I feel Slovenia!
As "crisp" as Slovenia's logo was the FAM trip (familiarization trip) to the golfing delights there, which combine wonderfully with the healing waters, wine and tasty cuisine.
A FAM trip like this has a dynamic all of its own. In this case - shortly before the international golf trade fair in Ljubljana - the colorful mix of golf business people who have all been invited to this showcase trip contributes to this. Together with Asian, Danish, Czech and Austrian colleagues, they get to know the most beautiful corners of a country, stay in flagship hotels and enjoy the best of its cuisine and wine cellars. Despite some animosities, there is one thing that brings people together - golf.
Slovenia has a great offer for this genre: In addition to the most beautiful thermal spas, there are also golf courses, such as in Moravske Toplice with the golf course of the same name and the Therme 3000. We enjoy the first view of the 18 holes laid out as a nature park around the thermal spa from the 5-star Hotel Livada, which is located directly on the golf course. If you start early in the morning, you will find fantastic flora and fauna, a beautiful entrance hole with a birdie chance and the longest hole in Slovenia on the 9th at almost 600 meters. Plus warm temperatures, a fresh breeze and a view of the nearby vineyards with their delicious Riesling grapes. A hot tip here is the PUHAN wine tavern in Bogojina, where you can taste the region's wines at very moderate prices. There are also homemade dishes such as sausages, goulash and the sweet specialty Bograc'.
About half an hour's drive takes you to Ptuj, the oldest town in Slovenia , whose mighty medieval castle is a World Heritage Site. The oldest wines in Slovenia are stored here in a 750-year-old wine cellar - such as a Sauvignon from the 1917 vintage - as well as other award-winning grape juices known as "Pullus". Just across the river Drava is the Ptuj thermal spa with 6 pools covering an impressive 4,200 square meters of water, saunas, steam and aroma baths, whirlpools, fitness center and sports playgrounds. The 4-star "Primus" hotel - named after the Roman general - with its own thermal baths and fantastic wellness retreat is a great choice as a golf hotel. The 18-hole Ptuj course (par 71), which is not very long but has plenty of water hazards, is practically within walking distance. The "signature hole" is the par 3 at hole 14 with an island green and we also found the 18th challenging - a par 5 with a dogleg over water to the green, which lies directly in front of the modern glass clubhouse. The 9-hole Olimje course, which is located in a romantic valley surrounded by vineyards, proves that wine and golf go well together here. If you stop off at the Amon restaurant either before or after a round of golf, it's hard to leave. And not just because of the delicious wines, freshly pressed olive oil and fine cuisine. Hospitality is still practiced here - just as it used to be.
The Terme KRKA in Dolenjske Toplice is the perfect end to the FAM trip and also a hot tip for a high-level wellness vacation . The 4-star Hotel Balnea is the newest and most modern spa hotel with spacious suites and an exceptional bathing facility.
A golf highlight is the 18-hole Otocec course in the hills of Novo Mesto , which is best tackled by cart, followed by dining at the castle of the same name, magnificently nestled on the river island of Krka.
