Category A – CITY MEETING HOTEL
Winner: INTERCONTINENTAL LJUBLJANA, Ljubljana, Slovenia, final score: 4.918
InterContinental Ljubljana remains a benchmark city meeting hotel that combines international luxury standards with a strong local identity. Entering 2026, the hotel continues to stand out through its prime city-centre location, refined vertical architecture and panoramic views from the upper floors, creating a prestigious and highly functional setting for complex business events and international meetings. The hotel differentiates itself through reliable, high-level service, refined gastronomy based on local ingredients and a well-developed sustainability strategy that demonstrates how luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist. The final impression is defined by consistency, credibility and a clear positioning as Slovenia’s leading upscale city meeting hotel.
Benchmark insight: prime city-centre location, panoramic skyline views, international brand standards with local character, professional meeting and conference infrastructure, refined local gastronomy, advanced sustainability practices, reliable service culture, suitable for complex corporate and executive meeting formats.
2nd place: GRAND PLAZA HOTEL & CONGRESS CENTRE, Ljubljana, Slovenia, final score: 4.903
Grand Plaza Hotel & Congress Centre positions itself as a modern city meeting hotel that combines large-scale accommodation capacity with functional, well-designed conference infrastructure. Entering 2026, the hotel continues to stand out for its central Ljubljana location, efficient layout, and clear focus on business guests, making it a reliable choice for conferences, corporate meetings, and association events. The hotel differentiates itself through its versatile congress facilities, contemporary interiors, and solid service delivery, aimed at operational efficiency rather than excessive formality. Its size and accessibility allow organisers to centralise accommodation, meetings and networking under one roof. The final impression is defined by practicality, capacity and consistency, positioning Grand Plaza as a dependable city meeting hub for mid- to large-scale business events.
Benchmark insight: central city location, large accommodation capacity, integrated congress centre, functional and modern interiors, efficient service model, suitable for conferences, association meetings and large corporate events requiring scale and logistical simplicity.
3rd place: GRAND HOTEL UNION EUROSTARS, Ljubljana, Slovenia, final score: 4.892
Grand Hotel Union positions itself as Ljubljana’s most established and historically significant city meeting hotel, combining over a century of tradition with large-scale conference infrastructure. Entering 2026, the hotel continues to stand out for its iconic Art Nouveau heritage, central city location, and extensive congress capacity, making it a cornerstone venue for association meetings, congresses, and institutional events. The hotel differentiates itself through its scale, flexibility and long-standing credibility among international organisers. Its congress facilities allow for complex, multi-track events, while the historic ambience adds gravitas and a sense of continuity rarely found in modern city hotels. The final impression is defined by tradition, reliability and institutional strength, positioning Grand Hotel Union as a benchmark legacy meeting venue in Slovenia.
Benchmark insight: iconic historic hotel with Art Nouveau heritage, central city location, large and flexible congress capacities, long-standing reputation among international associations, suitable for congresses, institutional events and multi-track conference formats, strong legacy positioning.
Category B – RESORT MEETING HOTELS
Winner: HOTEL BOHINJ, Bohinj, Slovenia, final score: 4.975
Hotel Bohinj represents one of Slovenia’s most coherent and authentic Alpine boutique meeting concepts. Entering 2026, the integration of the renovated historic Vila Muhr completes a holistic portfolio that successfully balances contemporary design with strong local identity. The architecture creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere while conveying understated prestige and a deep connection to the Bohinj landscape. The hotel clearly differentiates itself through authenticity, readiness to incentivise, and excellent value for money. Purpose-built for incentive groups, it offers privacy, tranquillity and a compelling sense of place. With its consistent execution and clear positioning, Hotel Bohinj has set new benchmarks for Alpine meeting tourism, fully justifying its recognition as the best Slovenian Boutique Hotel.
