Hisa Raduha
Luce, Slovenia
Reviewed by
Harriet Whiting
Set on the edge of sleepy mountain village Luče in the Logar Valley, authentic Hiša Raduha is a 100-year-old family-run hotel with a cluster of super-cosy forest suites that border the crystal clear Savinja river.
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 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.
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 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
During high season (July-August) temperatures are warmest (26C) and so, unsurprisingly, it’s a busier time to visit. During spring and early summer (March-June) and the autumn (September-October), there are fewer crowds and the conditions are perfect for hiking, climbing and general outdoor adventuring. Winter can be a lovely time to visit too, especially around Christmas time. Just be aware some places will be closed so check ahead.
Our top tips
Use the in-depth knowledge of the team at Hiša Raduha - we were recommended a lovely, out-of-the-way wooden mountain hut, where we feasted on rustic Slovenian mountain fare and fresh raspberry juice.