Fleewinter

Away from the noise of the busy main town, perched above the water with panoramic views and with direct access to the cool, clear waters of Lake Bled; it does not get better than Vila Bled for a dreamy setting.

A stay here is a step back in time, the Fifties décor and period furniture evoking the history of socialist-era Yugoslavia. Vila Bled was one of President Tito’s favoured residences and the luxury he demanded lingers to this day in the grand hallways, smooth stone terraces and elegant mid-century modern furniture. The interior of Vila Bled is awash with marble and hardwoods. Look out too for the massive socialist-era heroic wall mural in the hall where Tito once entertained and held court.

The largely pedestrianised path that ekes around the lake starts from right outside the hotel, leading you beneath the trees and towards the castle perched atop a rocky outcrop across the water. Beneath the hotel, on the shores of the lake, is the private boathouse, an idyllic place from which to set out on a rowing boat across the water. Boat hire is free to hotel guests for one hour each day. The private tennis court is also free for an hour a day and there is a small spa area with sauna, steam room and whirlpool.

Swing open your room’s large windows and listen to the bells of the Baroque church on the island in the lake’s centre as you gaze out at the water and the castle opposite, feeling as if you have woken up in a fairytale. A very comfortable one at that, with many of Vila Bled’s rooms featuring a separate bedroom, living space and hallway. In most units the bathroom has a bathtub and double sink.

Take a seat on the restaurant terrace and imagine dining with world leaders past as you tuck in to the daily four-course menu. Expect dishes like lamb ragu served with local gnocchi followed by roasted trout with risotto. The restaurant is considered one of the top ten in the country.

During the day walk up the steps to neighbouring Café Belvedere; Slovene architect Jože Plečnik designed its terrace perched high above the water as a waiting hall for those about to have an audience with King Alexander of Yugoslavia. Today though the wait is for the famous local kremna rezina, or cream cake.