, I strive to curate unforgettable dining experiences tailored to each client’s desires. Whether orchestrating an intimate soirée or a lavish affair, my mission is to elevate every occasion with a touch of sophistication and culinary mastery.
For more information visit www.offthemap.travel, call 1-646-701-0041 or email info@offthemap.travel
