Ortenia–Eco apartments are located in nature in the thermal part of Slovenia, at the heart of Kozjansko in the village of Podčetrtek. There are a total of six eco-accommodations based on modern principles of innovative, sustainable construction that offer sustainable tourist services.
Murska Sobota, the heart of Pomurje region is the best starting point for exploring the tourist attractions, nature, tradition and delicious culinary of the region. Take a tour at the newest tourist attraction in Pomurje – Expano pavilion which offers an unforgettable experience. The newly developed Soboško Lake at the pavilion offer many activities around it. Enter the incredible architectural feat that reveals the entire Pomurje region in an inventive and innovative way. Come for the active experiences and leave wanting more content that is available just around the corner or in several other towns in Pomurje.
Are you a fan of outdoor activities? If yes, then the Soča valley is definitely a must for visitors of Slovenia. Next to water experiences, the area offers numerous pearls of nature and cultural sights. Hikers and cyclists will surely enjoy the vast world of high mountains and stunning views.
The village Robidišče lies in the Posočje area, in the arms of Julian Alps and four turns above the warmest Alp river in Europe, Nadiža. Outdoor gods have placed it on the sunny plateau, only 15min away the touristy Kobarid and the Soča river.
The Lower Savinja Valley is a world of hop-growing and brewing secrets. The tastes and experiences are brought together by green gold, as the locals like to call hops. Fields with the best hop varieties lie in the heart of green hills and in the summertime they give the valley a bittersweet scent.
This unique adventure is one of the best ways to experience VELENJE UNDERGROUND. Get up close and personal with Velenje`s center on this walking tour and culinary experience.
Škofja Loka area is an area where for centuries inspiration from nature has been encouraging the creativity of artists and craftsmen. Škofja Loka area is an area which invites you to come and discover, with inspiration from creativity, outdoor activities, and tasting typical local specialities. Choose your inspiration and treat yourself to a Škofja Loka area experience.
Pannonian village is a magical place, a little heaven on Earth that lies at crossroads of the beautiful Prekmurje plains in the north-east corner of Slovenia, close to Austria and Hungary.
In the oases of incredible nature close to Tržič town, Glamping park Mountain Fairy Tale with six wooden houses is located. This area is convenient for the visitors that want to explore natural, cultural and historical attractions as well as enjoy various sport activities.
Where the lowland Krakovo Forest slowly ascends the green Gorjanci hills, lies Kostanjevica na Krki, the smallest, one of the oldest and also the only town on a river island in Slovenia.
The Kočevsko region represents one of the best-preserved and rounded forest habitats in Europe and offers the most heartfelt experience of nature and contact with many different plants and animals. Almost 90% of the region is covered by forests and among them are some most perserved areas of Slovenia and even Europe.
In the heart of Slovenian Istria, just a 15-minute drive away from Koper town centre, you can experience something unique by taking a break and spending some time in the Holiday houses of Slovenian Istria.
When going on a trip to the green valley with crystal clear and one of the warmest rivers in Europe, the Kolpa River, you will create unforgettable memories and recharge your batteries.
August 2018
On our wonderful visit to Velika Planina we certainly did discover one of Slovenia’s hidden gems. So well hidden in fact that we realised that we had driven past the exit off the roundabout in Kamnik every week for 4 years and never thought to travel up that road before.
When we reached the cable car station in Kamniška Bistrica we were met by our charming and knowledgeable local tour guide Grega. Just like everyone else we met during our stay in the area he was open and friendly although his first words to me were a rather worried ‘do you have any other shoes?’ 😊 We certainly saw a lot of smiling faces in the mountains and we were given a warm welcome and delicious food wherever we went. It must be something about the fresh air and the altitude – even the cows that wander freely around up there seem very happy.
First stop after the stunning cable car ride was the cosy wooden cottage where we would be sleeping. It has plenty of space for a large group and also running water and a flushing loo which is apparently the height of luxury up there. 😊 Our host who was there to make us welcome and show us around had left a gift of the local brew Rušovc which is made from pine needles and hooch and is very medicinal.
