We came to Slovenia purely on the back of finding Alma Vista Villa during some longwinded internet search. I contacted Martina Alma and we agreed on a fabulous price.
We’ve travelled around the general region before - Istria, Trieste, Asolo, but not actually into Slovenia. I read great things but I thought it might still be a little backwards and .. well.. not really lovely. Shows what a bigot I am with assumptions on places I haven’t been sometimes.
The villa itself intrigued me with it’s modern design clearly set in a traditional wine area. Look, the fact is this place is stunning. The view, the pool, the loungers, the spa area, the kitchen, the Alessi crockery and cutlery, the Ridel wine glasses, the downstairs help yourself cellar (you pay their cellar prices as they run a full winery). I can’t fault this place and the location is sublime. Venice - yes if you want to pop over for a day it’s just over an hour away. Lake Bled, yes you can do that too in a day. However the beauty of this location is it’s location. Enjoy the local wineries, villages, restaurants, waterfalls, rivers. Whatever is your thing or just a lovely relax by the pool listening to natures song.
We enjoyed knocking up some food together each evening and came up with some beauties. It’s fun as we rarely cook together but this place is one of those places you don’t want to leave and eat out. Far far more intrinsically enjoyable to buy locally, cook and eat. There were an abundance of fresh herbs in the gardens and the quality of vinegars, olive oils and salts would put any gourmets selection to shame.
Martina runs this place and she's a gem. She has it covered and whilst you can expect her help when every needed your privacy is absolutely assured. Her English is impeccable and she has a keen attention to detail as evident in the villa itself.
We ran each morning. The roads are windy, a little up and down, the perfect country running road in my opinion. A little up a little down lots of corners, enough to keep your brain in gear to excuse your body saying no at times at take in some beautiful vista.
Our days came and went, almost blurred from one to the next. We did do day trips - Lake Bled, Rilke Trail, hopefully the Kozjak waterfalls tomorrow.
What we will leave with is a sense of wonder. Slovenia is a jewel and rather off the radar yet so incredibly accessible. This is a beautiful country with respectful proud people and very very good food, wine and ham. Alma Vista was a real find for me and satisfies the fact my hours of study pay off with holiday research. It’s a gorgeous retreat.
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