Rural gastro hotel in remote Alpine corner of Slovenia

Hiša Raduha / Luče / Savinja / Slovenia

To build on tradition is not an easy feat. To take something that has been around for ages and at the same time make sure it develops with time, not to end up being a place that feels old and stuffy, but rather genuine and timeless. This is a very difficult balancing act to manage. But when it is done with consideration and passion, which is the case with Hiša Raduha, the result is nothing short of magic.

To start with, to get to Hiša Raduha takes some effort. It is located in the small mountain village of Luče, not too far from the Austrian border. There has been an inn here since 1875 and it is now the fifth generation that is running the show. This fifth generation is made up of siblings Filip and Kristina Breznik who have taken all of the heritage of this location and brought it into our times.

If I start with the hotel part, it is made up of 2 tree houses on stilts, the hayrack and the old stable, located right next to the Saving River. We stayed in one of the tree houses. To stay in these kind of ”hotel rooms” gives me a feeling of being a child again, playing for hours in some rackety old tree house made up of odd bits and pieces. This tree house is somewhat more well built and better looking, to say the least. The design on the inside was all about wood and earthy colors, where one end of the house is all windows to open up the cabin to the surrounding nature. And one of the most unexpected features was the hot tub on the small terrace where we could sit with a glass of wine stargazing.

Ok, let me get into the food, because this is a real gastro hotel. The magic that Filip delivers on the plates is such a treat that I am afraid I don’t have access to the right gastronomic vocabulary to make it justice. What I can say is that it is an homage to local traditions that have been brought forward to the next generation since the beginning of their journey here. These traditional, classic dishes have been creatively developed, balancing heritage with innovation. And the result is so delicious, also for the eye.

If you want to venture out there are great hiking opportunities in the area, but whatever you do, make sure to return in good time for dinner with an empty stomach.

I love this kind of architecture when old traditions are combined with contemporary elements.

When we arrived, first thing that happened was that we were offered something bubbly to drink. Always a plus in my book.

The calm river Savinja, flowing right next to the hotel.

One end of the tree house is all floor-to-ceiling windows allowing the outside in.

The design is all wood and earthy, warm colors.

Love these felt unique-looking slippers.

Getting ready for dinner with an apertivo by the fire place before it was time to sit down.

Love these hand made table cloths and how something this traditional fits so well with the contemporary look of the restaurant.

The great thing for me who is a breakfast lover is that the breakfast is just as magnificent as the dinner. And as delicious.

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…are a foodie and you’re thing is to stay at great hotels where the food is equally amazing. If you don’t mind going off the beaten track, you will really love this place.

My favorite thing about this place…

…is the food. I love food. Wouldn’t consider myself a proper foodie, though. But every now and then I like to treat myself to a real gastro experience, like the one here at Hiša Raduha. And it isn’t just the dinner that is a treat, the breakfast is equally tasty. Basically, make sure you arrive hungry, both at the dinner- and the breakfast table, because you will not be when you leave.

What not to miss when staying here…

…is to book dinner at the hotel. Period.

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