Nature. Art. Hiking. Yoga. Astrology. Cold Swimming. Photography. Ecology. Surfing. Healthy food. Community. Sauna. Relaxation.
Lofoten Dream Trip
Lofoten Dream Trip
Hello! We are Rachel Pohl (artist) and Charles Post (ecologist)! We fell in love with the Lofoten Islands in the Arctic of Norway when we visited in 2019 for our honeymoon. Three years later, we sold our slice of paradise in Montana and moved to Lofoten to chase an arctic dream.
We are beyond excited to host TWO RETREATS in 2025, and share the magic of our home island with a small group of you at the beginning of June and October, 2025. This trip is for a small group with 9 spots in total for each retreat. You will find inspiration, connect with community, spend time in nature, learn, and grow alongside your new friends during an unforgettable week.
Read on to learn if this trip might be a good fit for you, and submit your application!
Not sure you can join our retreat but still dreaming of a trip to Lofoten?
We made our very own travel guide with all of our favorite hikes, trails, cafes, hotels, mountains, saunas, surf and swim spots, views and vistas, shops and places to stay, eat and recharge.
And if you’d like to book a video call we can sit down with you to help create your dream Lofoten trip. We can also create a custom itinerary for you, ensuring you’ll experience the best that Lofoten has to offer with your timeline, budget and bucket list in mind - We can wait for you to experience Lofoten!
Interested in booking a Lofoten wildlife and birding experience with Charles?
Visit our new very own basecamp for all things nature, birds and wildlife @ LofotenBirding.com
Dates:
June 24- June 30
Oct 1 - Oct 7
6 nights,
7 days
Updated:
Our June 2025 and October 2025 are OPEN for applications.
Please sign up for Rachel’s newsletter (via rachelpohlart.com) for updates about our next retreat!
9 spots / Reatret
5 Single Occupancy / Private Room
4 Double Occupancy : Shared room, for Couples, Friends Traveling Together
Price Per Person:
Single Occupancy:5900 USD
Double Occupancy:5700 USD
What’s Included:
Accommodation: 6 nights in The House, located in one of Lofoten’s most idyllic villages surrounded by towering peaks, white sand beaches, surf, and view of the midnight sun. Everyone will have a spacious, private bedroom with either a queen or king sized bed, and a shared bathroom (you and two others per bathroom).
Food: One of our best friends and favorite chefs, Suzie, will be cooking daily breakfast, lunch and dinner with local and organic ingredients. Hiking: The magic of Lofoten is best experienced by foot. With beautiful mountain peaks surrounding us, we will take you on some of our favorite hiking trips.
Yoga: Taught by one of Lofoten’s most beloved instructors and a dear friend of ours. Hedda will teach three classes during the week. Mats and blocks provided.
Private Sauna: Every day in The House’s private sauna by the sea.
Surfing: 1 day of surfing - boards and wetsuits will be provided :) The House is located a short walk from one of Lofoten’s great surfing beaches. If this is something you’re super keen on experiencing, Charles, a life long surfer, would be happy to join a group for surfing. If you’re keen for more than 1 day of surfing, it’s possible to book extra days and private lessons at the local surf cam
Polar swims: Whether it’s to start your day or to cool off after sauna, the sea and gorgeous white sand beaches are a short walk from the house.
Astrology: Before arriving on the trip, we will send you a pre-trip astrology email with some instructions to help make the most of our mini Astrology workshop. Rachel will teach the basics of astrology, perfect for if you are new to, curious about, or enjoy studying astrology. Workshops: Over the past 10 years, we have built careers and platforms that span art and science, storytelling and adventure, following your dreams and manifestation. Each day, we will host mini workshops that dive into one these topics. Photos + Videos: We will have a professional photographer + videographer joining us every day. As each day winds down, there will be a Google Drive folder with images + video clips available for you to share with friends, family and on social media! VAT + Taxes: VAT (value added tax) and other taxes are included in the total price.
What’s Not Included:
Transportation: To and from Lofoten, and during the retreat. We will connect the group via a WhatsApp chat to help the group coordinate rental cars. Ultimately, it will be up to participants to ensure they have local transportation. The reason why we can’t offer transportation is because Norway has a special drivers license required to transport guests commercially, and this is not a license that we or our business have. (BUT If you need a ride from the airport / ferry terminal, let us know and we can ensure you have a pick up / drop-off)
Travel Insurance: Each guest must ensure they have their own travel insurance. By booking this trip, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to carry travel insurance for this trip.
