April 2019
Hi,
My name is Annette Loveland. My husband is Steve Loveland. We used to come on holiday to Slovenia and the surrounding areas and decided to retire out here as it is such a beautiful country. We acquired the relevant paperwork and eventually moved out here in March 2017.
After renovating our house we now have time to go and explore more of Slovenia. So when Radio Si contacted us to be scouts for them for Slovenia’s Hidden Gems, and try out a package offered by Ortenia apartments in Podčetrtek, we thought it would be an ideal opportunity to check out the area and what it can offer, not just us, but visitors alike.
On driving up to the apartments we could see they are in the middle of nature and how stunning the surroundings were. We arrived at the apartments to a friendly welcome from Karmen and Valerija. We were shown the facilities we could use during our stay which included a small gym area, 2 saunas and a Jacuzzi. There is also a communal kitchen/socialising area to seat a large group.
Also on offer was a Gold oil massage that lasts 30 minutes. This is done by a lovely masseuse in a very relaxing environment with accompanying tranquil music.
After being shown to our apartment, we were invited to take herbal tea, or coffee, from the nearby monastery in the beautiful setting of the garden. As the weather was beautiful we sat on the terrace just listening to the sound of birdsong. Amazing!! The apartment itself was absolutely stunning, as you can see if you look at our photos and visit their website. There was a bottle of wine to greet us in the apartment.
After using the hot tub, we then had the massage, which I will say is the best I’ve ever had. I can highly recommend. We then had our evening meal at the nearby local Restaurant and Golf club, Olimje Amon. This is also included in the package from Ortenia and you will receive a voucher towards your meal. The food was absolutely amazing and the service good too. We returned to the apartment to enjoy the wine and relax in the Jacuzzi/sauna once more.
We had a very peaceful nights sleep and in the morning we received breakfast in a basket outside the apartment door, after choosing from quite a few options on the breakfast menu. We ate it outside on the terrace.
We had access to bike hire and we took a ride into Podčetrtek where there is a fantastic cycle track which is easy to follow and mostly flat. You can access the local waterpark from this track as well as being able to ride to nearby villages and see the stunning scenery, On the way back to the apartments, there are local Kava bars where we stopped to take refreshment.
We also visited the castle, just above the apartments. There is a walking path to the castle near the apartments.
We then visited the local Monastery, Olimje, which means Paradise, which is also very beautiful, and the attached church which is well worth a look inside. It also has its own pharmacy where you can go and purchase from the Monks herbal medicine for any ailment you have. The herbs are from the garden at the Monastery. We then went on to the Chocolate factory which is just a short walk from there. Here we purchased handmade chocolates and liquers, which are very tasty! Also very nearby is the deer park, Jelenov Greben where we fed the deer and had a look in the gift shop, selling homemade salami, honey and lots of other goodies and souvenirs We also took lunch there and again the food was very good.
You are able to check out our trip and the package on the link to Hidden Gems. We hope you will enjoy and we have been helpful.
Annette and Steve Loveland
Photos: Annette & Steve
