Hisa Raduha
Luce, Slovenia
Despite its historical legacy, the vibe perfectly suits the modern traveller. Find nature-immersed tranquillity, doorstep wild swimming, crafted wooden residences with hot tubs and wood burners, plus a top-notch restaurant serving hyper-local food and Slovenian wine. The welcoming Breznik family are the stewards of this lush riverine hideaway – there’s little they don’t know about nearby fly-fishing, cycling routes, mountain hikes and hidden waterfalls. Here you can feel connected to the area in a way you often can’t in larger hotels. A highlight is dinner in the main house, built in 1875, where friendly, down-to-earth service belies exquisite homecooked and beautifully presented food, with recipes passed down four generations of family matriarchs. A place to be active or still, Hiša Raduha is a dreamy, good-for-the-soul escape in a little-known corner of Slovenia.
Highs
- Unique architectural design in a beautiful, natural setting creates an unforgettable experience
- The food served at the famed onsite restaurant is outstanding
- The helpful owners are full of local knowledge
- The astonishingly clear river is just a few steps from the suites; perfect for wild swims
- There are activities aplenty nearby on the river; plus this is an excellent base for cyclists and hikers to explore the Savinja Alps from. This is bucket-list-worthy stuff
Lows
- The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; and remember to book ahead
- The suites are positioned quite closely together and there's a public footpath that runs through the property, so don’t expect total privacy
- The rooms are not air conditioned
- The Hayrack has bedrooms with low sloping ceilings and accessed by ladders: not great for taller or less agile folk
- The property is quite near a town, so expect some distant noise (ie. church bells, etc.)
Best time to go
Our top tips
- Mountain Retreat
- 5 suites for 2-4
- Restaurant (closed Tue-Wed)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Bicycles Available
Rooms
The five separate suites are housed in converted barns which date from the 19th century, but are now beautifully eco-chic inside. Think smooth wooden floors, sheepskin throws and designer furnishings. All have comfy double beds, private bathrooms and terraces, and a hot tub.
The two Treehouse Suites (sleeping 2 each) overlook the river and are perfect for couples. A glass wall at the foot of the bed means you wake up to soothing nature every morning.
We loved staying in one of the Old Stalls (sleeping 2-4 each), which each have a lower half dating to 1875, and an upper half added ten years ago. With a cosy open-plan living area below, two double bedrooms, a log burner and TV, these suit families and work well in winter.
The Hayrack (sleeps 2-4) is the quirkiest; originally standing in a nearby village before being rebuilt here. A semi-open-air living area at ground level has a hammock and hot tub; above, a glass-walled sitting room has spectacular river views, with ladders up to cosy sleeping lofts (one double, one single or twin).
Note that the larger suites are not suitable for two couples travelling together; the owners request that all guests in each suite are from the same family.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- WiFi
Eating
Dinner is served from 8pm in the cosy and intimate wood-panelled dining room. Eating here is a highlight and chefs (and co-owners) Matjaz and Martina Breznik produce astoundingly sophisticated and delicious food – without a hint of pretension. Choose from the tasting menu or opt for a five-course daily changing menu, ingredients sourced from the garden or the surrounding villages. We tried the latter and were awed by pumpkin soup decorated with flowers, buckwheat porridge with pork, trout and the best mint ice cream we’ve tasted, accompanied by Slovenian beer and wine. With notice, they can tailor the set menu to suit vegetarian diets.
Breakfast was another local showcase, tastefully presented, with meats and cheeses from the village, seasonal fruit, walnuts, fresh bread and homemade jams, followed by eggs cooked to order. For lunch you can pre-order a picnic; on recommendation, we stopped by a characterful mountain hut in the stunning Logar Valley for rustic alpine fare. When Hiša Raduha’s restaurant is closed (Tuesday and Wednesday in summer) ask the Brezniks for their tips.
Features include:
- Breakfast
- Dinner by arrangement
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Spend a day swinging in a hammock alternating river dips with your hot tub
- Kayaking, canyoning, white water rafting and rock climbing for all ages can be arranged at nearby Adventure Valley (pick up from hotel)
- Spectacular, glacial Logarska Dolina (Logar Valley) and regional park is superb for hiking, horse riding and cycling. Drive (20 minutes), or cycle by bike or e-bike
- Hike to Rinka waterfall in the Logar Valley– the highest waterfall in Slovenia – have a drink in the overhanging bird’s nest bar or enjoy a rustic lunch at a nearby hut
- Enjoy a sensory experience at herb garden Babave – learn about local herbs, make incense and sip fresh herb tea
- Visit the goats at Matkov Farm then taste their surprisingly delicious ice cream
- Walk the Kamnik-Savinja Alps for jaw-dropping views of peaks and valleys. There’s a trail for all abilities
- The Snow Cave (45 mins) is a 12 million-year-old large underground cave with 20m high stalagmites. NB it's only open at weekends in July and August
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Canyoning
- Caves
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horse riding
- Rafting
- Waterfalls
Kids
This is a peaceful spot, which is also welcoming to families. Because of the proximity of the river and a late-ish dinner serving time of 8pm, we would recommend this property to ages 8+, who would also be old enough to enjoy mountain pursuits – gentle hikes, visiting farms, bikes rides and river swimming. Extra beds and cots are available but please keep in mind, the restaurant feels very adult and there is no kids menu.
Best for:
Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Both the Old Stall and Hayrack can sleep up to 4 and are ideal for families. Kids will love clambering up ladders into bunk beds carved into the wall in the Hay Rack, and the Old Stalls have TVs, mezzanine bedrooms and larger living areas. It’s worth noting there are no kitchen facilities in any of the suites, apart from a small fridge/minibar.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Baby equipment:
- Baby cots
- High chair
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Kids Activities nearby:
- The fairytale forest in Logar Valley
- Water sports including kayaking and rafting on the Savinja River
- Canyoning in Cuc Waterfall
- Easy walking paths at Velika planina, Logar valley, Robanov kot
- Funpark in Menina
Families Should Know:
Parents take note – there isn’t a children's menu, however portion sizes can be adapted. Keep an eye on small ones near the river.
Distances:
- Airport: 1hr15m (Ljubljana)
- Hospital: 60 minutes (Celje)
- Shops: 4 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Location
Hiša Raduha is in the village of Luče in the Savinja Valley, in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and near the Austrian border.
By Air:
The nearest airport is Ljubljana Airport (70 mins).
From the Airport:
We’d suggest hiring a car so you can explore the region, especially as the public transport options aren't great. The drive from Ljubljana becomes spectacular - and twisty - as you ascend into the mountains.
Alternatively you can book a transfer or taxi from the airport, and explore the region on foot.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Ljubljana Jože Pucnik Airport 47.0 km LJU
- Trieste Airport 158.0 km TRS
Other:
- Beach 150.0 km
- Shops 0.3 km
- Restaurant 0.3 km