Gear: Lofoten and the Norwegian Arctic can experience seemingly all 4 seasons in a single day, even in the summer. Be prepared for sun and warm weather, wind, rain and cold weather too. We will send a final gear check list / reminder not later than 1 month before the retreat to ensure you have exactly what you need.
How do I book my spot? Apply HERE!
Complete the application: HERE
With only 9 spots available, we believe an application process is the most fair and thoughtful way to curate this experience. This is a trip that will have a focus on movement, wellness, hiking in the mountains, community and cohabitation, which means we will try our best to select a group with this intention and itinerary in mind.
Our vision is to create an immersive experience and a smaller group size is how we will be able to offer that to you!
We know some of you will be disappointed for not being able to join on this trip BUT we already have plans for other retreats! Please stay tuned, and know that we are so excited to meet many of you in the months and years to come.
In the future we would love to offer a variety of experiences during different seasons, and evolve this concept of these small + very special retreats to fit what we are collectively craving during different seasons of life.
The small group size of just 9 people will ensure that everyone can comfortably enjoy the house we have selected for the week, and that we can really dive deep into experiencing this magical place and making deeper connections.
How will I know if I’m selected?
We will contact you by email via arcticdreamsretreats@gmail.com letting you know you’ve been selected. By applying for this retreat, you will also be added our list to hear about future retreats!!
Please note that we are not able to offer this particular retreat to include dogs or kids. In the future we hope to have more retreats with more options, so thank you so much for your understanding!!
How do I reserve my spot?
We will let you know via email if you have been selected. You will have 7 days from then to pay the 30% deposit to reserve your spot. If we don’t hear from you in 7 days, we will invite those on the waiting list. After paying the deposit, the remaining 70% must be paid 60 days before the start of the trip.
Please remember that your deposit is non refundable.
Rachel and I will be making reservations, including for the house, food, instructors, and everything else ahead of time, so your deposit will make it possible for us to book the trip. It’s going to be such a special week and we cannot wait to share this magical place we call home with all of you!
To pay your deposit and confirm your spot, click the button below and you will be directed to check out. This is a password protected checkout. We will include the password to the shop if/when we contact you.
Testimonials
Testimonials
From: Margo R. (June 2024 Lofoten Retreat)
“Imagine arriving in a remote corner of the world, surrounded by jagged mountains and the bluest waters. Here, where summer days never turn to nights and time becomes a distant memory, you meet a group of strangers who quickly feel like familiar souls from a past life. This retreat teeters between reality and escapism. For seven days, we stepped into an unparalleled dimension, an experience impossible to recreate. We slept in a beautifully restored farmhouse by the ocean, a perfect blend of comfort and nature. Our days were filled with a mix of rejuvenation and adventure, always with the freedom to choose our own paths. Every moment was intentional, filled with laughter, tears, hugs, and endless love. We might have arrived as strangers, but we left as a bonded family. Rachel and Charles brought unparalleled engagement and energy. Their zest for life and love for Norway shone through in everything we did. The environment they crafted was welcoming, safe, and full of intention, guiding us through each activity and moment. If you seek a unique way to see, smell, taste, and explore Norway - away from the common, touristy spots - this is it. There is no experience quite like the Arctic Dreams Retreat. It’s an adventure curated to change you, as it changed me. Having attended several retreats, this is the one that left me saying, “WOW, this week has transformed every cell in my being forever.” If you feel called to this experience, listen to that voice and embrace the journey. Now go rediscover yourself through this thoughtfully intentional gathering. All my love, Margo Ragonesi”
From: Tina W. (June 2024 Lofoten Retreat)
"This was the first retreat I have ever been on, and wow, was it a transformative one. My fellow retreat friends have done an amazing job at describing what this experience was all about, so I am going to share a few tips to maximize your Arctic Dreams Retreat experience:
Set a very clear intention. Get specific. This retreat is truly a 'choose your own adventure' type of experience. Embrace the freedom and take advantage of that :)
Be honest with your needs! I loved how Charles and Rachel led the experience and emphasized the expression of wants/needs. They want to hear your feedback, and if your retreat group is just as awesome as mine, everyone else will honor that.
