We cannot explain why but many would have difficulty identifying Slovenia on a map, but we must be very clear about it: this country on the Adriatic is one of the greenest in the world, literally and metaphorically, so much so that it will leave you breathless. Precisely for this reason, health and well-being are the main tourist engines in Slovenia, from the mountains to the Mediterranean Sea, from caving to thermal treatments. Interested? Let’s try to give you some more details then.
Summary
Spas in Slovenia
One of Slovenia’s best kept secrets is its sensational spas and wellness centers, so if you think about a visit you can’t miss a similar experience. Nestled between Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia, small but beautiful Slovenia boasts a little bit of everything: a Mediterranean coast, a foothold in the Alps, crystal clear lakes and a fairytale island. The whole country can be crossed by car in just over two hours, so it is an ideal day trip or weekend trip if you are staying in the north-eastern Veneto of Italy, or want to extend your holiday in Austria, Hungary or Croatia. While summers are hot, expect cooler temperatures than in the southernmost lands of Italy and Croatia, especially in the north of the country, where Slovenia collides with the Alpine region of Central Europe. Blessed with natural hot springs, its coolest temperatures all year round and the gift of hospitality make Slovenia an ideal destination to immerse yourself in its pristine thermal water.
Activities in Slovenia besides the spas
Obviously the fastest way is the plane. Fly to the capital Ljubljana with the company of your choice: periodically you will find excellent offers with different companies. From here, you can choose how to get around, heading to the many natural attractions, such as Lake Bled or the thermal baths which are both easily accessible within a day. Any tourist destination, even the most popular one in Slovenia, will be as relaxing as it is picturesque. Do some standup paddleboard yoga on the lake or try a forest bath to calm your mind. There are also great hikes in the nearby Triglav National Park. Simply being in nature can do wonders for your health.
After a day of exploring, you can easily decide to go and let yourself be pampered in one of the many hotels specialized in wellness, for example the Rikli. This distinctly Slovenian spa town was founded in the 19th century by Swiss naturopath Arnold Rikli, whose new health prescriptions included guests walking barefoot on dew-covered grass to improve circulation. The saunas and pools here span two floors, and the spa treatments use local ingredients. Warm sheaves of spruce tips are tapped on the back with a percussive rhythm during a relaxing mountain pine oil massage, while Carniolan honey is used in facials, scrubs, massages, and milk and honey baths. Need to add more or have you already booked?
Beekeeping has a long tradition here and Slovenia has even paved the way for a new type of tourism: beekeeping. Eco-friendly beekeeping routes foster appreciation for the world’s most important pollinator. You will be able to meet local beekeepers, visit beehives and learn how to extract honey. The sweet air of the hive is thought to strengthen the immune system and help with breathing problems, so you are encouraged to lie back in an armchair next to the buzzing hives and take long, deep breaths. Obviously then you will want to go back to the spa.
For some serious Slovenian hydrotherapy, head east. The largest concentration of wellness retreats in the country is found in the Pannonian thermal basin. Here are the Terme Zreče, where the mineral waters contain a high concentration of calcium, magnesium and hydrogen carbonate, which promote healing and reduce inflammation once absorbed through the skin.
Locally collected mountain peat and volcanic mud are also applied as a warm body wrap for detoxification. Terme Dolenjske Toplice has been highly regarded since the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, while the healing waters of Terme Olimia were used by the ancient Celts and Romans for medicinal purposes. With offerings from apitherapy to hydrotherapy, Slovenia is fast becoming one of the hottest new wellness destinations. Sometimes a strong dose of fresh mountain air is just what the doctor ordered.
Do you need anything else to convince you to visit Slovenia and its spas?