Savalen - Christmas at Savalen
Shiulie Torkington - Jan 12
We live in the Middle East, so we were looking for an extra special pre-Christmas trip where our daughter would meet Santa, and we could try some winter sports. This was perfect. We were a little daunted by the 4-hour coach trip after what was, for us, a seven hour flight. But don't be put off - it does go quickly and it's worth it. The first sight of Santa's log cabin had all the kids rushing to the coach windows gasping in wonder. It is a magical moment.
We stayed in the spa hotel, and it was lovely to soak in the pool after a hard day's sledging! There were some twelve families on this trip - and thank goodness we had the hotel to ourselves, because the kids were soon running around like wild things. My daughter, 8, made two friends immediately and they stayed together the rest of the week.
The hotel itself was fine - a typical European ski-ing hotel, clean and comfy. The food was buffet-style and acceptable. The cold food was easily the best - the Norwegian smoked trout and wild salmon was excellent. Our rep Amy was super, very helpful and friendly, and the kids loved her. And the pace of the activities was just right - not too much rushing round, plenty of time for relaxing.
Seeing Santa was a fantastic experience - we spent a good ten to fifteen minutes with the great man, and my daughter was so overwhelmed she got tongue-tied. After the visit, even I wanted to believe again!
If I have one complaint, it was that a day or so later, 'Santa' turned up at the hotel for dinner in his jeans. The kids didn't spot him, thank goodness, but I know some of the parents were concerned that after all this effort the secret may have been blown. Perhaps his dining habits need to be rethought?!
But all in all, a great Christmassy holiday with some fabulous activities thrown in - I loved the husky sledging, and my husband enjoyed the ski-mobiling so much he went out and hired another one the next day!
Thank you everyone at Activities Abroad for a fabulous trip.