Secret Wellness Bodonci

Bodonci is a small village in Goričko, the hilly north-eastern corner of Slovenia, in the region of Prekmurje, close to the borders with Austria and Hungary. Goričko is a gentle landscape of rounded hills, woods and meadows, dotted with farms and hamlets, and it is one of the quietest areas in the country, protected in part as a nature park. Secret Wellness Bodonci is a private wellness retreat in this setting, offered as a self-contained apartment where guests have the sauna, pool and relaxation spaces to themselves for the duration of their stay, which is quite different from the shared facilities of a large spa.

The idea of a private wellness apartment is to combine accommodation with the features of a small spa. Guests typically find a comfortable living and sleeping area, with a kitchen so that they can prepare their own meals, and a wellness section that includes saunas of different kinds, a steam bath, a bath for two with massage jets and an outdoor pool with a terrace for sunbathing. Because the facilities are used by only one party at a time, there is no need to share with strangers, and guests can arrange their own rhythm of heat and rest. This kind of retreat appeals to couples celebrating an occasion, to small groups of friends and to families who want privacy, and it should be booked well in advance, especially for weekends.

The setting contributes to the sense of peace. The apartment lies on a hillside with open views over the surrounding countryside, with fields and woods stretching toward the horizon, and in clear weather the view reaches across the border. It is close to the main road but feels removed from traffic, and Murska Sobota, the main town of the region, is only a short drive away. The area is quiet in all seasons, with spring blossom, summer greenery, autumn colours and winter frost, and the retreat is open throughout the year.

Visitors who want to explore the region will find much to do within easy reach. The Goričko Nature Park offers walking and cycling routes through meadows and woods, and the castle of Grad, one of the largest in Slovenia, stands in the hills. Moravske Toplice, with its thermal spa, is close, and the vineyards and wine cellars of the area offer tastings of the white wines of Prekmurje. The local cuisine, with pumpkin-seed oil, dumplings and layered cake, is a pleasure in itself. Check availability, rates and arrival arrangements with the host before travelling.