Five Spa Experiences in Slovenia You’ll Always Take With You

Slovenia is a country at the crossroads European cultural and trade routes. Famous for its magnificent mountain environs, this magical place has been inhabited since pre-historic times. Slovenia is also famous for its unbelievable spas, winemaking, and its Julian Alps. On the subject of spas, Argo takes a look at a selection any traveler can categorize on their return home as – unforgettable.

Terme Čatež Spa

Sometimes referred to as the “thermal metropolis”, the Terme Čatež resort (feature image) effort is the largest complex in the country. The year-round spa boasts the largest outdoor and indoor pool expanse in Slovenia, if not Europe.  Located just 2 hours drive from Trieste, the spa is notorious for its pampering of guests. Established back in 1925, the resort offers  12,000 m2 of sun and aqautic activities, with extended care centers, natural spa equipped with specialist clinics for physiatry, orthopedics, neurosurgery, and rheumatology. In addition to the central headquarters in Catez, a town 180 km from Italy, the company manages facilities in small towns in Slovenia’s Mokrice, Portorož and Koper. This resort is particularly suited to host families and is one of the finest spa picks for an all inclusive experience. Contact: + 386 7 493 67 00 or info@terme-catez.si – Terme Čatež d.d., Topliška 35, SI-8251 Čatež ob Savi, Slovenija

Terme Dobrna Spa

In operation since way back in 1403, Terme Dobrna is Slovenia’s oldest working health resort. This magnificent spa offering offers massage and beauty therapies, as well as diagnostics and rehabilitation. The thermal springs here have been famous since Roman times, and the fabulous Zdraviliški Dom – was built in 1624. Famous for its marble baths, which have survived to until today, the spa still echoes the names of Europe’s notables. The Dobrna Spa is also noted for its long tradition in the field of treating gynaecological illnesses naturally. The Medical Centre complex, a clinic, laboratory, and a therapeutic centre here are second to none. For nature lovers, Terme Dobrna the park that surrounds the spa has cycling trails, and pristine grounds. For more intimate spa experiences there’s the Sauna Studio Tisa, to compliment the aforementioned marble baths at Zdraviliški Dom. Contact: +386 3 78 08 110 or info@terme-dobrna.si – Dobrna 50, 3204 Dobrna

Thermana Laško

Built around the mysterious healing powers of the Laško thermal springs, the Romans ventured here as well seeking physical and spiritual remedy. Since those times,  Zdravilišče Laško has evolved into one of the most modern centres of medical and wellness tourism in Slovenia. With several hotel or camping accommodation choices, this magical place is perhaps the most interesting of the five mentioned here, at least from a marketing standpoint. With wellness programs for all ages, the unparalleled therapeutic qualities of the springs, and the diversity of accommodations differentiate this spa. Newcomers to this retreat will find Krka’s Dolenjske Toplice Spa and the surrounds of castles, rivers and forests compelling indeed. Balnea wellness center for example, sets guests inside a wonderland at forest’s edge, inside a luxurious kingdom of baths, massages, saunas and water elements. Contact: +386 3 423 2000 , or E: info@thermana.si – 3270 Laško, Slovenija GPS coordinates: 46.159866,15.232351

Medical Center Rogaška

The renowned  Medical Center Rogaška is a health resort with a 400-year tradition and some of Europe’s most incredible parks. The only Slovenian spa focused on preventing and helping to cure digestive ailments, the spa is as complete in this regard as any in the world. The source of the Donat Mg mineral water – the most magnesium-rich water in the world, the spa is a European Mecca for those seeking disease prevention, continued treatment and rehabilitation for diseases of the digestive system and metabolic disorders. Zdravilišče Rogaška is the largest private health institution in Slovenia. The spa offers the widest possible range of treatments from the ancient Aesthetic dermatology and body sculpting, to Balneology treatments and thermal therapies to the cutting edge of magnetotherapy and beyond. Contact: +386 3 811 70 15 or info@rogaska-medical.com – Zdraviliški trg 9 3250 Rogaška Slatina Slovenija

Lifeclass Spa & Wellness Portorož

Saving possibly the best for last, this unbelievable wellness and thermal destination is touted as the fines in Europe. Stays at world class hotels, culinary adventures to make Gordon Ramsay jealous, the 800-year tradition of alternative and complementary medicine and thalassotherapy these experts offer is garnished with the magic of the Adriatic coast. For those who imagine their dream spa adventure with “everything”, this luxurious and complete destination is the prescription. Severn wellness centers, the Mediterranean climate, diagnostics and other medical spa offerings, Thalasso therapies, the list of health and wellness value here is literally endless. Nature activities for grownups and children, cycling and other excursions, meditation, there’s even an award winning congress center among the offers. Meduza Beach is one of the most beautiful on the Adriatic, a blue flag seascape of pristine beauty. And Portorož has been known as a health resort since the 13th century when the monks from the St Lawrence’s monastery were healing their patients with sea water and brine. Out of fairness to the other wonderful spas, I’ll leave off here. Maybe I am just partial to seaside wonders? Contact: +386 5 692 90 01 or booking@lifeclass.net – LifeClass Hotels & Spa, Obala 33, 6320 Portorož, Slovenia