For those looking for an alternative summer adventure, why not stay in a luxury lodge at the foot of a huge Arctic glacier in prime polar bear spotting country.
Experts at adventure travel company Off the Map Travel, have created a new experience on the island of Svalbard, deep in the Arctic circle, which takes guests to the exclusive luxury Nordenskiold Lodge located at the foot of the huge blue glacier.
Guests on this trip can lie back at night listening to the ice as it creaks and cracks and also puts guests in the perfect spot for wildlife spotting, including the islands most famous resident – the polar bear.
“The best time to experience some of Svalbard’s best wildlife is from May to September as the snow has melted after the winter and not yet returned. What better way to do just that, than from your own private lodge sat at the foot of a spectacular glacier overlooking prime polar bear spotting wilderness,” adds Jonny Cooper, luxury adventure travel expert and founder of Off the Map Travel. “Not only are guests in the best spot for wildlife, but the dramatic glacier rising from your back door and all of the luxuries and comforts you’d expect from a premium lodge – make for a once in a lifetime Arctic summer experience.”
From the main arrival point onto the island, Longyearbyen, guests will start their Arctic journey with a summer dogsledding trip, before joining a guide on a RIB boat expedition around the coast searching for walrus, whales and of course polar bears, on the way to the privately hired Nordenskiold Lodge.
Once at the lodge, the adventure continues with a guided glacier climb to its source, kayaking and a photo walk, all of which give guests both spectacular scenery and the chance for wildlife encounters. In the evening, good food and the cozy lodge make for the perfect base to continue wildlife spotting, whilst also enjoying the lodges sauna.
Jonny Cooper of Off the Map Travel added; “Summer on Svalbard offers a destination unlike anywhere else on earth. Weather looking to escape the summer heat or simply wanting a special wildlife holiday experience Svalbard is set to be the new luxury adventure holiday destination for 2019.”
Available from May to September, an example of a Night on a Glacier itinerary with Off the Map Travel (www.offthemap.travel) costs from £6,599, based on two adults travelling. This includes all transfers, three nights in Longyearbyen on a B&B basis and two nights at Nordenskiold Lodge exclusively hired on a full board basis, kayaking, rib boat safari, climbing the glacier and summer dog sledding. International flights not included.
For more information on tailor-made travel itineraries visit www.offthemap.travel; call +44 (0) 800 566 8901; email [email protected]. Covr photo @ Basecamp Explorer Sandra Hallsten.