Rachel and Charles did a wonderful job at picking some EXCEPTIONAL human beings for the retreat. I speak on not only the retreat-goers but also everyone else that made the retreat possible. We are talking goofy, thoughtful, self-aware, kind, down-to-earth folks. If you are looking to make new friends, this is an awesome space to do so.
This retreat, the people that were part of it, and Lofoten were all magic. It has been a little over a month since I got back and I continue to find myself reminiscing on the experience. I have also gleaned inspiration from the trip that I have been able to apply to my daily life which feels like a big win."
From: Rebecca R. (June 2024 Lofoten Retreat)
“Before attending this retreat, I could already tell it was going to be the experience of a lifetime. The itinerary and location included everything I could’ve possibly hoped for. Little did I know that everything would end up far exceeding my expectations, hopes, and dreams. It was obvious from day one that Rachel and Charles put so much love, thought, and care into every little detail — from the activities they chose to share with us and our accommodations, to the team they gathered to be our instructors, guides, and chief. To me, the most important detail of all was their willingness to share their kindness, love, and support with all of us participants. We quickly went from strangers to friends to family throughout the week, thanks to their ability to create such a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment. The week was filled with incredible activities — mountain top hikes under the magical midnight sun, surf sessions in the Arctic Ocean, sailing on a handcrafted Norwegian sailboat, mindful yoga sessions, and thoughtful workshops — all the with the freedom to participate in what suited you or opt to spend time in whatever way you wanted or needed. Of all these unbelievable experiences, I can confidently say everyone’s favorite part of the retreat was the authentic connections formed. Rachel and Charles are truly gifted in their ability to create a loving and inclusive environment. Their authenticity shines through with every interaction and is contagious to all around. They curated the most magical experience and there is no doubt in my mind that they will continue to do so with each and every retreat they decide to share with the world.”
From: Jenna C. (June 2024 Lofoten Retreat)
“From the moment I first walked in the door to our magical home in Lofoten I knew that this trip was going to be the start of something special. It’s rare to walk into a room and feel instantly safe and at home with a group of strangers. 10 gorgeous smiles and an infectious enthusiasm and positivity set the tone for this trip right from the very beginning. Never have I been in a setting where people have been so vulnerable and open so quickly, where belly aching laughs and silliness were in constant and unlimited supply. Alone, all of the “activities” we did (hiking, taking in jaw dropping scenery, surfing, yoga, sailing, eating Suzie’s delicious food and all of the countless inspiring workshops) were more than enough to guarantee the trip of a lifetime. In my case, it was the connections, conversations, laughter and time together that made it so sweet. Time ceased to exist, just like when we were children. Rachel and Charles, what really made this trip so special was you. Your warmth, authenticity and kindness created the framework for us to laugh, connect, be brave and be vulnerable. I loved getting to know you both and hearing more about your passions, hopes and dreams. Your work ethic, encouragement, generosity, pursuit of quality and approach to life has inspired me to no end and I enjoyed all the laughs, silliness and crazy pinch me moments that we shared. Thank you for opening your hearts and home to 9 perfect strangers. I’m coming away from this trip with a cup full, countless new friends and memories to last a lifetime which for me is what travel should be all about. As I said on our last day together, it’s not a goodbye but a see you soon! All of my love, Jenna x”
From: Julia E. (June 2024 Lofoten Retreat)
“Coming on this retreat was one of the best life decisions I have ever made. Charles and Rachel put together an absolutely unforgettable experience that far exceeded expectations. EXPERIENCES: Every part of this trip was perfect; stunning hikes, restorative yoga sessions, inspiring manifestation, watercolor and astrology workshops, surfing lessons and a sailing expedition. Everything was choose your own adventure which gave anyone a chance to opt out and rest or reflect on their own if preferred. ACCOMMODATIONS: We stayed in a beautiful remodeled farm house and it was stunning. Every participant got their own room; beds were comfortable, there were shades to block the sun and everything was sparkling clean. There was plenty of space to spend time together or seek solitude and the house included a climbing wall (in the barn) and a sauna. FOOD: Absolutely amazing. The chef was superb and accommodated all dietary restrictions with flare. The vegan food was particularly delicious, and while I'm not vegan, I know it was deeply appreciated by others on the trip. Some of the best food I have eaten in my life. Homemade, healthy, everything you could want. HOSTS: Charles and Rachel were incredible hosts. They were very communicative prior to the trip and provided extensive guides for packing and planning. While on the trip, they were warm, welcoming and facilitated an incredibly open and vulnerable atmosphere for people to take risks and be themselves. I can't imagine two people better suited to hosting such life-changing experiences. I cannot recommend this experience enough. If you're lucky enough to make the trip to the arctic circle, you won't regret it! It's worth every penny and more.”
