In the heart of the Alps, Slovenia offers rare combinations of rugged hiking, world-class wines and Michelin-star foods.
I recently spent five nights in Slovenia and immediately fascinated by this neglected country, which makes the TPG list from The best place to travel in 2025. Although Slovenian cities and major attractions, such as Ljubljana and Lake Bld, are becoming more and more popular, they still feel less crowded from nearby. Plus, the price for everything from the hotel to the meal is lower.
Better? Everything can be achieved with eyes and stone.
What makes Slovenia special
Before we get to the details of how I booked my trip, let’s continue why Slovenia is worth adding your European travel schedule. The country may be small (about New Jersey size), but it packs a shot when it comes to natural biodiversity, culture and beauty.
Diverse landscape: mountains, lakes and beaches
From the peaks of jagged from Julian Alps to Emerald Lake Bled waters and small adriatic coastline, the Slovenia landscape is amazing and varied. You can climb the alpine ridge in the morning, kayaking in the clear lakes in the evening and enjoying fresh seafood by the sea in the evening-all without a country. Achievement between areas means tourists can customize a variety of experiences into one trip.
Adventure without many tourists
Climbing in Slovenia felt different from Switzerland or Austria – not because the mountains were less dramatic, but because the route was much more crowded. From the Turquoise waters of the SOCA River Valley to the top of the Triglav National Park, you can find the solitude within minutes of leaving a trail. Bicyclists will also find long-distance routes and alpine passes with much lower traffic than neighboring countries.
Famous wine area and cuisine scenes
Slovenia has gained global recognition for its wine, especially in places like the BRDA and VIPAVA Valley. These areas rival the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Italian region in quality but without high price tags. The national cuisine scene combines the influence of alpine, the Mediterranean and the Balkans, with emphasis on fresh and seasonal produce.
Slovenia also has an amazing presence of michelin eating. Here are some of the restaurants that stand out to try:
- Sagittarius restaurant In Ljubljana: Located in the historic Ljubljana Palace, Strelec (One Michelin Star) Pair Panoramic City Views with a modern menu of Chef Igor Jagodic, making it a must visit in the capital.
- Hisa franko In Kobarid: led by Chef Ana Roš, this restaurant with two stars Michelin (2024-2025) showcases inventive dishes that highlight the best Slovenia local ingredients, such as marble trout and wild mushrooms.
- Milka restaurant In Kranjska Gora: Under Chef David žEfran, Milka retains two Michelin stars (2024-2025), delivering a delicate alpine eating experience.
- Hera Linhart In Radovljica: Located in the 16th-century Gothic Building, Linhart (One Michelin Star) offers a relaxing atmosphere paired with incredible cuisine rooted in regional traditions.
Your Inbox Rewards with TPG Daily Newsletter
Join more than 700,000 readers for breaking news, in -depth guides and exclusive offers from TPG experts
By closing your stay with your eyes, you can shop on the cheeky menu at one of these restaurants and experience Michelin Slovenia’s dinner.
Fly to Slovenia with eyes and stone
Although Slovenia is more accessible, flights with points still need some strategic planning.
An overview of a regular gateway
Most tourists fly to Ljubljana Airport (LJU), which operates regional flights from hubs such as Amsterdam, London and Frankfurt. Alternative gates include Venice, Italy, and Zagreb, Croatia, both on the way two to three hours from Slovenia’s main attraction. Flying to nearby airports is sometimes cheaper or offers better awards availability.
Although the country is inaccessible by train as another European destination, easy airport transfer thanks to shuttle buses, private transfers, public transit and good rental cars.
Airlines flying to LJU
Several carriers are operating the route to LJU, including KLM Cityhopper, Easyjet, British Airways, Swiss, Lot Polish Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Lufthansa.
I recently flown to Ljubljana from Zurich Airport (ZRH) using only 6,000 United Airlines Miles in Switzerland – Beautiful Hop that takes about an hour. If you are planning to go to Slovenia from other European countries (or even from the US), Seating.aero It is a useful tool that allows you to map the path and quickly review the availability of awards.
Staying in Slovenia with eyes and stone
For travelers who use eye -catching, Slovenia offers a unique global chain and local properties, making it easy to stretch rewards while enjoying comfort and convenience.
Clint HendersonTPG’s leading spokesman, recently lived in Intercontinental ljubljana. “I love my time too brief in Slovenia. This hotel is great and located in the center, available for just 31,000 Ihg one reward Eyes every night, “he said.” Prices for everything – from dinner to coffee to hotels – much lower than other European mothers. I’m looking forward to getting back. “
IHG also has Holiday Inn Express In the capital, it can be booked for only 13,000 IHG per night.
Three other US hotel brands also have real estate that can be booked with eyes in Slovenia.
Marriott possess Four points by Sheraton Ljubljana Mons (from 16,500 points of Marriott Bonvoy per night) in the capital and Dozens of holiday rentals across the country can be booked through Home & Villa by Marriott Bonvoy.
Hyatt have several properties in Slovenia through Mr. & Mrs. Smith’s sharing. Available As a boutique hotel In Ljubljana (from 16,750 the world of Hyatt eyes every night), Villa muhr Located in the lake in the Alps (from 46,000 World Hyatt Eye every night), and a chalet style Villa Planinka In Jezersko near the Austrian border (from 16,750 the world of Hyatt eyes every night).
Villa Planinka It can also be booked starting at 75,000 Hilton Honors Eye through Hilton’s partnership with the Small of the World luxury hotel. For now, that’s the only property that can be booked with Hilton Honors Points in Slovenia, but a Doubletree by Hilton Opened in Ljjijana in January 2026 (from 16,000 Hilton Honors Points per night).
Use your Cash Savings for a operated Slovenia experience
Once you maximize points and stones for flights and hotels, you can move your cash budget towards unique experiences that make your journey unforgettable. One standing supplier is Luxury sloveniaA local tourism company known for its world -class travel experience, specially created.
TPG Clint Henderson recently used the company to arrange a beautiful day visit in Ljubljana and Lake Blu, located just 45 minutes from the capital. “My guide, Tine Verbic – as well as everyone I interact with in Slovenia – speak the perfect English and do a great job guide me around the city and then have fun around Lake Bled.”
Whether you are interested in beautiful drives, cooking or hidden views, using cash saved from eye reservations allows you to upgrade your Slovenia adventure without extending your budget.
Using eye vs cash: best practices
The key to maximizing Slovenia on the budget is to know when to spend points and when paying cash. This is what we recommend:
- Flights and hotels book with points to reduce advance expenses.
- Cash reserves for unique experiences, such as personal visits, wine or spa visits.
- To stretch your eyes further, use tools such as Eyes to improve for a chasing booking or Flexible Awards Night with IHG and Hyatt.
Bottom Line
Slovenia is One of the less fortunate destinations -The place where you can breathe world-class wines, climb the unpainted alpine route and eat at Michelin-starred restaurants at no high cost Western European countries. A pair of smart eye redemption and stone, and you have a rewarding trip for your wallet as it is for your adventure.
Related Readings: