Vila Bled: Slovenia’s Hidden Gem On Lake Bled

Have you ever visited a place so magical that you never wanted to leave? A place that sweeps you off your feet and makes you wonder how you’ve gone your entire life without this experience? For me, this was Vila Bled – a luxury hotel on Lake Bled.

Visiting Lake Bled in Slovenia had been on my bucket list for quite a long time, so finally booking the trip and exploring this beautiful destination was even more magical than I had even imagined. While the colorful beaches of Positano or the incredible views of Santorini are constantly flooding my Instagram, Lake Bled remained a mystical gem that I knew I had to experience for myself.

What makes Vila Bled so spectacular is that it feels almost like a time warp in a sense. The hotel was originally former Yugoslavian President Tito’s summer home, and the design and traditions have been maintained throughout the years. While I generally prefer modern hotels, the traditional decor was what made me fall in love with Vila Bled even more.

Unlike many European hotels, the hotel rooms at Vila Bled are huge – and absolutely spectacular. Since we decided to extend our stay at the hotel, we switched rooms mid-trip, but we were blown away by both of our suites – imagine grand entry ways, separate living rooms and bedrooms, gorgeous antiques, and crystal chandeliers throughout. I honestly can’t explain how peaceful it was to wake up to views of the church on Bled Island and the crisp Slovenian Alpine air! If you’re looking for the ultimate treat, reserve the presidential suite to stay in Tito’s two-bedroom suite.

One of the highlights of our stay was our boat ride to Bled Island. The hotel offers free row boats to guests, so we spent an afternoon paddling around the lake before exploring the Bled Island. Aside from the famous church, you can see also see Bled Castle atop one of the mountains – which you should definitely visit during your stay. The hotel also has a private tennis club for guests, as well as a private beach during the summer months. If you travel during the winter, be sure to ski the Alps!

Another highlight of our visit was dinner on the terrace every evening. The menu was absolutely delicious, and we loved having an excuse to dress up and enjoy a formal affair. For happy hour, we recommend having a cocktail and cream cake (Tito’s favorite) at the Belvedere Pavilion, designed by famous Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik. The colorful sunsets over the lake are truly breath-taking!

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway or simply a peaceful escape, I highly recommend visiting Vila Bled on Lake Bled, Slovenia. It’s my favorite hotel to date, and I know you will love it as much as I did!

While this post was in partnership with BRDO, the opinions expressed are my own.