Next we went to the top of the mountain on a chair lift, these are not my favourite form of transport but the views were so fabulous as we travelled up the side of the mountain I forgot soon my fears. Grega guided us around all the places of interest making them all even more interesting with his great anecdotes and local knowledge.
We are resident foreigners who have a lot of visitors who often ask to be shown ‘culture’ as though everyone in Slovenia is still wandering around in 19th century costumes Velika Planina turned out to be the perfect place to take them as it is a kind of living museum where traditional alpine grazing is carried out with a few modern twists but the herder and the cows are all real not just exhibits.
After a bracing walk we had the chance to sample typical herder’s fayre of buckwheat spoon bread and sour milk for morning break washed down by the most delicious apple juice and all consumed looking out across the most fabulous view. This is all authentic, home-made by a farmer and his wife have diversified into hospitality during the season while their sons run the farm in the valley. Later on they very kindly also gave us some of their young cheese (I particularly loved the one flavoured with rosemary) and wonderful home made bread which together with some excellent dried meat and walnuts (and the Rušovc) made our supper.
More walking and talking with Grega after ‘malica’ (snack) and one of the great memories of the trip when he showed us the memorial to the British air crew who had crash landed their plane in 1944. Unfortunately three of them died but the rest were spirited away and hidden by the Partisans who kept them safe.
We were welcomed to the authentic Herder’s hut museum where Grega explained some of the ways the herders whiled away the lonely hours up on the mountain making cheese. For contrast we were kindly invited into a present day herders hut which had many of the same features but also some 21st century technology, such as solar panels, to make life a little easier.
14 k steps and a quick sit down on the lover’s seat later we were warmly welcomed to take a delicious late lunch at the Zeleni Rob restaurant Grega recommended the ‘štruklji’ dumplings with cheese and mushroom sauce and we were very happy we had taken his advice. Then it was a quick chair lift back down the mountain to our cottage where we took care to close the gate in case any of the neighbourhood cows should wander in and leave any kind gifts! 😊
It must have been a combination of mountain air, gentle exercise and good food but we slept very well and hopped aboard the cable car back to Zeleni Rob for breakfast (another first for me). Lingering over the coffee and the views I am afraid we made worried poor Grega a little as he was eager to show us more of his personal favourite hidden gems in the valley. 😊 These included a fabulous short gorge walk which took us right down close to the rushing turquoise water. As retired Geography teachers we were in heaven looking at all the glacial features.
Our mini-break finished up at the Planinski dom in Kamniška Bistrica where we enjoyed the most thirst quenching drink I know, a grapefruit Radler and yet another delicious meal. 😊 We had a wonderful time courtesy of all our hosts on Velika Planina and especially our wonderful guide Grega who made the whole experience so interesting and fun too. 😊
I would totally recommend Velika Planina for anyone who enjoys moderately strenuous walking fantastic views and great food. We are in our late 50s, I got out of breath once or twice but in a good way and you do need a good pair of shoes as some of the ground is a little uneven but we saw people of all shapes, sizes and ages up there having a great time.
Ayesha and John (UK)
Photos: Ayesha & John
Have an authentic experience of traditional herdsmen life in picturesque mountain environment not far from Ljubljana. Visit Velika planina, one of the most beautiful high mountain plateaus, where you can still meet real herdsmen on green pastures, while the pleasant aromas of sour milk, buckwheat žganci and alpine tea waft from typical cottages.
Like a rare selection of jewels, the Charming Slovenia resort Herbal glamping is placed into some of the most beautiful and untainted parts of Slovenia – the valley Savinjska dolina. The Savinja River lends an unmistakable stamp to this area, while opening up before true romantics are the valley of Logarska dolina, plus Matkov Kot and Robanov Kot. The beautiful Upper Savinja Valley is bound by forests, ancient churches, traditional farmhouses and high Alpine peaks. There are activities here to suit every taste and inclination – from hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing to fishing, kayaking and swimming in the Savinja.
August 2018
Charming Slovenia Herbal Glamping Resort – 24 hours enjoying a hidden paradise in Ljubno ob Savinji
As two mums excited about the prospect of a rare night away from our kids, never in our wildest dreams did we expect that a paradise oasis would be waiting for us, hidden in plain view in Ljubno ob Savinji.
The wow factor!