Benchmark insight: contemporary Alpine architecture rooted in local identity, integration of historic Vila Muhr, strong sense of place, incentive-oriented concept, privacy and tranquillity, excellent value-for-money positioning, ideal for incentive and retreat-style meeting formats.
2nd place: KEMPINSKI PALACE, Portorož, Slovenia, final score: 4.906
Kempinski Palace Portorož remains an iconic resort meeting hotel that seamlessly blends historic grandeur with contemporary meeting infrastructure. The hotel continues to stand out through its legendary Crystal Hall—synonymous with prestigious events—alongside a modern congress centre that supports high-profile business meetings and gala occasions. The elegant setting, paired with a prime seaside location, creates a refined yet versatile environment for upscale events. The hotel differentiates itself through impeccable, highly professional service, refined gastronomy featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, and a well-developed spa offering that balances business and relaxation. The final impression is defined by timeless elegance, operational reliability and a strong institutional reputation, positioning Kempinski Palace Portorož as the benchmark resort meeting hotel in Slovenia.
Benchmark insight: historic landmark with iconic Crystal Hall, modern congress infrastructure, prime seaside resort location, refined service culture, seasonal and locally driven gastronomy, integrated spa and wellness facilities, suitable for gala events, high-level corporate meetings and premium incentive formats.
3rd place: RIKLI BALANCE, Bled, Slovenia, final score: 4.851
Rikli Balance Hotel positions itself as a contemporary Alpine meeting hotel that successfully bridges Bled’s rich spa heritage with modern wellness and conference infrastructure. The hotel continues to stand out for its elevated location above Lake Bled, panoramic views, and a concept inspired by the legacy of Arnold Rikli, which places balance, movement, and well-being at the centre of the guest experience.
The hotel differentiates itself through a strong wellness-oriented narrative, flexible meeting facilities and a calm, nature-integrated atmosphere that supports focus and regeneration. Its architecture and interiors consciously reflect local identity while maintaining the functionality expected by professional event organisers. The final impression is defined by harmony between past and present, making Rikli Balance Hotel a reliable choice for meetings, incentives and retreats that prioritise well-being alongside business objectives.
Benchmark insight: elevated Alpine location with lake views, wellness-driven concept rooted in Arnold Rikli’s philosophy, strong integration of nature and movement, flexible meeting facilities, calm and restorative atmosphere, suitable for incentive programs, wellness-focused meetings and retreat-style business events.
Category C – SPA MEETING HOTELS
Winner: RIMSKE TERME, Rimske Terme, Slovenia, final score: 4.865
Rimske Terme positions itself as Slovenia’s leading spa meeting hotel, seamlessly combining ancient heritage with contemporary wellness and conference infrastructure. The resort continues to stand out as the country’s first adults-only spa destination, offering a calm and focused environment for meetings, incentives and restorative business retreats. Its location along the Savinja River enhances the sense of seclusion and balance between work and relaxation.
The hotel differentiates itself through an exceptionally committed and professional team, a modern and flexible conference centre and a holistic guest experience that integrates wellness, gastronomy and local tradition. The final impression is defined by tranquillity, authenticity and consistent service quality, positioning Rimske Terme as a benchmark spa meeting destination for incentive and retreat-oriented events.
Benchmark insight: historic spa heritage, adults-only concept, riverside location, modern and flexible conference facilities, strong wellness focus, holistic guest experience, highly engaged staff, ideal for incentive, retreat and spa-focused meeting formats.
2nd place: WELLNESS HOTEL SOTELIA, Podčetrtek, Slovenia, final score: 4.842
Wellness Hotel Sotelia positions itself as a nature-integrated spa and meeting hotel that blends contemporary design with a strong focus on wellness and sustainability. The hotel continues to stand out through its distinctive architecture, extensive use of natural materials and seamless integration with the surrounding landscape, creating a calm and restorative environment for meetings and incentives. The hotel differentiates itself through a holistic wellness concept, flexible meeting facilities and a service approach that supports both professional focus and relaxation. Its layout allows organisers to combine smaller business meetings with wellness-oriented incentive programmes, while the proximity to thermal facilities enhances the overall experience. The final impression is defined by tranquillity, authenticity and a clear positioning within Slovenia’s wellness meetings segment.
