I FEEL sLOVEnia – A Journey of Love

Lake Bled

Virtuoso Chairman’s Trip hosted by Luxury Slovenia DMC

Slovenia, a hidden gem of Europe, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and luxurious accommodations. During our recent trip to this captivating country, we explored the vibrant city of Ljubljana and the coastal elegance of Portorož. Slovenia is nestled between Croatia and Italy in the Baltic Sea and is very affordable and truly stunning. Here is a more detailed account of our unforgettable Slovenian journey, hosted by Virtuoso Chairman’s Trip, which introduced us to the finest Slovenia has to offer. I FEEL sLOVEnia is there tag line and we couldn’t wait to find out how true it really was.

Ljubljana: The Enchanting Capital

Triple Bridge Ljubljana

Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, immediately impressed us with its charm and vibrancy. The city’s Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and colorful facades,

Adorable shopping in Ljubljana

is a delight to wander through. Highlights included:

  • Ljubljana Castle: Perched atop a hill, the castle offers panoramic views of the city. The funicular ride to the top added an element of fun.
  • Triple Bridge and Prešeren Square: The heart of Ljubljana, this area is alive with energy, street performances, and cafes. It’s a fantastic spot for people-watching and shopping.
  • Tivoli Park: A peaceful escape within the city, perfect for a leisurely stroll amidst lush greenery.

The city is also a haven for food lovers. Dining at local restaurants like Gostilna na Gradu provided a taste of traditional Slovenian cuisine, including the famous štruklji (rolled dough with fillings).

The InterContinental Ljubljana: A Lovely City Stay

Our accommodation in Ljubljana was the InterContinental Hotel, a modern sanctuary in the heart of the city. From the moment we stepped into the lobby, we were greeted with warm Slovenian hospitality. It is basically a business hotel but with added nice features:

  • Rooftop Bar & Restaurant: The hotel’s rooftop restaurant, B Restaurant & Bar, offers not only gourmet dishes but also great views of Ljubljana.
  • Rooms: Our room was large and well designed, with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcased the cityscape. Even though it was slightly dated, all was comfortable.
  • Wellness & Relaxation: They do offer a spa and infinity pool on the top floor provided a serene retreat after a day of exploration, but we did not partake in any of the spa facilities.

In addition to Ljubljana and Portorož, Slovenia is brimming with other incredible destinations that showcase its natural and cultural wonders.

  • Lake Bled: Famous for its emerald-green waters, Bled Island, and the iconic Bled Castle perched high above the lake. A traditional pletna boat ride to the island is a must.
  • Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle: Explore the vast underground world of Postojna Cave, and marvel at Predjama Castle, built into a cliffside nearby.
  • Triglav National Park and Lake Bohinj: A paradise for nature enthusiasts, this park offers stunning mountain landscapes and crystal-clear waters at Lake Bohinj.
  • Maribor and the Wine Region: Slovenia’s second-largest city is at the heart of the country’s wine culture. Visit the oldest grapevine in the world and indulge in tastings at local vineyards.

Slovenia’s Wine Culture

Ana Ros Slovenia’s top Michelin Chef (left) with our Host of the evening.

No trip to Slovenia is complete without sampling its world-class wines. The country boasts three main wine regions—Primorska, Posavje, and Štajerska—each with its own distinct characteristics. We were so impressed with their wine and asked if they sell their wine anywhere in the US and they simply stated that they are a very small country with wonderful but small vineyards, plus they admitted that they drink it all and not enough to export. Oh the great humor of the Slovenians, but we think there is some truth to it. Here are a few great areas to visit for a great wine tour.

  • Refosco and Teran: Robust red wines from the coastal Primorska region.
  • Laski Rizling and Sauvignon: Crisp white wines from the Štajerska region.
  • Orange Wines: A Slovenian specialty, these unique wines are produced using ancient winemaking techniques.

Wine tours and tastings are widely available, offering travelers a chance to experience Slovenia’s rich winemaking tradition.

Portorož: Slovenia’s Seaside Jewel

Piran Boardwalk

After experiencing the urban allure of Ljubljana, we traveled 90 minutes to Portorož, a charming coastal town known for its Mediterranean flair. Strolling along the promenade, we enjoyed the sea breeze, local boutiques, and cafes serving freshly caught seafood. Here are just a few attractions we were able to experience:

  • Sečovlje Salina Nature Park: A short drive away, this park offers a glimpse into the traditional salt-making process and unique flora and fauna. Salt production in this region dates back over 700 years and continues using traditional methods. We learned about the labor-intensive process of salt farming, where workers harvest salt manually, preserving ancient techniques. Salina’s museum provides fascinating insights into the historical significance of salt in the region’s economy and culture. Yep, we bought lots of salt to bring back to give to friends and family.
  • Tartini Square in Piran: Just minutes from Portorož, this picturesque square in the neighboring town of Piran is a treasure trove of Venetian

    Muscles & Wine

    architecture and history, and the views are stunning.

  • Boat Tour: We took a lovely Vintage Boat Tour with Captain Matic down the coast of Portorož and Piran, where we could see the coast of Croatia and Italy and our very first mussel farm. We had lunch immediately following our cruise and we ordered… you guessed it… Mussels with a local white wine. Superb!!

Kempinski Palace Portorož: Coastal Elegance

Staying at the Kempinski Palace Hotel was a highlight of our trip. Nestled along the Adriatic coast, this hotel combines historic grandeur with modern luxury. This is the best of the best in Slovenia and if your clients want to take a nice trip to Venice, we would highly suggest you send them to Portoroz for few nights to truly feel the love of Slovenia.

The grand lobby and historic wing exude elegance, making every moment feel special. ** **The hotel’s restaurant served an exquisite array of Mediterranean and Slovenian dishes, complemented by an impressive wine list. The unparalleled amenities which include an outdoor pool, lush gardens, and a private beach area provided ample opportunities for relaxation. The rooms are extremely comfortable have large bathrooms that include a walk-in shower and separate tub.

Town of Piran from the fort walls.

Our Host for the week: Luxury Slovenia

Matej Knific and Dena Krenzien, Gala night dinner.

Our trip was sponsored by Luxury Slovenia and was seamlessly curated thanks to the expertise of Luxury Slovenia, a premier destination company. Their personalized approach ensured that every event was loaded with local culture and talent, and Slovenia HAS TALENT, from Michelin starred chefs, to entertainment and arts.  Unbelievable red carpet experience for every dinner and  aspect of our trip.   Mattej Valencic and Matej Knific should be very proud of their attention to detail and commitment to excellence which truly elevated our experience. If you’re considering a trip to Slovenia, contact your Luxury Travel Agent at Paul Klein Travel, so you can see, feel and taste every bit of this report.

Slovenia exceeded our expectations with its diverse attractions and warm hospitality. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Ljubljana, relaxing by the Adriatic in Portorož, or indulging in the luxury of world-class hotels, this country offers something for every traveler. Add in the natural beauty of Lake Bled, the mystery of Postojna Cave, and the exquisite Slovenian wines, and you have a destination that will captivate your heart and leave you yearning to return. We truly felt the love – Gotta love there slogan I FEEL sLOVEnia