Hotel Bioterme Mala Nedelja

Mala Nedelja is a village in Prlekija, the gentle hill country of north-eastern Slovenia between the Mura and the Drava, in the region of Pomurje. It is a quiet, rural area of vineyards, orchards, cornfields and small villages, with a slow rhythm of life, and it lies off the main tourist routes, which is part of its attraction for those who want peace. The area has thermal water, as does much of Prekmurje and the edge of the Pannonian basin, where hot water rises from deep below the surface, and a number of spa resorts have developed to make use of it. Hotel Bioterme Mala Nedelja is one of these, a spa hotel that combines accommodation with bathing facilities.

The idea of a spa in this area is to use the natural thermal water for relaxation and health. Mineral-rich water is piped into pools of different temperatures, some indoor and some outdoor, and guests can swim, soak and relax, often in a quiet setting with views over fields and hills. The water of the region is traditionally associated with benefits for the muscles, joints and skin, and spa treatments, such as massages, baths and physiotherapy, are offered to complement the pools. Many visitors come for a few days of rest and use the programme to unwind, and the hotel offers rooms and meals, with menus that draw on the cooking of the region, including its dumplings, pumpkin-seed oil, river fish and cakes. Details of rooms, facilities and prices vary, so it is wise to check with the hotel directly before booking.

The surroundings reward exploration. The countryside of Prlekija is ideal for gentle cycling and walking, on quiet roads and farm tracks that link villages, vineyards and viewpoints, and the wine cellars of the nearby hills sell the white wines of the district. Gornja Radgona, a town on the Austrian border, is known for its sparkling wines and for the Steirer Bridge, a pedestrian bridge across the Mur, and it offers Tasting Wines And Sparkling Wines. The Banovci Thermal Spa and the Banovci Natural Bathing Sites provide other bathing options, and the Island Of Love On The Mura River (Ižakovci), Časar's Mill, the Otter Centre AQUALUTRA in Križevci na Goričkem, Fine Lušt Homestead and Razkrižje, which has a Slovenia Green Destination label, add variety.

The hotel suits visitors who want an unhurried stay in the countryside, with a mixture of bathing, walking and wine tasting, and it is a practical base for exploring the north-east. Spring and autumn are comfortable seasons, with mild weather and colourful landscapes, while summer can be hot and the thermal water most appealing in the cooler months. Booking ahead is advisable for weekends and holidays.