PR professional and lifestyle influencer Rob Kenny shares insights from his recent trip to Slovenia, listing where to stay, eat, and play.

Last year my fiancé and I made a pact: every January, we'll explore somewhere new in the world we have never been to before. While it’s tempting to return to favourite holiday spots, there’s an entire world of destinations waiting to be discovered, and this January, we landed on (what I now know to be) the hidden gem of Europe, Slovenia.

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Why Slovenia?

After a hectic few months at work, followed by the festive season, we craved a "wellness break." Hours of research led me to Slovenia, a place I quickly realised is often missed or overlooked. Many people imagine it as more "eastern" geographically than it really is, likely due to its history as a former Soviet Union member. However, Slovenia sits snugly between Italy, Austria, and Croatia.

We chose two main destinations: Lake Bohinj and, the capital city, Ljubljana. Lake Bled may seem like the obvious choice, but Lake Bohinj—larger, less touristy, and more untouched—felt like the better fit for us.

Getting there

With (annoyingly) no direct flights from Ireland to Slovenia, our options were a stopover somewhere like London or Amsterdam. However, flying into Trieste in Northern Italy proved quicker. From there, Slovenia is just a short drive away.

Lake Bohinj: An unspoilt wellness escape

Slovenia’s largest natural lake, Lake Bohinj, is nestled in Triglav National Park, surrounded by the Julian Alps. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the towering peaks and lush greenery, creating a serene and timeless setting. We spent four nights here, soaking up its tranquillity and natural beauty.

Activities on offer:

Hiking around the lake: The 12-kilometre perimeter trail offered stunning views of mountains, forests, and the lake. Any hiker’s dream day!

Savica Waterfall: A short hike led us to this spectacular waterfall, the source of the Sava River.

Triglav National Park: With its alpine meadows and dramatic landscapes, it’s a hiker’s paradise.

Paddleboarding and kayaking: This sadly wasn’t available for us in the depths of winter, but we were promised by locals this is not to be missed from spring onwards.

Mount Vogel Cable Car: This ride provided breathtaking views and access to skiing or hiking, depending on the season.

Where we stayed: Hotel Bohinj

Hotel Bohinj immediately caught my eye on Instagram, with its striking outer façade and notable focus on sustainability and wellness. Recently transformed from a run-down building, it’s now an all-wooden, eco-friendly retreat blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings.

While beautiful, this four-star hotel is missing some luxury touches, like porter service or a hotel bar. However, the wellness focus more than makes up for it.

Our highlights included:

• The standout design and serene lakeside location.
• The large fire pit outside for guests to enjoy each night.
• The restaurant's divine meals paired with Slovenian wines* —an unexpected delight, given that only 0.3% of the world’s wine comes from Slovenia, yet it ranks in the top 8% globally (thank you to our fantastic waiter each night for this insight).
• The spa and outdoor hot tub.

Discovering the best of Ljubljana

Ljubljana, Slovenia’s enchanting capital, is a city steeped in history and brimming with modern energy. Locals proudly shared how it has transformed in recent years, part of Slovenia’s broader current effort to elevate its tourist appeal.

It was evident that every Slovenian wanted to show off the best of their gorgeous country; we kept saying it was like every local was in it!

Our highlights from the trip:

Ljubljana Castle: Perched on a hilltop, the castle offers panoramic city views not to be missed.

Old Town stroll: Cobbled streets lined with colourful architecture and picturesque squares like Prešeren Square.

Tivoli Park: A perfect spot for leisurely walks or bike rides.

River Cruise: A private boat tour on the Ljubljanica River was a highlight, offering serene views and insider tips from our guide. A private tour (organised by our hotel for us) was a steeper €220, however, many jump on and off style public options are available for much lower prices.

Where we stayed: Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel

This 15-bedroom boutique hotel blends old-world charm with modern luxury, housed in one of Ljubljana's oldest buildings. Its intimate setting and attentive service made for a memorable stay.

Each of the 15 rooms tells a different story of the capital and its fascinating past. The hotel seamlessly combined old-world charm with modern style and luxuries including a lavish three-course breakfast that we found ourselves running towards each morning.

This five-star hotel was more of a treat, but so worth it for only two nights. You could really tell there were only 15 rooms in total, as every staff member knew our names and greeted us with a smile. We will definitely be back!

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Where to eat in Ljubljana

Gostilna 5-6kg: Hearty Slovenian cuisine in a cosy setting.

Picaboj: for the best pizza in the city.

Cantina: a vibrant fusion of Mediterranean flavours set in a stylish and welcoming atmosphere

Hiša Pod Gradom: a mix of Slovenian classics and European-inspired dishes.

Le Petit Cafe: the perfect brunch spot with a French-inspired menu.

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Slovenia surprised us in the best way. Its unspoiled landscapes, buzzing capital, and the warm hospitality of its people left a lasting impression. As one local told us – in the summer, Slovenia is the only place in Europe where you can ski in the morning and sunbathe by the sea that afternoon.

This is such a small and beautiful country that packs a real punch. A country that feels both uniquely its own and distinctly European. Here’s hoping direct flights from Dublin arrive very soon (I hope someone from Ryanair or Aer Lingus is reading this!).

Slovenia deserves a spot on everyone’s travel list.

*Always drink responsibly