Benchmark insight: nature-integrated architecture, strong wellness orientation, extensive use of natural materials, calm and restorative atmosphere, flexible meeting spaces, proximity to thermal spa facilities, suitable for wellness incentives, retreats and smaller meeting formats.
3rd place: HOTEL ŠVICARIJA TERME DOBRNA, Dobrna, Slovenia, final score: 4.788
Hotel Švicarija positions itself as a refined boutique spa and meeting hotel that combines historic elegance with contemporary comfort. The hotel continues to stand out for its beautifully restored heritage architecture, intimate scale, and tranquil park setting, creating an ideal environment for small meetings, executive retreats, and well-being-focused incentive stays. A key competitive advantage is the hotel’s additional offerings, most notably the renowned Mlečna Marjanca Restaurant, which elevates the gastronomic experience and adds value to hosted events. The property further differentiates itself through extensive outdoor areas within the spa park, offering attractive options for outdoor receptions, informal gatherings and incentive activities. The hotel combines personalised service with a calm, adults-only atmosphere and close integration with Terme Dobrna’s wellness and medical expertise. The final impression is defined by charm, tranquillity and versatility, positioning Hotel Švicarija as a distinctive boutique choice within Slovenia’s spa meetings segment.
Benchmark insight: historic boutique hotel with restored heritage architecture, park-side spa location, Mlečna Marjanca Restaurant as a strong gastronomic asset, extensive outdoor event spaces, intimate scale ensuring privacy, personalised service approach, strong wellness and medical integration, suitable for executive meetings, retreats and wellness-oriented incentive formats.
Category D – BOUTIQUE MEETING HOTELS
Winner: PULE ESTATE, Trebeljevo, Slovenia, final score: 4.976
Pule Estate embodies a contemporary interpretation of the boutique hotel philosophy, where “less is more” translates into intimacy, calm and a thoughtfully curated urban retreat. Set within a carefully restored historic house, the estate offers a rare sense of privacy and tranquillity, complemented by direct access to an equestrian environment that adds a distinctive experiential layer rarely found in boutique hotels. The presence of horses and equestrian activities significantly enriches the guest experience, enabling incentive-style programmes and moments of mindful escape within a refined setting. Pule Estate stands out through restrained architecture, warm materials and a limited number of rooms, allowing for a highly personalised stay. The final impression is shaped by authenticity, discretion and a focus on experiential value over volume.
Benchmark insight: historic renovation, boutique-scale accommodation, “less is more” philosophy, equestrian programme with horses as experiential added value, calm residential ambience, limited room count ensuring privacy, strong incentive potential through outdoor and horse-based activities, focus on authenticity and personalised experience.
2nd place: VILA PLANINKA, Jezersko, Slovenia, final score: 4.975
Vila Planinka continues to define the benchmark for Slovenian boutique meeting hotels, successfully carrying its award-winning philosophy into 2026. The hotel’s guiding principle, “less is more,” is consistently translated into a coherent blend of sustainability, refined boutique design and outstanding gastronomy. Its idyllic alpine setting in Jezersko, marked by pristine nature, exceptionally pure air and open mountain views, provides an ideal environment for strategic, executive and highly exclusive events. Vila Planinka differentiates itself through carefully considered architecture, warm natural materials and a deeply personalised service culture delivered by a world-class team. The Michelin-recommended restaurant, led by chef Blaž Derlink, remains a defining asset, impressing with seasonal, locally sourced cuisine. Vila Planinka stands as a best-practice example of sustainable luxury and continues to set standards within the boutique hotel segment.
