During the planning process for our trip to Slovenia, after much Google searching, I stumbled across a website that talked about farmstays in Slovenia (Slotrips). This serendipitous website find turned out to lead us to one of the most lovely, off-the-map places we’ve ever stayed, Kekceva Domacija Homestead in the Trenta region of Slovenia.
We chose Slovenia originally because we had wanted to experience the Dolomites but were worried that during June, our chosen vacation time, the Italian Alps would be swarmed with tourists; so we picked the Julian Alps instead. Let me tell you, they did not disappoint. None of Slovenia did for that matter.
Trenta, and the Trenta valley, is a nature lover’s paradise with its beautiful turquoise Soca river and waterfalls; soaring, jagged peaks; lush green forests; all surrounded by Triglav National Park, this area offers an endless amount of jaw-dropping scenery and outdoor activities. We were so excited about the promise of hiking rugged trails, exploring the Soca, and staying at a tiny mountain farm – only 4 rooms. Our experience with all of these exceeded all expectations.
The hiking in this area is breathtaking, and can be quite challenging. The peaks are incredibly steep and the limestone is crumbly which can make for quite a bit of scree hiking. Trekking poles and good hiking shoes should definitely be considered at a minimum.
I could’ve hung out along the banks of the Soca river all day. The color and clarity of the water, combined with jagged peaks and forest as the backdrop, and you have one of the world’s most beautiful rivers for certain. In these photos the river is rather tame. It does, however, get squeezed into tight canyons in several areas. River rafting is quite popular on this river.
Nestled among this natural beauty is the Kekceva Homestead. Please, please please do yourself a once in a life time favor and stay at this gem if you’re ever in Slovenia. I’m not even sure where I should start in sharing just how amazing this little homestead is. The hot springs pool has one of the best backdrops ever, the property is absolutely lush and gorgeous and a hiking path starts right on the premises, and the food is outstanding – often locally sourced and all handmade by the hosts. Our breakfasts consisted of homemade yogurt with homemade granola, fresh cheeses and meats, delicious European butter, and crusty bread. Dinners treated us to locally caught almond crusted trout , homemade wild boar ragu with polenta, and delicious wine from the hosts own vineyards.
The fact that there are only 4 guest rooms gives you the sense that you are on your own private farm and that you essentially have the run of the place. The hosts were so warm and welcoming and 100% focused on us having a great time during our stay. The husband had been a climber and spent some time in California climbing in Yosemite. Apparently he thought my husband looked like a California climber / surfer and so every time he saw Todd he would say “hey California.” They joined us for dinner one night and opened up many bottles of wine. Much laughter and hospitality was enjoyed. Which brings up another wonderful point about this homestead, all of this beauty and hospitality comes at an extremely reasonable price per night.
One last note, which makes me chuckle, there was this Tibetan terrier running around who could apparently be quite the guard dog. He was great to guests but there were signs such as the one in the photo posted around with his image warning people of the guard dog. He definitely has eyes and eyebrows that mean business 🙂
Just writing this post makes me want to hop on a plane and jet back to this lovely, mountain hideaway and stay there for a very long time. It is a perfect place to unwind and recharge your batteries.
Thanks as always for reading about where the Life Bus has wandered. I hope you enjoy the read and the ride 🙂
Lexi
That looks so peaceful
Truly an alpine oasis 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful day!
You as well
Beautiful. What an awesome vacation. I was in Chamonix over the summer. The hiking was challenging indeed. Every hike was uphill for three hours and then one hour back down.
Yes Chamonix is a gorgeous area for sure!!! The European Alps definitely don’t know much about switchbacks!! I always think about the calories i’m burning on those long ascents 🙂 If you enjoyed Chamonix and like mountains, the Julian Alps are so quiet and impressive as well. Have a great week adventuring!
I love wonderful accommodation finds like this. It looks absolutely lovely.
I’ll tell you that we spent three days in the Italian Dolomites in mid-late June, 2016 as part of a longer Italy trip. It was wonderful and didn’t seem at all crowded to me. My suspicion is that it might be worse in July/August, but if you’ll send me some money, I’ll be happy to go back this coming June and see if it was a fluke or not. Ha ha!
LOL!! I love these finds too!! I thought this one looked cute from the website I found about it but it blew away my expectations when we got there. Good to know about the Dolomites in June. I did go for my 50th in September and we shared the trails/ refugios with very few others. What we had instead was about 2 days of light snow. 🙂 We should all do a repeat test run. I loved my time there so much!! Have a great Sunday 🙂
Happy belated 50th. Mine’s in a few years but I’m already considering the possibilities of where I’d like to go for a celebratory trip.
Aww thanks so much!! Lucky you 🙂 I have total decision making anxiety so it was hard for me to choose … we went did a 5 day hike in the Dolomites and then a few days in Venice. I am completely happy with that choice. What are some of your options?
Japan
Machu Picchu
Hike down into Grand Canyon
Portugal
Greece
Road trip through the Balkan states
That’s all so far. 😉
You have absolutely sold me on this! Slovenia and the Dolomites are both on our list but I too am worried about the crowds in the latter. I can’t get over the colour of the river and that gorgeous hot spring pool. Earmarking this one! Thanks.
OMG that’s so exciting!! You’re going to absolutely love this place, and Slovenia!! This farmstay blew away any expectations I had for it. Slovenia also exceeded all of my expectations! The farm is nestled in the mountain cirque of towering peaks and lush forest. The river is so close by. The food was amazing and the hosts were incredibly hospitable. Dolomites are great in early September and just found out from fellow adventurers at The Travel Architect that June was not bad for the Dolomites. Thanks for reading about the farm. Hope you have a wonderful week!
It’s beautiful there very similar to Switzerland. It’s great to have a trip to a place that is not too touristy so you can really escape the busy World. Enjoy with the next trip wherever it may be.
This homestead sounds magical Lexi! And you photos are amazing. What a great find. Bookmarking for a future visit.
It is truly a magical place. Thank you for checking out the story 🙂 I promise you will fall in love with Slovenia.