INTRO: Can you describe your hotel using only four words?
We believe that remarkable things speak for themselves and don’t require many words. Therefore, we can easily describe our boutique hotel in just three words – our slogan, which encapsulates the essence of well-being: UNPLUG TO RECHARGE.
Q1: What differentiates your hotel from others?
Vila Planinka, our alpine chalet, serves as an extension of nature’s perfection. Situated in the stunning Jezersko Valley in Slovenia, it embodies the culture and philosophy of slow living in harmony with nature. That’s why it is the perfect place for the boutique MICE industry, which seeks a balanced combination of a productive working atmosphere and year-round outdoor activities. It’s your home away from home, far from the hustle and bustle of big cities. The surroundings are imbued with calming energies, fresh air, and rivers with drinkable water. This secluded destination offers complete intimacy and serenity, with culinary offerings recommended by Michelin and hospitality that inspire future business opportunities. Therefore, it’s no surprise that companies and individuals are enthusiastic about renting out the entire villa.
Q2: What are the novelties of your hotel in 2024?
Nature is our ultimate luxury. It is the foundation from which we originate. That’s why we are expanding our list of outdoor activities to include yoga classes in pristine natural settings led by highly skilled yoga teachers. Stronger than ever before, we are preparing new culinary and wine experiences that will take our guests on an authentic exploration with our signature touch. Additionally, we are enhancing our hotel gallery with antique items from the Jezersko Valley, which serve as the most eloquent storytellers.
Q3: As one of the leading experts in the industry, what are your thoughts on the ChatGPT craze? Is this another marketing hype or an actual tool that will make boring, routine jobs a lot easier?
I once heard that ‘AI is like a princess with a chainsaw at the back.’ From my point of view, AI could help us, but we still don’t know if the damage it causes outweighs the benefits. That’s why nothing can change my belief that people and their unique mindset have the greatest value, which could never be compared to AI. I strongly believe that boutique tourism, which Vila Planinka represents, will soon be like a safari of pristine human energy and kindness—a place where you’ll meet, connect, and be pampered by real people. Unfortunately, it seems that the greatest need in the future is not to connect to artificial intelligence, but to connect to humans. Again.
Q4: What skills should a 21st-century hotelier possess?
Hotels of this kind, such as Vila Planinka, cannot operate without a sensitive manager. Therefore, I see a 21st-century hotelier as someone who enjoys interacting with people and anticipates their needs and desires even before they are verbalized. This individual suggests rather than sells, and is friendly but not pushy. From my perspective, a good hotelier should be knowledgeable, kind, and meticulous. I always associate faces with locations—staff with a hotel or restaurant. Therefore, I believe the memory of a hotelier once you’ve left the hospitality should be like a great souvenir that you take home, inspiring you to share the experience with your best friends and family.
Q5: We cannot avoid discussing the sustainable transformation of our industry. What must we do to create a world where more than nine billion people can live decently within planetary boundaries?
Juliet Kinsman, one of the foremost sustainable experts, humorously compares sustainability to teenage sex: “Everyone’s talking about it, very few are actually doing it, and those that are doing it aren’t doing it very well.” Having visited Vila Planinka and adoring it, Kinsman’s sentiment resonates with me deeply. In my opinion, it’s time to move beyond merely promoting sustainability as a trendy concept and truly embody it, just as we’ve been doing at Vila Planinka from the very beginning. I think the term sustainability is one of the most abused words recently.
Instead of succumbing to the unnecessary urbanization of the countryside, we chose to renovate the old dilapidated hotel, preserving pristine land and authentic architecture. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of our establishment. We’ve constructed and furnished our hotel entirely with indigenous local materials and integrated original centuries-old objects into the villa’s interior, honoring the region’s history. Our sustainability efforts extend far beyond achieving zero waste. We prioritize sourcing and growing everything in our Valley or region, partnering with nearby eco farms and utilizing local ingredients in our culinary creations. We serve our own mineral water, prioritize sustainable purchasing, and uphold the principles of fair trade. Biodegradable surplus material is composted, disposable items are eschewed in favor of waste-saving alternatives, and we actively support reforestation initiatives by planting trees and contributing to reforestation charities. Furthermore, we are staunch advocates against thoughtless technological modernization and actively combat light pollution to preserve the natural beauty of our surroundings. But perhaps most importantly, we recognize the invaluable role of the local community.
At Vila Planinka, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of life that encompasses environmental, social, and economic responsibility.
Q6: What is your definition of true hospitality?
The definition of hospitality is to provide a welcoming and comfortable environment that feels like a home away from home.
“The question that everyone should answer is: What do I remember from the event two years ago?”
Q7: Can you name one problem the entire meetings industry should solve together?
The main problem that we see as a boutique destination, which follows a sustainable philosophy and views nature as our ultimate luxury, is the tendency to focus too much on ‘things and quantity of food’ in the hopes of delighting guests, while providing too few authentic experiences that truly impress. The question that everyone should answer is: What do I remember from the event two years ago?
Q8: Do you enjoy podcasts? Which is your favourite?
Great podcasts and classical music are something truly worth letting break the silence. My favorite two podcasts are Funny Old World and, of course, the Feel Slovenia podcast with Noah Charney.
Q9: What is the best travel advice you have ever received?
The only thing you must not forget to take with you are trekking shoes.
Q10: If you could take anything home from your favourite hotel, what would it be?
The view of a pristine nature from a hotel window and the genuine smile.
Learn more about Vila Planinka here.