Benchmark insight: “less is more” boutique philosophy, pristine alpine location with pure air and panoramic views, refined architecture and natural materials, Michelin-recommended gastronomy with strong local sourcing, world-class personalised service, sustainability embedded in daily operations, ideal setting for strategic and incentive-focused events.
3rd place: TRIANGEL BOUTIQUE HOTEL, Gozd Martuljek, Slovenia, final score: 4.928
Triangel Boutique Hotel positions itself as a design-driven alpine boutique hotel that successfully blends contemporary architecture with the dramatic natural setting of the Julian Alps. The hotel continues to stand out for its strong visual identity, panoramic mountain views, and intimate scale, creating a calm yet inspiring environment for small executive meetings and incentive-oriented stays. The architecture deliberately uses glass, wood, and open sightlines, making nature an integral part of the guest experience. Triangel differentiates itself through a relaxed, modern service approach and a lifestyle-oriented atmosphere that appeals to design-conscious guests seeking authenticity over formality. The final impression is shaped by aesthetic consistency, tranquillity and a clear focus on experiential value rather than volume.
Benchmark insight: contemporary alpine architecture with panoramic glazing, strong integration of mountain landscape into guest experience, boutique-scale capacity ensuring privacy, design-forward positioning, suitable for small executive and incentive formats, relaxed lifestyle service concept, proximity to outdoor and nature-based activities.
Category E – CONVENTION CENTRES
Winner: CANKARJEV DOM, Ljubljana, Slovenia, final score: 4.932
Cankarjev dom confirms its role as Slovenia’s most credible convention and cultural venue through a rare synthesis of congress professionalism, cultural depth and in-house operational excellence. Hosting over 3,000 events annually, the centre delivers reliability and experience unmatched in the region. Recently renovated halls, refined acoustics and advanced AV infrastructure support demanding international congresses, while the venue’s cultural DNA adds intellectual weight and narrative value to every event. The final impression is further strengthened by recent spatial upgrades, including a newly added, architecturally refined venue dedicated to an important Slovenian cultural figure, expanding the centre’s programming and spatial flexibility. A highly experienced in-house technical and congress team ensures seamless execution from PCO services to complex hybrid productions.
Benchmark insight: holistic congress service (PCO + technical delivery), IAPCO membership, continuous hall modernisation, newly added commemorative venue as part of latest renovation cycle, Gallus Hall acoustics, in-house technical crews, strong culture–congress synergy, central Ljubljana walkable location, sustainable operations.
2nd place: BRDO CONGRESS CENTRE, Brdo pri Kranju, Slovenia, final score: 4.923
Brdo Congress Centre is Slovenia’s most protocol-ready, security-grade congress venue, combining state-level credibility with calm, natural surroundings that enhance focus and discretion. Set within the Brdo Estate near Kranj, the centre delivers a rare balance between architectural restraint, operational precision and logistical reliability. The modern main congress building offers spacious, column-free halls, excellent acoustics, and advanced technical infrastructure suited to high-level international summits, government meetings, and confidential corporate events. The final impression is defined by impeccable organisation, strict access control and a highly professional in-house team accustomed to VIP and diplomatic protocols, ensuring flawless execution under the highest expectations.
Benchmark insight: government-grade security and protocol standards, column-free plenary hall with natural daylight, discreet estate location near Ljubljana Airport, high-level VIP and delegation handling, strong sustainability focus within protected natural surroundings, proven track record of EU presidencies and international summits, and calm park setting enhancing delegate concentration.
3rd place: CELJE FAIR, Celje, Slovenia, final score: 4.822
Celje Fair & Congress Centre stands out as one of Slovenia’s most versatile large-scale event platforms, successfully bridging classic trade fair infrastructure with contemporary congress and special-event production. Its greatest strength lies in its scale flexibility: modular halls, high load capacities, and a strong technical backbone enable seamless transformation from congresses and exhibitions to unconventional formats such as automotive launches, industrial showcases, and experiential brand events. The venue’s operational credibility is reinforced by decades of fair-organising expertise and a technically self-sufficient in-house team capable of executing logistically complex projects. Final impression is shaped by the centre’s growing focus on “fair as experience,” where raw exhibition architecture becomes an advantage rather than a limitation.
