RADUHA | hiša :: house :: haus :: casa :: maison

This is a very long way from glamping. Yes, it is a tree house at the back of a village street and a restaurant worthy of a Chef's Table tv episode, but it is much more than that. Filip Breznik welcomed us with wine in the garden and gave us maps and suggestions for day trips and hikes. I suspect many people overlook Luče, but it is convenient for the airport yet feels deep in rural, river and mountain Slovenia. We hiked in the Logar Valley and had a trip to Velika Planina, all accessible by car. We loved our tree level room which was compact but comfortable. No fan but open windows were not a problem as minimal insect life. I adored the hammock and the jacuzzi with river views. Plus evening walks along the riverbank. Walking is highly recommended as Chef Martina cooks up a storm, drawing on the traditional food of her family womenfolk and the superb seasonal produce of Slovenia. There is no menu and you really have to like cheese and yoghurt to get the most out of this cuisine. For us, this was no problem and we had dinner all 3 nights. Expect dishes such as goat pate rolled in cheese with an apple cider sauce or local trout with Julienne vegetables and a spelt mousse. There were mini soufflés of carrot or wild garlic, nettle or pumpkin soups, various types of delicate cheese dumplings baked or poached and many exquisite sauces. We had wine by the glass each night so we could try 100mls of 2-3 local wines, paired by Filip to suit the food. Breakfast was a plate of local cheeses with hams and salamis, freshly baked bread, jams and honey. Eggs available too and a delicious juice of pear and cinnamon. This is healing food in the Slovenian tradition of foraging and small scale garden produce. Like the famous place on Netflix, but better here and more affordable. A place to linger and enjoy Slow Travel, ideal for foodie couples with a hire car and a sense of adventure for the outdoors as well as for the food.