Rough Itinerary - Activity Days Subject to Weather - Arctic Dreams Retreats
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Rough Itinerary - Activity Days Subject to Weather - Arctic Dreams Retreats 〰️
Day 1
Upon arrival you’ll check into rooms, meet and greet and have a late homemade lunch. Then we will jump into a welcome session to set the tone and discuss week ahead with Rachel and Charles. After, there will be a group hike followed by sauna + cold swim time, dinner then free time to relax.
Day 2
The day will start with home made breakfast, a trip to a local, cozy cafe with an amazing view. Then we will head out our favorite mountain with bag lunch made by our wonderful chef, Suzie. On the summit there will be a watercoloring and nature immersion workshop with Rachel and Charles. After a long day in the mountains, there will be free time for sauna and cold swims, dinner and chill time.
Day 3
The day will start with a restorative morning yoga session followed by fresh a breakfast. Next we will take a trip to one of the best preserved wooden fishing villages in Lofoten where we will make a stop at our favorite bakery for fresh cinnamon buns and local pastries. We will explore the historic village, where Rachel and I used to live, and if we are lucky we might see the local pod of orcas who frequent the area. From there we will take a coastal hike that ends up at our favorite lake in Lofoten. If the weather is warm, this is a perfect place for a swim! Bag lunch made by our wonderful chef, Suzie. After exploring one of Lofoten’s most beautiful fjords, there will be free time for sauna, swimming, optional surf session, evening hike or free time to explore the village and local beaches. Then we will settle in for a relaxing dinner and evening.
Day 4
The day will start with a tasty home made breakfast then a trip down to the beach to surf, explore the beach camp, tide-pool, and enjoy the cafe. In the early afternoon we will offer an Astrology workshop, then a delicious lunch back at the house. Afterwards, there will be a free afternoon for sauna, swimming, hanging out before dinner and then a midnight sun hike through the mountains to one of Lofoten’s most incredible beaches. And If some are keen to hike further to the summit of an adjacent peak with an epic view, we will have that as an option.
Day 5
The day will start off with a delicious breakfast then a free morning to spend as you’d like. Next, we will have lunch ready for you, time for sauna, swim, a local hike if you’d like or you can save your energy for a restorative afternoon yoga session. Then we will have an early dinner before heading towards Lofoten National Park and the cozy villages surrounding it where we will hike one of Lofoten’s most epic + iconic peaks beneath the midnight sun.
Day 6
Morning will start with a restorative yoga session followed by breakfast and a workshop with Rachel who will explore manifestation and following your dreams. This will be followed by free time and a few hours to explore the mountains in the village, head to the beach, rest or relax. Then you’ll be treated to a homemade lunch before we hike up one of our local favorite peaks. Afterwards, we will have our last dinner together before heading to one of our favorite beaches for a midnight sun hang out.
Day 7
One final homemade breakfast at the house and a calm morning to pack up and reflect on the week. Check out will be at noon.
Notes:
Summer Trips: midnight sun and our schedule:
During the summer months in the arctic we experience the midnight sun here in Lofoten, which means the sun never sets. This is also a busy time with tourism, and so to experience these rugged mountains with few people and the magic of the midnight sun, our schedule will shift a few hours later than normal. Breakfast will be served late (around 10am), lunch (around 3pm) and dinner around (around 8pm). Some of the hikes we take will have us returning home at 3-4am. This schedule will allow us to experience the magic of Lofoten after many have left the trails and mountains. Rachel and I have found this schedule reveals a beautiful and quiet side of Lofoten in the summer that we can’t wait to share with you.