Benchmark insight: large-format modular halls, high ceiling load and floor capacity, strong technical self-sufficiency, fair-to-congress adaptability, unconventional event formats (“fair place” concept), experienced exhibition operations team, excellent highway accessibility, regional hub role for industrial and B2B events.
3rd place: LJUBLJANA EXHIBITION AND CONVENTION CENTRE, Ljubljana, Slovenia, final score: 4.822
Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre demonstrates its relevance through a rare combination of a central urban location, architectural heritage, and large-scale event functionality. With more than seven decades of tradition, the venue has evolved into a reliable mid-sized regional platform capable of hosting international congresses, exhibitions and hybrid event formats. Recent renovations have elevated technical standards, energy efficiency and visitor comfort while preserving the centre’s modernist architectural identity. The final impression is shaped by pragmatic functionality, a competitive price-to-value ratio, and logistical simplicity, making it a dependable choice for organisers seeking to scale without excessive complexity.
Benchmark insight: central city location within walking distance of hotels and transport, large total event surface (21,000+ sqm), modernist architectural heritage, upgraded technical infrastructure, strong exhibition–congress crossover capability, recent sustainability-driven renovations, solid price-to-value positioning for international events.
Category F – MOST CREATIVE MEETING HOTELS IN SLOVENIA
Winner: ONE66, final score: 4.818
Hotel One66 positions itself as one of Ljubljana’s most creative and unconventional city meeting hotels, offering a fresh alternative to traditional business venues. Entering 2026, the hotel continues to stand out through its bold concept, urban–industrial design and relaxed, community-driven atmosphere that appeals especially to younger and more creative audiences. The hotel differentiates itself through flexible event spaces, most notably The Loft, a multifunctional venue designed for informal meetings, workshops and social interaction. The final impression is defined by originality, versatility and a strong local narrative, positioning Hotel One66 as one of the most exciting and forward-thinking regional venues for creative meetings and non-traditional event formats.
Benchmark insight: unconventional urban–industrial design, creative and informal meeting spaces, The Loft as a multifunctional social hub, relaxed and youthful atmosphere, strong local storytelling, suitable for workshops, start-up events, creative meetings and community-driven formats.
2nd place: BOUTIQUE HOTEL MAJERCA, final score: 4.959
Majerca positions itself as a top-tier boutique hotel defined by intimacy, refined design and outstanding gastronomy. Entering 2026, the property continues to stand out through its exclusive scale and strong culinary focus, creating an elegant setting for boutique meetings, incentives and gastronomic events. The hotel differentiates itself through its restaurant-led concept, where gastronomy is a core asset rather than a supporting feature. The final impression is shaped by culinary credibility, boutique exclusivity and a clear premium positioning, confirming Majerca as one of Slovenia’s leading boutique addresses for high-end, experience-driven events.
Benchmark insight: top-tier boutique category, gastronomy-led concept, intimate scale, premium culinary positioning, elegant design, suitable for executive, incentive and gastronomy-focused event formats.
3rd place: TRIANGEL BOUTIQUE HOTEL, final score: 4.928
Congress Alpbach convinces through a rare synthesis of intellectual legacy, Alpine setting and quietly confident execution that feels entirely authentic. The final impression is shaped by the Centre’s role as a living forum for ideas, where architecture, landscape and programme content reinforce credibility rather than spectacle. Pleasant surprises lie in the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, the team’s calm professionalism, and the sense of community that naturally emerges among participants. Credibility is anchored in decades of thought leadership, sustainable operations and an environment that encourages focus, dialogue and long-term impact over short-lived glamour.
