Where to stay in Slovenia for a tranquil European ‘air bridge’ holiday

Please note our writers visited Slovenia prior to the coronavirus pandemic

Often touted as ‘Europe’s most relaxing country’, Slovenia’s draw is undeniably alluring. The incredible mixture of climates here brings warm Mediterranean breezes up to the foothills of the Alps, where it can nonetheless snow even in summer, and more than half of the country’s total area is covered in forest. Though Slavic to the core, its cuisine, culture and architecture have been greatly influenced by its neighbours, Italy, Austria and Hungary.

Slovenia has also just been confirmed as an air bridge destination for Britain, meaning that a peaceful getaway to its spectacular landscapes (and hotels that make the most of their settings), plus store of attractions and activities – from Venetian coastal towns to white-water rafting – is possible without quarantine at either end, and with no other restrictions in place. Read on for our top five hotels there in amazing locations, including capital Ljubljana and Lake Bled.

• The best hotels in Slovenia

• The best Croatian Island hotels

• The best boutique hotels in Europe

• An insider guide to Dubrovnik

Contributions by John Malathronas, Robin McKelvie, Victoria Monk, Simon and Susan Veness