The village of Podčetrtek, in the folding hills of the Sotla Valley, is actually closer to Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, than it is to Slovenia’s Ljubljana. The Sotla, meandering gently around the village, marks the border between the two countries and, carving its watery way through the countryside, provides some of the inspiration behind the village’s main attraction: Aqualuna. The ginormous adventure park, 500 metres from the riverside, is a place where all things water collide in a land of slides, pools, hot tubs and thermal baths. For families it’s a ready-made recipe for aquatic fun. And now there’s a glamping site right next door.
Created in 2017, tongue-twisting Glamping Olimia Adria Village offers 20 pre-pitches safari lodges connected by wooden walkways and spread among young trees and saplings. Inside, expect the sort of furnishings you’d more commonly find in hotel rooms. Though the outer walls are made from a creamy canvas, interior wooden cabinets break up the space into a kitchen and sleeping area, with everything from framed hanging pictures to air-conditioning. If you’re after luxury you won’t be left wanting, though expect to spend more time kicking back on the sunny terrace than inside your lodge itself.
While free access to neighbouring Aqualuna is certainly a boon for kids, it’s the wellness centre, a 10-minute walk away, that really marks this glamping site out. Terme Olimia is well known as one of the largest thermal spa centres in Eastern Europe and offers everything from therapeutic massages and treatments, to herbal medicine services and a natural, herbal pharmacy. The place is also awash with cafés, bakeries and delis, so you can nab a bite to eat while you’re there. Or head out on foot and venture further afield in Podčetrtek, overlooked by its 17th-century castle. And don’t forget to take a stroll down to the river, the place where it all started – the watery inspiration for this aqua wonderland.
