As a first time visitor to the small but breath-takingly beautiful country of Slovenia, and its capital city Ljubljana, I have to say I was suitably impressed. Ljubljana is a charming city that is populated with colourful buildings, quaint bridges, and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere that made me feel right at home. The locals were so welcoming, my travel partner and I were right at ease from the moment we arrived, until the sad moment of our departure.
Located in central Europe, Slovenia is easy to reach from the UK – you can fly from London to Ljubljana in two hours and fifteen minutes.
What to do in Ljubljana
We had booked a guided tour of the city to ensure we didn’t miss the highlights. The city along the Ljubljana River, mostly designed by the famous architect Joze Plecnik, is surrounded by parks and protected nature areas, and was the recipient of the award ‘European Green Capital’ in 2016. The historical centre of Ljubljana is closed for traffic; however, most of the sights can be visited on foot or by bicycle. We opted to go by foot and visited some of Plecnik’s masterpieces, such as the Triple Bridge, National and University Library and the Krizanke Summer Theatre.
Ljubljana Castle is a must see tourist destination and was one definitely the most favourite stop of the tour. The castle stands on a hill above the city and delighted us with some of the most beautiful scenic views. There’s also a funicular ride that takes you to the top, though we chose to walk in order to take in the stunning landscape. After a tour of the Castle we were famished and had lunch at Grajska planota 1 restaurant, a quaint eatery serving local traditional Slovenian cuisine with a modern twist, located in the main square of the castle grounds.
Walking through the old town, we had the opportunity to admire the stunning architecture of buildings such as the Triple Bridge and the Dragon Bridge, two massively popular tourist attractions.
In and around Bled
Beyond Ljubljana, there are plenty of other must-visit destinations in Slovenia. We headed down to the picturesque Lake Bled, which is a popular tourist spot with its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain views.
Bled, along with its lake and a castle, is one of the most beautiful Alpine resorts in Europe. It is located on the edge of the Triglav National Park, and distinguished by a mild climate, and thermal springs of lake water. We visited the famous island in the middle of the lake on a traditional boat called ‘pletna’, to count the stairs to St Mary’s Church, and followed tradition by making a wish by pulling the bell in the church.
Bled Castle is the oldest castle in Slovenia, which today hosts several exhibitions and cultural events, especially in the summer. Bled is also the home of the famous Bled cream cake, a dessert made from pastry, egg cream, and cream, which was as delicious as we were led to believe.
Keeping active in Slovenia
From the stunning Alpine peaks to the emerald green waters of the Soča River, Slovenia boasts an incredible range of natural landscapes that left us in awe.
One of the biggest highlights of this Slovenian trip for me was the Nordic walking; it was refreshing, energising and the landscape was mesmerising. We had a guide on hand to take us through the forest, which was simply enchanting. We walked with sticks and we were taught the proper technique of using them.
Weaving our way through the dense forest land and learning about the country was simply fascinating; we even had a lesson in local dancing at the end of our walk. We were a happy group, dancing a merry wee jig.
One of the things that stood out to me about Slovenia is how friendly and welcoming the locals are. Despite the language barrier, I found that most Slovenians were more than happy to help us navigate the country and offer recommendations on what to see and do.
Staying at Wellness Hotel Sotelia
We stayed at the Wellness Hotel Sotelia which is situated in the dreamy little picturesque town of Podcetrtek. The hotel is a part of the Terme Olimia spa resort, which offers an array of wellness facilities, making it a popular destination for those seeking a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
The hotel boasts a modern and contemporary design, with spacious and well-appointed rooms that offer breath-taking views of the surrounding nature. I had a lovely room which was equipped with the necessary amenities and it was designed to provide maximum comfort and relaxation.
One of the highlights of the hotel is its exceptional spa facilities, something that the region is well known for. The spa offers a range of treatments and therapies, including various massages, saunas, and thermal pools. Sadly we didn’t have time for massages, and I would advise pre-booking as it is hugely popular. Instead we made use of the saunas and thermal pools which are all accessible to hotel guests.
After a lovely relaxing afternoon we headed to the hotel’s restaurant which serves a variety of local and international cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh and healthy ingredients.
Overall, Wellness Hotel Sotelia offers a perfect blend of relaxation and comfort, however for us the outstanding qualities are its beautiful surroundings and attentive staff.
Dining delights
In addition to its natural beauty, Slovenia is also known for its delicious cuisine, which is heavily influenced by neighbouring countries such as Italy, Austria, and Hungary. The country’s culinary scene features a wide range of dishes, from hearty stews and meat dishes to fresh seafood and pasta.
We had the amazing opportunity to dine at Debeluh, where chef Jure Tomic, a renowned chef and sommelier served us the most incredible local cuisine paired with fabulous local wines. Chef Tomic’s passion for cooking and hospitality is evident in his intimate and private dining rooms, where the service was also outstanding.
Resembling a French country restaurant, we basked in homeliness of his fabulous eatery. The chef is on a mission to re-invent traditional dishes, all the while respecting what’s gone before, and he does this with a grace and elegance. We were blown away with every dish he presented us with, and also with his humbleness. In our eyes chef Jure is a gastronomic hero.
In a nutshell
Overall, Slovenia is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for adventure or a foodie looking to explore new cuisines, Slovenia has something for everyone. I highly recommend adding this stunning country to your travel bucket list.
Factbox
Rooms booked from £241 per person per night.
Address: Wellness Hotel Sotelia, Zdraviliska cesta 24, 3524 Podcetrtek, Slovenia
Phone: +38638297836
Email: info@terme-olimia.com
Website: terme-olimia.com
Find out more about Slovenia at slovenia.info/en.
