PARADISE FOUND

(AND IT'S ONLY TWO HOURS AWAY...)

 

WHO NEEDS THE EXPENSE AND HASSLE OF FLYING HALFWAY ROUND THE WORLD TO NEW ZEALAND WHEN SLOVENIA HAS AWE-INSPIRING SCENERY AND SPAS VIRTUALLY ON OUR DOORSTEP? FORGET THE MEGA-HAUL FLIGHT AND VISIT THIS PRETTY EUROPEAN COUNTRY INSTEAD

 

Want Kiwi-style craggy mountains with breathtaking views? Slovenia’s many miles of marked footpaths and 324 square-mile National Park tick all the boxes.

Most walkers head for the Julian Alps and the Triglav National Park, where the lofty limestone peaks top 2,500m, and the steep-sided gorges and alpine meadows are sprinkled with fragrant flowers.

The hike up through the valley of the Triglav lakes is one of the world’s most scenic – if you’ve a head for heights, take a two-day trek to the top of Mount Trsiglav itself.

The rush

Slovenia’s valleys and gorges also offer NZ-style watersports. The Soca Valley has some of Europe’s best white-water rafting, with descents for all levels. Or try your hand (and feet) at canyoning – scrambling over rocks and jumping into rock pools – or abseiling down a waterfall. Too adventurous? Then gentle kayaking could be for you…

The spas

Like New Zealand, Slovenia has thermal springs bubbling beneath its surface – ideal for some spa action to soothe away aches and pains. The naturally hot spring water at Terme Olimia is full of relaxing, rejuvenating and skin-enhancing minerals. But if a thermal spring isn’t your thing, you won’t need to go far for luxurious TLC.

Try the Spa Hotel Sotelia, where you can wallow in whirlpool baths and have your muscles pummelled by underwater massage jets. And don’t miss the great value Thai and hot-stone massages, facials and wraps.

The food

When you’ve worked up an appetite, tuck into some of Slovenia’s traditional organic food – the many rural farmhouses offering food and accommodation are a great place to start. Locnikar Tourist Farm in the Pohorje Hills is a 400-year-old farmstead, and owner Marica Zelenjavni Narastek dishes up an unmissable vegetable bake served with succulent farm-raised chicken. She also makes her own cheeses, pickles, breads and wicked fruit brandies.

The wine

Kiwi wine is known for being world class, and Slovenia has grape expectations too! The main wine region, Prekmurje, is a cluster of vine-terraced valleys topped with churches. Right at the centre is the tranquil village of Jeruzalem. It’s said the Crusaders stopped here on their way to the Holy Land and never left because the wine was so good. After a couple of glasses of chilled vino, you’ll feel like staying, too.

 

Words: Jeremy Head. Photography: Getty Images, Digitalrailroad.net, 4corners Images, Lancton. All prices correct at time of going to press.