In the heart of the Alps, Slovenia offers a mix of rare and rough hiking trails, world-class wines and Michelin-starred dining.
I spent five nights in Slovenia recently and was immediately fascinated by this often-covered country, which makes TPG a list of the best places to travel in 2025. Although Slovenia’s major cities and attractions, such as Ljubljana and Bled, are becoming more and more popular, they feel more and more popular than the neighboring Italy. In addition, the prices for all prices from hotels to meals are significantly reduced.
better? All of this can be reached by scores and miles.
What makes Slovenia unique
Before getting the details of my trip booking, let’s explain why Slovenia is worth adding to your European itinerary. The country may be small (about the size of New Jersey), but when it comes to biodiversity, culture and natural beauty, it has a punch.
Various landscapes: mountains, lakes and coasts
From the jagged peaks of the Julian Alps to the emerald waters of Lake Bled and the Little Adriatic coastline, Slovenia’s landscape is stunning and diverse. You can hike the alpine ridges in the morning, kayaking on the clear lake in the afternoon, and enjoy fresh seafood by the sea in the evening – all of which are unchanged in the country. Accessibility between regions means travelers can adapt multiple experiences to one trip.
Adventures without tourists
The difference between hiking in Slovenia and Switzerland or Austria is not because the mountainous areas are less dramatic, but because the trails are much less crowded. From Turquoise Waters in Soca River Valley to the rugged summits in Triglav National Park, you can find loneliness within minutes of leaving the trail. Bikers will also find long-distance routes and alpine passes, with traffic far lower than neighboring countries.
Famous wine area and cooking scene
Slovenia is recognized globally for its wines, especially in places like Brda and Vipava Valley. These areas compete with Italy’s Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, but are priced high. The country’s culinary scenes blend the influences of the Alpine, Mediterranean and Balkans, focusing on fresh seasonal produce.
Slovenia also has impressive Michelin dining. Here are some great restaurants to try:
- Restavracija Strec in Ljubljana: Located in the historic castle of Ljubljana (Strelec) (a Michelin star), pairs the panoramic cityscape with the modern menu of chef Igor Jagodic, making it necessary for the capital.
- Kobarid’s Hisa Franko: Led by chef Ana Roš, the restaurant has two Michelin stars (2024-2025) that showcase creative dishes highlighting the best dishes in Slovenia’s local ingredients, such as marble trout and wild mushrooms.
- Kranjska Gora’s Restaurant Milka: Milka’s chef David Žefran maintains two Michelin stars (2024-2025), providing a sophisticated alpine dining experience.
- Hisa Linhart in Radovljica: Set in a 16th-century Gothic architecture, Linhart (a Michelin star) provides a relaxing atmosphere with excellent cuisine rooted in regional traditions.
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With points-covered accommodation, you can sprinkle a tasting menu on one of the restaurants and experience the full depth of Michelin-starred Slovenian dining.
Fly to Slovenia, points and miles
While Slovenia is becoming increasingly easy to use, booking flights with points still requires some strategic planning.
Overview of public gateways
Most travelers fly to Ljubljana Airport (LJU), which handles regional flights from hubs such as Amsterdam, London and Frankfurt. Alternative portals include Venice, Italy and Croatia’s Zagreb, all within 2 to 3 hours of main attractions in Slovenia. Flying to nearby airports can sometimes be cheaper or offer better rewards.
While the country is not as accessible as other European destinations, airport transportation is very easy thanks to space shuttles, private pick-up services, public transport and good-priced car rentals.
Airlines flying to LJU
Several airlines can run routes to LJU, including KLM CityHopper, EasyJet, British Airways, Swiss, Polish Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Lufthansa.
I recently flew from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Ljubljana, with only 6,000 United Airlines miles on Switzerland, a scenic hop that took only over an hour. If you are planning to travel from another European country (even from the United States), seats.
Stay in Slovenia, points and miles
For travelers who use points, Slovenia offers both global chains and unique local properties, allowing for easy stretching rewards while enjoying comfort and convenience.
TPG’s lead spokesman Clint Henderson recently lived in InterContinental Ljubljana. “I love my brief time in Slovenia. The hotel is great and centrally located with a reward point of only 31,000 IHG per night,” he said. “All prices from food to coffee to hotels are much lower than other European capitals. I can’t wait to go back.”
IHG also has a holiday hotel in the capital, with reward points per night reaching 13,000 IHG.
The other three major U.S. hotel brands also have properties that can be credited in Slovenia.
The Marriott earned four points in the capital (16,500 Bonvoy points per night) and dozens of vacation rentals across the country are available for booking through Marriott Bonvoy via Home & Villas.
Hyatt owns multiple properties in Slovenia through its partnership with Mrs. Smith. Located in Ljubljana (from 16,750 Hyatt Points), Vila Muhr is located near Vila Planinka in Ljubljana (from 46,000 Hyatt Points per night) and cottage-style Vila Planinka jezerska jezersko (16,750 World of Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night Night
Vila Planinka can also start with a 75,000 Hilton honor point through Hilton’s partnership with the world’s small luxury hotels. For now, this is the only property of Hilton Honor Point in Slovenia, but Hilton’s Doubletree opened in Ljubljana in January 2026 (from 16,000 Hilton Honor Points per night).
A Slovenian experience curated with your cash savings
Once you maximize your flight and hotel miles, you can redirect your cash budget to a unique experience that makes your trip memorable. A prominent provider is Luxury Slovenia, a local travel company known for its world-class tailored travel experience.
TPG’s Clint Henderson recently used the company to arrange scenic day trips to Ljubljana and Lake Bled, just 45 minutes’ drive from the capital. “My guide, tine andbic, and everyone I interacted in Slovenia spoke perfect English and guided me around the city and then drove around Lake Bled was fun.”
Whether you’re a scenic drive, cooking tasting or hidden viewpoints, using cash saved from points bookings can upgrade Slovenian adventures without extending your budget.
Points of use and cash: Best practices
The key to maximizing Slovenia in your budget is knowing when to spend time and when to pay cash. Here is what we recommend:
- Book flights and hotels to reduce upfront costs.
- Keep unique experiences for cash, such as private tours, wine tastings or spa visits.
- To further expand your points, use tools like Chase Chase Booking or Flexible Reward Night with IHG and Hyatt.
Bottom line
Slovenia is one of the underrated destinations in Europe where you can drink world-class wines, unspoiled alpine trails and dine in Michelin-starred restaurants without the high costs of Western European countries. Pair it with smart points and mileage redemption and you get a trip, which makes sense for your wallet, just like your sense of adventure.
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