Fall Trips: northern lights, snow and our schedule:
During the autumn months in the arctic we shift from the season of the midnight sun to the season of the northern lights, colder and crisp days, and beautiful fall colors that coat the forests and mountains. This is a quiet time with tourism. Many of the mountains, beaches and trails are nearly empty, and peaks that were once overwhelmed with visitors again feel calm. In fact, this is our favorite time of the year because it’s still possible to experience gorgeous sunny days (32-55f) and experience breathtaking northern lights. When the northern lights are bright, we love staying up late, either on a mountain hiking with headlamps or wrapped in blankets to experience the wonder of the cosmos and solar storms overhead (solar storms are what create the aurora borealis). Depending on the weather, breakfast will be served late (around 10am) lunch (around 3pm) and dinner around (around 8pm). Because fall is a transition season for the arctic, it’s important to be flexible simply because the weather can be hard to predict, and while we will dream of and hope for sunny, calm days there is always a chance for snow, wind and rain with cold, below freezing temperatures. All that’s to say, we will plan our days according to the weather, what’s safe, fun and exciting for the group! Rachel and I have found this schedule reveals a beautiful and quiet side of Lofoten in the autumn that we can’t wait to share with you.
The House
7 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
The Food
Meet the Team
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Suzie - Chef
When Rachel and I dream of good, nourishing food, we dream of Suzie’s cooking. She’s amazing. She’s also of Lofoten’s most stylish surfers, inspiring and always brightens our days when we get to spend time together.
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Hedda - Yoga
Hedda quickly became one of our favorite humans after we moved to Lofoten. Whether enjoying her blissfull Yoga classes, nerding out on sustainability or organizing community beach clean-ups together, Hedda is wonderful!
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Jo - Astrology
When we think of astrology with think of Jo - simply because she is so passionate and knowledgable about all things astrology. She also recently launched her astrology business called Cosmic Cowgirl! There’s no better astrology teacher on the Lofoten Islands!
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Tom - Chef + Mountain + Surf Guru
Tom is one of those humans who brightens any room with his stoke and positivity. He’s a man of many talents from chef to seasoned arctic surfer and skilled mountain guide. He is Suzie’s beloved partner, and together they represent a pillar of Arctic Dreams Retreats
What to bring?
Three things to keep in mind about Norway + Lofoten
1) There’s no bad weather just the wrong type of clothes
2) If you don’t like the weather just wait 10 minutes
3) You can experience all 4 seasons on a summer’s day in Lofoten (especially if you’re in the mountains!)
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The weather in Lofoten can be wet, even in the summer, so it’s important that you have a good rain jacket, rain pants and waterproof gloves. Also, it’s nice to have a rain cover for your backpack. This will ensure you can be comfortable no matter the weather! It’s also smart to try your rain jacket on over your down jacket to make sure it layers well.
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Muddy, wet trails are common in Lofoten, even in the summer, so having a pair of good, sturdy boots is essential. Much of the hiking we will be doing involves somewhat steep uphills and downhills, so having ankle support is great!
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The key to staying comfortable is by wearing layers - preferably wool because they keep you warm even when wet and they’re naturally odor and bacteria resistant! Here in Norway wool is a way of life. We always suggest wearing wool socks, wool underwear and base layers / midl ayers as the weather dictates. I always bring an extra set of wool base layers (top and bottom) on any hike just in case I get to the top of the mountain, feel a bit sweaty and want a fresh warm layer to jump into. And our note about cotton is one to take to heart - cotton is definitely not what you want to be wearing because if it gets wet or if you sweat, you’ll get cold, which is no fun on the trail.
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You’ll want a bag that’s big enough to carry your extra layers, a water bottle (nalgene or cameback are great!) camera, snacks, and anything else you’ll need for a day on the trail. Also, reminder - get a rain cover. This will come in handy!
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We will be doing yoga, so it’s great to have an outfit that works well for this!
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We will be spending a lot of time outside, away from an outlet so having a portable phone battery is a great way to ensure you’re phone is working all day and you don’t miss being able to document that sunset summit moment!
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This wil come in handy for any sauna and cold swims you take during the week!
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In Norway, we always take our shoes off by the front door so it’s great to have some inside slippers to wear + keep your feet cozy!
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It can be cold, even in the summer, so it’s super important to have a thick down coat - one that can layer beneath your rain shell comfortably.
