Coraline began her journey in hospitality in the ski resorts of the French Alps, where a passion for winter and life in the mountains first took shape. After several seasons, she set out to explore the world, drawn by a curiosity for new cultures, remote places and life beyond the familiar.

The Arctic had long been on her horizon. In 2024, she fulfilled a dream by coming to Isfjord Radio for the summer season, an experience that left a lasting impression. Since then, she had one clear goal: to return in winter.

Now, on the cusp of her 30th birthday, Coraline is back at Isfjord Radio, experiencing the High Arctic in its most silent and powerful season. Life at the edge of the world, surrounded by vast landscapes and Arctic stillness, continues to inspire her every single day.

Maiken is the Station Manager at Isfjord Radio, our remote Arctic outpost on the west coast of Spitsbergen in Svalbard. She is responsible for daily operations and overall coordination in an environment where weather, distance, and nature play an active role in everyday life. Her focus is on quality, safety, and creating a calm and well-functioning operation for both guests and staff.

With a strong background in high-end hospitality and leadership, Maiken brings extensive experience from premium service environments. She has worked for many years in the restaurant industry at a high professional level, developing a deep understanding of people, structure, and attention to detail. For her, quality lies in the full experience, from arrival at the Arctic outpost to the final moments of a stay, and she works closely with her team to ensure consistency and care throughout the guest journey.

Maiken first visited Svalbard in 2019 and felt an immediate connection to the Arctic. Drawn to the contrasts of the region, the silence, the darkness, and the surrounding wilderness, she now considers Svalbard home. Her leadership style is grounded and attentive, built on trust, clear communication, and a deep respect for both the Arctic environment and the people who live and work there.

Dara moved from Thailand to Svalbard in 2010. Since 2014, she has been an invaluable help to us at both Isfjord Radio Adventure Hotel on Kapp Linné and Basecamp Hotel in Longyearbyen.

At Isfjord Radio, she goes by the name “Mama Dara” for the staff who work there. Everyone loves Dara’s Thai food. You meet Dara smiling in the halls, and you like to see her serving breakfast in the hotel.

Dara is very happy to be in Svalbard, and thrives both on a snowmobile and out in the wilderness at Kapp Linné.