When it comes to wellness travel in Europe, Croatia and Slovenia are still delightfully under the radar. With uncrowded coastlines, pristine lakes, and charming cities that move at a gentler pace, they offer something many other destinations can’t: true serenity.

We created a 10-night itinerary for two long-time friends looking to escape the noise, reset their nervous systems, and fall back in love with themselves. Every detail was carefully curated to promote rest, rejuvenation, and a deep breath from the everyday.

Their journey began in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Rather than staying in the busy Old Town, they checked into Villa Dubrovnik, a peaceful and contemporary retreat perched on the cliffs above the Adriatic. Their mornings started slowly with fresh fruit on the terrace, panoramic sea views, and a light stretch before paddleboarding along the coast. One afternoon included a wine-tasting experience in the nearby Konavle Valley, and another offered a rooftop yoga session during golden hour. Everything was unhurried, intentional, and restorative.

After Dubrovnik, they traveled inland to Plitvice Lakes National Park. They spent one night at a boutique eco-lodge near the waterfalls, waking up to the sounds of nature and exploring the park’s quietest trails with a local guide. From there, they continued to the Istrian Peninsula, a region filled with vineyards, truffle groves, and ancient hilltop villages.

In Istria, they stayed at San Canzian Village and Hotel, an intimate five-star property surrounded by olive trees and winding countryside. Their days included olive oil tastings, nature walks at golden hour, and custom spa treatments made with locally sourced herbs and essential oils. It was the kind of luxury that nurtures your senses and clears your mind.

Next, they crossed into Slovenia and headed straight to Lake Bled. This iconic alpine lake, framed by forests and overlooked by a castle, offered a tranquil setting for the final chapter of their trip. They checked into Bled Rose Hotel, where they experienced float therapy, thermal spa treatments, and wellness rituals designed for full-body relaxation. There was plenty of space for unstructured time, whether rowing to Bled Island, hiking the Vintgar Gorge, or soaking in the hotel’s lakefront jacuzzi.

Their trip wrapped up in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s elegant capital. They stayed at Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel, a beautifully restored property in the heart of the old city. Here, they wandered the cobblestone streets, enjoyed a private food and wine tour, and had one final massage before boarding their flight home.

What made this trip so successful was its pacing. No rentals. No guesswork. Just private transfers, pre-arranged reservations, and concierge-level care from start to finish. Every detail was designed to help them let go of decision fatigue and simply be present.

Research backs up the benefits of this kind of travel. A study in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found that time spent in natural environments significantly reduces stress and supports cognitive restoration (Berto, 2014). The Global Wellness Institute also reports that wellness travelers spend more per trip but report far greater satisfaction and long-term benefits than traditional tourists (GWI, 2023).

Luxury today isn’t about over-the-top flash. It’s about how supported you feel. When you can show up, breathe deeply, and trust that every element of your trip was designed for your peace of mind, that’s where the real magic happens.

To start planning your wellness journey now, click here.