Benchmark insight: Intellectual forum legacy, Alpine-integrated architecture, dialogue-driven formats, strong sustainability ethos, community-focused event experience.
Category G – MOST SUSTAINABLE VENUES IN SLOVENIA
Winner: HOTEL PLESNIK, final score: 4.856
Hotel Plesnik positions itself as one of Slovenia’s most authentic examples of sustainable hospitality, deeply embedded in the protected natural environment of the Logar Valley. Entering 2026, the hotel continues to stand out for its long-term commitment to sustainability, where environmental responsibility is not a trend but a core operating principle shaping its architecture, operations, and the guest experience. The hotel differentiates itself through its holistic sustainability approach, including energy-efficient systems, responsible water management, local sourcing and close cooperation with the surrounding community. Sustainability is seamlessly integrated into daily operations without compromising comfort or service quality. The natural alpine setting further reinforces the hotel’s low-impact philosophy, creating a credible and transparent green meeting and incentive environment. The final impression is defined by authenticity, restraint and genuine respect for nature, positioning Hotel Plesnik as a benchmark for sustainable boutique and incentive hospitality.
Benchmark insight: protected Alpine valley location, holistic sustainability strategy, low-impact operations, local sourcing and community integration, energy and water efficiency, nature-led guest experience, credible green positioning, suitable for sustainable meetings, retreats and eco-conscious incentive formats.
2nd place: FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON MONS, final score: 4.827
Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana Mons positions itself as Slovenia’s leading sustainable meeting hotel, defined by measurable results rather than promotional rhetoric. Entering 2026, the hotel continues to stand out for its comprehensive sustainability strategy, including a 140 kWp rooftop solar plant, precise carbon footprint calculations per overnight stay, and systematic monitoring of water consumption. The hotel differentiates itself through its BREEAM certification, early adoption of EV charging infrastructure and a strong integration with the surrounding forested landscape. Sustainability is embedded across operations, infrastructure and guest communication, creating a credible and transparent green meeting environment. The final impression is shaped by consistency, data-driven sustainability and long-term commitment, fully justifying its recognition as Slovenia’s most sustainable meeting hotel.
Benchmark insight: measurable sustainability performance, BREEAM certification, rooftop solar power plant, carbon and water footprint monitoring, EV charging infrastructure, forest-edge location, transparent guest communication, benchmark for green and responsible meeting formats.
3rd place: VILA PLANINKA, final score: 4.975
Vila Planinka positions itself as one of Slovenia’s most credible examples of sustainable boutique hospitality, where environmental responsibility is embedded into every aspect of the guest experience. The hotel continues to stand out through its “less is more” philosophy, low-impact operations and deep respect for the pristine Alpine environment of Jezersko, making sustainability an authentic value rather than a marketing message.
The hotel differentiates itself through locally sourced materials, energy-efficient design, responsible water and waste management and a strong farm-to-table culinary concept rooted in seasonal and regional ingredients. Sustainability is seamlessly integrated into architecture, gastronomy and service culture, without compromising comfort or quality. The final impression is defined by integrity, restraint and long-term commitment, positioning Vila Planinka as a benchmark for sustainable luxury within the boutique meeting and incentive segment.
Benchmark insight: holistic sustainability concept, low-impact Alpine boutique hotel, local and seasonal gastronomy, energy-efficient design, responsible resource management, strong sense of place, authentic sustainable luxury positioning, ideal for eco-conscious meetings, retreats and incentive formats.
Category H – BEST SPECIAL BUILT VENUES IN SLOVENIA
Winner: LJUBLJANA CASTLE, final score: 4.951
Ljubljana Castle confirms its status as the city’s most authoritative special event venue through a rare combination of historical depth, strategic positioning and contemporary functionality. The medieval fortress, long embedded in Ljubljana’s identity, has been carefully transformed into a multifunctional event platform without diluting its cultural gravitas. The renovated interiors and adaptable meeting spaces are complemented by an expansive courtyard, enabling events that range from protocol-level gatherings to large-scale cultural and corporate receptions. What defines the venue is its elevated sense of place, reinforced by panoramic views, controlled access via the funicular and an atmosphere that naturally lends credibility and symbolic weight to any event hosted within its walls.
