2024 is the year of off-grid, life-affirming adventures – perfectly encapsulated by Norway’s far-flung foodie retreat

Searching for something more meaningful from your annual leave? It’s a trend that shows no sign of slowing down, with increasing numbers of us seeking simple but soul-stirring experiences that linger far longer in the memory than a suntan. Nowhere is this ethos more apparent than at Holmen Lofoten, a boutique hideaway in Arctic Norway’s rugged, wildly beautiful Lofoten Islands. Guests at this remarkable, family-run hotel can immerse themselves in a unique programme of adventures that focus on reconnecting with the rhythms of the natural world whilst soaking up the dramatic scenery.

Islander Ingunn Rasmussen, who grew up on these remote Islands has been running Holmen Lofoten for over 20 years. A fearless fisherman’s daughter, her family lived off the land and the sea and it’s this deep connection with the landscape that underpins the heart of the hotel. Passionate about her island and proudly showcasing Lofoten culture, she believes ‘luxury is in the nature around you’ and invites guests to embrace its raw, unspoiled beauty.

Accommodation here is a cosy contrast to the wild surrounds, with lovingly renovated fisherman’s cabins along with modern Scandi-sleek suites. While the cabins exude historic charm and homely comfort (traditional wooden bunks sleep up to 11), the latter have a more contemporary look and mesmerising views over mountains and sea. Both come with wood-fired stoves for warming your toes after a bracing hike in the pure sea air.

The superb restaurant uses the freshest local produce (halibut, cod, wild mushrooms, berries and grouse, to name a few) to deliver inventive, daily-changing menus. But the highlight of a stay here is a series of five acclaimed culinary retreats held throughout the year, known as Kitchen On The Edge Of The World. These four-night escapes are designed to completely immerse guests in the awe-inspiring landscape as they venture out on guided foraging and fishing expeditions to gather seasonal ingredients. These are transformed into tantalizing feasts by a series of renowned guest chefs and eaten around a communal table for a truly memorable experience. Along with some of world’s finest chefs, these weekends also see artists, artisans and cultural experts on hand to share their skills and knowledge with guests through masterclasses and workshops, from leather craftmanship to print-making.

There’s even more culture on offer this year with the buzzing city of Bodø (a short plane ride from Lofoten) declared a European Capital of Culture for 2024 – the first one north of the Arctic Circle. The year-long celebration includes over 1,000 exciting events in all five regions of Nordland county, including Lofoten. Showcasing the area’s rich heritage, from Sami markets to Arctic cuisine, here’s your chance to soak up Norwegian culture at its best. If you’re here for the summer solstice, don’t miss the huge celebrations planned for midsummer’s eve or ‘Sankthans’, with outdoor theatre, bonfires and barbeques. This year shines a spotlight on northern Norway’s natural wonders, too, such as Saltstraumen, the world’s strongest whirlpool.

For more information on Holmen Lofoten and Kitchen on the Edge 2024, visit https://www.holmenlofoten.no/kitchen-on-the-edge-lofoten.