Dobra Vila Bovec

Stylish and minimalist in design, this is a tranquil mountain retreat found in the heart of the Slovenian alpine wilderness.

Nebesa is comprised of just four luxury chalets sat high on a mountain plateau overlooking the village of Livek and the cyan Soca River below. Glass fronts and a private terrace maximise the vistas, while inside a mezzanine attic bedroom sits above a large open plan living area, kitchen and bathroom.

The main building houses the communal dining area, sociable terrace and a well equipped kitchen. While there’s no restaurant here, there’s a cold room filled with supplies of local cheeses, cured meats, breads, snacks, beer and urns of local wines to wash it all down with. There’s also an honesty bar with for the finer wines. The renowned restaurant Hisa Franko, run by Nibesa’s owners’ daughter, is just 20 minutes away.

Hike from the lodge up the mountain for views across Slovenia and into Italy, borrow mountain bikes, visit local farms and discover the fascinating history of the area at the nearby Kobarid Museum. There’s also the adventure activities of the Soca Valley, such as canyoning, kayaking and rafting, as well some excellent fly fishing to try. After a day of adventure, return to heaven to relax in the glass-fronted saunas and yoga studio.

Hisa Franko encapsulates owner-run countryside luxury at its finest and most welcoming. Its renowned restaurant, overseen by the World’s Best Female Chef for 2017, Ana Roš, is the sole reason some people visit Slovenia, and its accommodation, while not the main focus, is truly lovely.

The itself house has a fabled history and during its time as a hospital in the First World War it is said that the author Ernest Hemingway recuperated here during his time on the Isonzo Front.

13 unique rooms and suites all have a contemporary charm that blends in effortlessly with the classic surroundings, with wonderful pieces of art and furniture throughout to create a refined but homely feel.

Ana Roš heads up the restaurant which serves three, five or nine-course menus that blend local tradition and fabulous fresh produce with modern international trends, and change with the season, while her husband, Valter, curates the wine and cheese cellar.

Its quaint rural location adds to the atmosphere, with nothing better than an early morning walk or cycle beneath the eaves of the lush forest or across the flowering meadows and nearby pastures. It is a beautiful accompaniment to the herb and flower garden and stream that runs behind the property. The rest of the Soca Valley and beyond is ripe for exploring from here too.