About This Experience
Crafted by Hans Jørn & Heidrun Koefoed—the visionary couple behind Pure Rainforest Chocolate by Koefoed—this experience celebrates the journey from bean to bar with purpose and passion. Working exclusively with cacao grown deep in the rainforests of Fiji, these ethical chocolatiers have forged a direct partnership with local communities to protect the land, support sustainable farming, and ensure every bite gives back.
Arriving on a Monday, you'll settle into one of Bornholm’s finest boutique hotels before beginning your multi-day workshop. From Tuesday to Thursday, you’ll learn the art of chocolate making from start to finish, using single-origin Fijian cacao beans known for their rich tropical notes, nutty undertones, and smooth complexity. Throughout your stay, enjoy expert guidance, curated tastings, and the rare opportunity to work alongside a professional graphic designer to create custom packaging for your signature chocolate bar.
The Island of Bornholm
Tucked away in the Baltic Sea, Bornholm is a vibrant mix of Nordic charm and coastal tranquility. Famed for its crystal-clear waters, sunlit cliffs, and thriving creative scene, the island is home to a growing number of artisans, chefs, and sustainable food producers. Whether you’re wandering through a quaint fishing village, visiting a ceramicist’s studio, or sampling smoked delicacies at a local market, Bornholm promises discovery at every turn.
Your afternoons during the workshop are dedicated to curated cultural excursions—visiting local producers, exploring art galleries and studios, and uncovering the island’s natural wonders. Each evening, return for refined dinners inspired by local and international flavors, served with thoughtfully selected wines and Bornholm’s signature warm hospitality.
The Chocolate-Making Workshop
The Highlights:
Hands-on chocolate-making using ethically sourced Fijian cacao
Design your own gourmet chocolate bar and custom packaging
Create rich truffles, indulgent hot chocolate, and bespoke chocolate lollipops
Learn from acclaimed chocolatiers and collaborate with a professional graphic designer
Your creations professionally photographed by Sune Rasborg, a celebrated food photographer
Final products delivered to your home after the workshop
The Ingredients: The cacao beans used in this workshop are cultivated deep within Fiji’s pristine rainforests. Free from slave labor and industrial exploitation, this cacao is grown in harmony with nature, with flavor profiles that reflect the biodiversity of its origin—tropical fruits, earthy spices, and subtle floral notes. Supporting this cacao means supporting entire villages and contributing directly to reforestation efforts.
Bornholm Beyond the Workshop
While the chocolate-making is the heart of the retreat, your experience is enriched by a full program of immersive island activities, tailored to your interests and the season.
You’ll Enjoy:
Visits to glassblowers, ceramicists, and local food producers
Guided hikes to Bornholm’s hidden coastal gems and dramatic cliffs
Art galleries, museums, and cultural food tastings
Relaxed evening dinners showcasing the best of Bornholm cuisine
Optional family-friendly chocolate experiences like custom lollipop making
Chocolate tasting sessions highlighting different varieties and terroirs
A Focus on Wellness and Sustainability
Dark chocolate is more than a treat—it’s a natural source of antioxidants and mood-enhancing compounds. Throughout the workshop, you’ll work primarily with high-quality dark chocolate, exploring its health benefits and learning how to craft treats that nourish as much as they delight. Every ingredient used is carefully sourced, from local cream and butter to seasonal fruits and herbs from nearby farms.
In alignment with the values of Pure Rainforest Chocolate, a portion of the proceeds from each workshop is donated directly to the Fijian village where the cacao is grown, and to broader rainforest conservation projects.
Who This Is For
This experience is perfect for chocolate lovers, creatives, and conscious travelers looking for more than just a tasting. Whether you're a beginner exploring a new passion or a connoisseur ready to dive deeper, this journey blends artistry, sustainability, and sensory delight.
It’s also ideal for couples, friends, and solo travelers seeking a meaningful escape filled with learning, flavor, and connection to nature and culture.
Why We Chose This Experience for You
“This isn’t just a chocolate class—it’s a holistic and thoughtful experience that merges ethical craftsmanship, local culture, and personal creativity. Guests walk away with far more than handmade chocolate—they leave with new skills, lasting memories, and a deeper appreciation for how conscious choices can taste so good.” – The Sybarite Team
A Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival Arrive in Copenhagen and take a short domestic flight to Bornholm. Be greeted with a warm welcome and transferred to your charming hotel. Enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring local specialties.
Day 2 – Chocolate Begins Meet your hosts and chocolatiers. Begin your chocolate journey with an introduction to cacao origins and flavor profiling. In the afternoon, start crafting your chocolate bar and collaborate on your packaging design. Conclude the day with a scenic cultural tour and a seasonal dinner.
Day 3 – Truffles, Tastings & Island Treasures Dive deeper into chocolate making with truffle crafting and hot chocolate workshops. Visit local artisans and food producers for tastings and inspiration. Enjoy a gourmet dinner featuring a curated wine pairing.
Day 4 – Final Touches & Farewell Wrap up your chocolate creations and participate in a styled photo session with your handmade bars. Explore one last hidden corner of the island before your farewell dinner.
Day 5 – Departure After breakfast, return to the airport for your journey home—with delicious memories and a box of chocolate surprises to follow.
What’s Included
Four nights of boutique accommodation
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with wine, beer, and soft drinks
Full chocolate-making workshop program
Island excursions and tastings
Custom packaging and professional food photography
Airport welcome and all local transfers
Donation to cacao-farming communities and reforestation initiatives
When to Go
Workshops run from spring to early autumn, making the most of Bornholm’s mild climate and seasonal ingredients.
To Note
Each retreat is tailored to guests' preferences and group dynamics. Whether you're looking for a relaxing escape, a hands-on creative challenge, or a family-friendly experience, our team will help personalize your itinerary.
Let us know your special interests before arrival—from artisan studio visits to chocolate pairings with local craft beer or spirits—so we can craft the perfect retreat.