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This is essential! It could be cold, or fingers crossed, it could be super nice and sunny!
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Even on cloudy days, the sun is powerful in the arctic!
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For that arctic sun!
FAQs
Weather Conditions:
Lofoten is celebrated for it’s beauty but is occasionally subject to extreme weather conditions, regardless of the season. Please be aware that there will be no refunds issued due to adverse weather conditions.
How to get to Arctic Dreams Retreats?
We Suggest Flying: This route is the shortest but the most expensive
Fly from Oslo to Bodø (BOO) (SAS or Norwegian Airlines) - 1.5 hours
Then Fly from Bodø to Leknes (LKN) (WidRøe Airlines) - 25 min
Drive from Leknes Airport to the Arctic Dreams Retreats House - 35 min
If you can’t get a flight to Leknes…
Fly from Oslo to Bodø (BOO) (SAS or Norwegian Airlines) - 1.5 hours
Then Fly from Bodø to Svolvaer (SVJ) (WidRøe Airlines) - 30 min
Drive from Svolvaer Airport to the Arctic Dreams Retreats House - 1hr 35 min
If you can’t a flight to Svolvaer… This route is the longest but the cheapest
Then Fly from Oslo to Harstad-Narvik Airport (EVE) - 2 hours
Drive from Harstad-Narvik Airport to the Arctic Dreams Retreats House - 4 hours
Ferry: This is a 4 hour ferry and it can be rough if there’s bad weather!
Fly from Oslo to Bodø (BOO) (SAS or Norwegian Airlines) - 1.5 hours
Take a large car ferry with Tordghatten Nord from Bodø to Moskenes - 4 hours - then to Flakstad by car - 1 hour
Note: You can walk from the Bodø airport or take a short taxi to the ferry terminal. 25 min by foot or 7 min by taxi.
Car rentals: Be sure to book ahead because they do run low / out of cars
Hertz, Sixt and Avis all have rental cars available for pick up the local airports.
Rent A Car Lofoten and Rent A Wreck are local companies that offer rental cars.
Additional Notes: Please Read.
The goal of this retreat is to create a space to build community around a shared love for travel, nature and wildlife, art and astrology, movement and mountains, extraordinary places, unforgettable experiences and feeling the arctic weather in all of it’s forms from wind and sun to rain and beautiful clouds.
While we love our pets like family, and love hearing from families that they’d like to bring their kids, sadly, this is not the retreat for either pets or kids but we hope to have family friendly retreats in the future!
And for the sake of the community we are gathering, we ask that you do not smoke and we ask that you do not drink excessively at the retreat. Our aim is to create and foster a healthy, safe and inclusive, positive weeklong experience where we can laugh, play, learn, grow and experience the wonderful world of Lofoten in summer.
Terms and Conditions
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Booking Deposit
To secure your spot on the retreat, a 30% non-refundable deposit is required per person. This payment locks in your place and gets you ready for an unforgettable adventure.Payment Schedule
Final payment is due 60 days before the start of the trip.
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Cancellation Policy:
The 25 % deposit is non-refundable.
If you need to cancel within 60 days of the retreat start date, we won’t be able to offer a refund.
We highly recommend travel insurance to protect you in case of any unexpected issues.
We of course want to ensure that you get to experience the trip of a lifetime, so should something arise please let us know so we can try and find a solution.
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You’re responsible for securing travel insurance that covers you and the activities planned on the retreat. Arctic Dreams Retreats and our guides aren’t liable for any injuries, illnesses, or damages that might occur during the retreat.
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Why can’t Arctic Dreams Retreats offer driving transportation for our retreats? Due to local business operating laws and driving regulations in Norway, we are not able to drive the group. But we will help you connect with one another in a WhatsApp group chat to coordinate driving and carpooling.
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Your safety and comfort are super important to us! To help us create the best experience possible, please share any relevant health conditions or factors that could impact your retreat experience. This ensures everyone feels supported and can enjoy each moment.
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Neither Arctic Dreams Retreats nor our guides are responsible for:
Injuries, illnesses, or damages that occur during the retreat.
Additional costs or expenses related to trip cancellation or delays, such as car rentals, flights, or other personal arrangements.
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By booking your spot, you’re confirming that you’ve read and agree to our cancellation policy.
