Fleewinter

Retreat to a wonderland of nature in a luxurious alpine villa. Nestled between snow-capped mountains and lake-filled forests, Vila Planinka offers a romantic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The intimate 23 room hotel is just under an hour north of Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, or an hour east of busy Lake Bled. But thanks to the area’s peak-filled geography it’s totally cut off from neighbouring towns and villages, so it feels a world away.

Styled like a luxury Alpine lodge and clad entirely in larch. The interior décor is designed to bring the outside in, with natural wood everywhere you look,and supersized windows that show off the hotel’s standout feature: the incredible countryside that wraps around it on all sides.

The restaurant delivers gorgeous valley views from its floor-to-ceiling windows. Breakfast offers local fruit, vegetables, cheese and cold meat cuts, along with egg dishes to order. Lunch and dinner delve into Slovenia’s rich larder with the likes of homemade pasta laced with Istrian truffles and local venison spiced with berries. Their sommeliers are spot on with 40 Slovenian wines by the glass.

The list of activities is designed to get you out and about exploring it, with bespoke experiences tailored to each guest. Nature’s playground lays on plenty more for Vila Planinka’s visitors depending on the time of year. Hiking is the biggie, cycling is another, and skiing takes over in winter. Guests can borrow everything from bikes to ski equipment.

One of the hotel’s more alternative therapies is ‘forest bathing’, where guests spend a couple of hours reconnecting with nature through guided meditation, gentle yoga-esque exercise and barefoot walking through the woods. Plus, if you want to do some actual bathing, the heart-shaped Lake Planšar makes for a sublime summertime swim.

The hotel’s spa is small but perfectly formed. There’s a Finnish and an infrared sauna that you can book as part of your stay. There’s also a treatment room with bespoke options including massages and facials.

Perfect for a romantic weekend away or as part of a longer stay exploring beautiful Slovenia