We arrived at the resort after the 2.5-hour scenic drive from Koper just before 2:00, parked across the road on a tidy gravel car park, and hastily made our way to reception to check in. From across the road we couldn’t see what was waiting for us behind the impeccable wooden fence – this anticipation was certainly a huge part of the attraction to our mysterious journey. We were escorted to our tent by the lovely Polona, who (we think) could tell that we were in need of some serious rest & relaxation! Despite our tent being situated only a few metres away from the main entrance, it took us about 15 minutes to get there because as you begin to walk through the resort, you find that your breath is taken away by an incredibly green and lush secret garden, complete with natural infinity pool and vibrant pink water lilies. We were taken completely aback; the entire resort is covered with the sort of soft, green grass that the Queen of England herself would be proud of.
Glamping in style
When we finally arrived to our tent, aptly named “Sage”, we found ourselves like kids at Christmas! Both of us had been camping before, but ‘glamping’ is something else entirely! Once Polona drew back the front canvas which made up the door of the tent, we were greeted by a gorgeous interior; the tent came complete with a luxury bathroom, his and her sinks, outdoor shower (and a see-through roof to protect you from the elements), television, WiFi, I mean we had everything we needed…or did we? 😉 Polona had saved the best to last when she unveiled our own private hot tub!!!! Now we really were ready to relax. You know when you’re so happy you could cry…well that was us!
Sensory overload
After the long and winding journey to Ljubno ob Savinji, we were very hungry, so after settling in, we went immediately to the terrace restaurant to see what delicious treats ‘glamping’ had for us. The table was adorned with a selection of fine herbs, something that we observed at every step of our stay– details matter, and this was the Herbal glamping resort, after all. Our waiter came to our table but curiously, he didn’t give us a menu…he knew what we needed before even we did. He asked us what activities we had planned for the afternoon, and then gave us a selection of possible foods to try. After we ordered, we watched the chef (who was a runner-up in the Slovenian Master Chef television series) prepare our food in the outdoor kitchen, this was such a treat. When the food arrived it was absolutely delicious, and a food bloggers dream. The combination of the delectable tastes we found in the restaurant, the incredible view over the garden with the soothing sound of the infinity pool splashing away, the touch of the wooden path beneath our feet, and the exotic fragrance of the herb garden, really made Charming Slovenia Herbal Glamping Resort a full-on sensory experience!
Pamper yourself
With saunas, massages, hot tubs and the showcase natural infinity pool on offer, we were not short of things to do just within the resort itself. Petra Kordiš, Director of the resort, had planned many exciting activities for us to do out and about the local area, but with only 24-hours to enjoy the full glamping experience, and with Shawnda in the last 2 months of her pregnancy, we knew we were not going anywhere! An opportunity missed is another opportunity gained as Shawnda instead opted for a sport massage for the afternoon with Tim, the on-site kinesiologist and masseuse. Her comment when she came back was “I’m fixed!” – Meanwhile, Natalie had enjoyed her own hot tub experience which she described as ‘just phenomenal – a real treat!’ Whilst Shawnda was relaxing in the infinity pool, Natalie tested out the sauna, which went very well indeed. The sauna was beautifully furnished, like everywhere else in the resort; we felt like celebrities!
An excellent example of Slovenian tourism sustainability
Charming Slovenia Herbal Glamping Resort is an excellent example of sustainable tourism at its best. Between the Slovenian food, cooked by Slovenian chefs, in a resort founded by a family from Ljubno, and run by a Director from the nearby Velenje, including a young staff from the surrounding area, this really left a positive impression on the two of us. From the moment we stepped through their doors, we were overwhelmed by the level of service we received from the staff. Young, knowledgeable, professional, and respectful staff made sure we felt comfortable and had everything we needed. As foreigners, we have noticed that working in the hospitality industry in Slovenia sometimes has a bit of a bad image or reputation, especially amongst young people and Slovenians themselves, therefore it was an absolute pleasure to see everyone here working with pride and enjoyment, and making sure that they did all they could to accommodate us and their other guests, without overdoing the service.
