"Sometimes the experiences that end up meaning the most to you and changing your life are those that scare you a little bit. I flew truly halfway around the world to the middle of nowhere, by myself, to meet up with a group of strangers - scary!! We cold plunged, learned to surf, and jumped off a massive sailboat into a jellyfish-filled Arctic Ocean - VERY SCARY! But that is part of the magic of the Arctic Dreams Retreats; it pushes you a little outside your comfort zone, in an environment that thanks to Charles and Rachel, is both physically and emotionally safe to be vulnerable and brave and to get a little bit more in touch with yourself and remember how to feel ALIVE. There was never any obligation to join an activity, to wake up at a certain time, or to hang with the rest of the group vs. take some solo time, so the trip was as active or chill as any one person felt comfortable with. For me, that meant a few nights of sacrificing sleep in favor of a midnight sun hike with Rachel and Charles... we ended up delirious at 2am on the top of a mountain and that will forever be a core memory for me. As a photographer, the mountains and ocean and endless green pastures and shorebirds were a ~dream~ to begin with, but add a 6ish-hour-long golden hour every night (because the sun doesn't set!!), and I was in HEAVEN. And anyone who has ever come across Rachel's art knows how special it must be to be able to paint with and learn from her out in the mountains, in her element - IT WAS! Everyone else from our inaugural Arctic Dreams trip will say the same thing, but the best thing about our week in Lofoten was the people - Charles, Rachel, Suzie (the world's best chef, insane athlete/surfer gal, sweet angel with a tiny bit of sass), Tom (the world's best sous chef, insane athlete/surfer dude, unofficial surf instructor, big brother energy), Blanka (dog whisperer, sweet angel, also insane athlete [dog racer!]), Mr. Knute, Rowan, Hedda (the world's best yoga instructor - I had my first ever out-of-body experience in a yoga class with her!), and of course the 8 other Arctic Dreams guests. Funny enough, I think every person at the retreat except for one self-identified as an introvert, yet we spent almost every waking moment together because we just loved each other SO MUCH and couldn't stop talking and belly laughing and sometimes crying together. I made friendships that I fully believe are going to last a lifetime - in fact, I'm getting married soon and I invited every person from the retreat to my wedding!! I cannot recommend this experience enough, I wish I could go again and again and again!"
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”
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."
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”
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.”
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.”