Respecting your privacy
There are only 10 tents within the entire resort, meaning there is no overcrowded restaurants and no noise by the pool (even when young children and families were there). We felt like we had stepped into a small, private community, where everyone respects your privacy as a guest, and appreciates that you want to be left to experience this paradise on their own terms and in their own good time. There was no impression of being overtly watched, and no one was taking any photos of the guests. We felt assured that our privacy mattered to the resort.
Final thoughts
Although we could write another ten pages, we think you’ve gotten a fairly accurate picture of what glamping is all about. J Quiet, peaceful and inclusive of whatever you may need to relax and unwind, whether it’s a family vacation, a business lunch, or two mums escaping for some pampering-we will definitely be back! In summary, if you find yourself needing a break from it all, or just want to be alone for a few days of quality time with your friends, this is the hidden gem to discover. Thank you Charming Slovenia Herbal Resort and Radio Si for this wonderful and memorable experience!!!
Natalie Nicholls and Shawnda Morrison
Photos: Natalie & Shawnda
July 2018
Idrija is a town of opposites and until our two day trip there, I can’t say that we really knew what the area had to offer. Starting at Cafe Emilija, we met our primary guide, Petra, who was an absolute joy to be around. Her positive attitude and sense of humour made a great trip an exceptional one. Being very knowledgeable, she started us off with a coffee (which was very much appreciated after our hour long drive on that rainy day) and the story of Emilija, the mistress of none other than Napoleon. After getting acquainted, Petra took us on a tour of the town and explained the effect of the town’s two major industries, namely the mercury mine and lace making, on Idrija. Walking through Idrija is like taking a trip back in time and it is hard not to feel a certain comrodery with the people that lived there so long ago. This is particularly true of the mine itself. I dare anyone to enter that mine, say ‘srečno’ (or good luck) as the miners once did, and come out feeling no pity for the conditions they worked under. We could not help feeling moved by what we experienced.
In sharp contrast to the dark, damp mine, our visit to the castle was a much brighter adventure, particularly when we were able to watch our castle guide craft Idrijan lace, which is truly a delight. This delicate pastime was a way for the local woman to earn a little extra money while their sons and husbands worked underground. It was here that we saw how life above and below ground differed – like day and night.
After a long day in the mines, we went for a fantastically delicious lunch at Restavracija Barbara and were treated to a traditional soup and žlikrofi prepared in four different ways, one of those being chocolate!
We spent the rest of the day and that night at the Naš raj Eco Farm run by Valerija and Darko. Boasting Slovenia’s largest donkey farm, they also have goats, cows and delectable homemade meals. Valerija is a star in the kitchen even making elements of dinner and breakfast with what we had gathered on our walks in the area.
The second day was more laid back with a hearty breakfast and more good company (sharing a table with Petra and Valerija guarantees a good time). This time we went to Bolnišnica Franja, a secret partisan hospital tucked neatly in a gorge in the middle of nowhere. Again, we lucked out with guides and Sandor brought the war time hospital to life for us.
One brief lunch and a shopping trip later we went to Divje jezero and heard the both amazing and horrifying stories behind this ‘wild lake’ before taking a stroll by the river up to the old water mill with yet another fantastic and very knowledgeable guide!
That, however, marked the end of our trip. All in all, it was a weekend full of history, lush nature and great food, but what stood out for us the most were the people we met. The next time we go to Idrija (and there will be a next time), we will be going back as friends, not tourists.
Andrea and Mary Jadrzyk, Canada
Photos: Andrea & Mary
In Idrija, the oldest mining centre in Slovenia, the pounding of hammers and mining machinery echoed day after day for more than 500 years. The second largest mercury mine in the world helped Idrija to blossom in every aspect, from technology to science, and from trade to culture. Today the entire old town centre is on the UNESCO’s world heritage list.
Slovenj Gradec with its old medieval city centre offers a genuine experience of cultural and historical heritage in connection with contemporary pulse of a small city. When walking through the city center, you will be able to get to know its cultural pearls in the collections of the Carinthian Gallery of Fine Arts and the Carinthian Provincial Museum and re-live the childhood years of composer Hugo Wolf at the house of his birth. At the end of this cultural and historical tour of the Peace Messenger city center, you also have a culinary experience at the Hiša Ančka restaurant on the outskirts of the city waiting for you.