Benchmark insight: Iconic city landmark, hilltop destination venue, large-scale courtyard events, protocol and ceremonial credibility, seamless integration of heritage and modern event infrastructure.
2nd place: OTOČEC CASTLE, final score: 4.807
Hotel Grad Otočec positions itself as one of Slovenia’s most distinctive boutique meeting venues, uniquely set on a private river island and defined by its historic castle architecture. The property continues to stand out for its exclusive location on the Krka River, intimate scale, and strong sense of heritage, creating a secluded and prestigious environment for executive meetings, incentive programs, and high-level corporate gatherings. The hotel differentiates itself through its exceptional privacy, personalised service, and refined gastronomy, all supported by carefully curated meeting facilities designed for focused, high-quality events rather than volume. The surrounding parkland and river setting further enhance the experience, offering opportunities for outdoor receptions and informal networking. The final impression is defined by exclusivity, discretion and narrative strength, positioning Hotel Grad Otočec as a benchmark venue for boutique, invitation-only business events.
Benchmark insight: historic castle on a private river island, exclusive and secluded location, boutique-scale capacity ensuring privacy, refined gastronomy, personalised service culture, outdoor park and riverside event potential, ideal for executive meetings, incentives and high-level corporate formats.
3rd place: BLED CASTLE, final score: 4.798
Bled Castle positions itself as Slovenia’s most iconic special event venue, combining dramatic historical architecture with one of the most recognisable panoramic settings in the country. Entering 2026, the venue continues to stand out through its clifftop location overlooking Lake Bled and the Julian Alps, creating a powerful visual backdrop for high-profile events, gala receptions and exclusive corporate gatherings. The venue differentiates itself through its strong historical narrative, multiple atmospheric courtyards and indoor spaces, and the ability to deliver memorable experiences rather than conventional meetings. Events hosted at Bled Castle gain instant prestige and emotional impact, supported by professional event logistics and catering tailored to premium formats. The final impression is defined by symbolism, spectacle and destination storytelling, positioning Bled Castle as a benchmark special venue for once-in-a-lifetime business and social events.
Benchmark insight: iconic clifftop castle above Lake Bled, exceptional panoramic views, strong historical and cultural narrative, multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces, high emotional and symbolic value, suitable for gala dinners, receptions, incentive events and exclusive corporate formats.
Category I – BEST OUTDOOR AND NATURAL SPECIAL VENUES IN SLOVENIA
Winner: POSTOJNA CAVE, final score: 4.747
Postojna Cave confirms its standing as one of Europe’s most distinctive special event venues through a powerful combination of natural monumentality, scale and experiential intensity. The subterranean environment creates an immediate sense of awe, where vast caverns, dramatic formations and controlled lighting transform events into immersive encounters with nature itself. Despite the unconventional setting, the venue operates with disciplined logistics and clearly defined event zones, enabling gala dinners, exclusive receptions and high-impact incentive programmes. Its defining strength lies in its ability to deliver unforgettable events rooted in authenticity and spectacle without compromising safety or professional execution.
Benchmark insight: Natural monument venue, large-scale underground spaces, immersive sensory experience, incentive and gala events, controlled technical and logistical delivery.
2nd place: LIPICA STUD FARM, final score: 4.701
Lipica positions itself as one of Slovenia’s most distinctive heritage event destinations, combining centuries-old Lipizzaner tradition with contemporary hospitality. Entering 2026, the destination continues to stand out for its expansive green setting, strong cultural identity, and the renovated Hotel Maestoso, which offers modern accommodation and professional meeting facilities. The venue differentiates itself through its exceptional sense of place and experiential value, offering access to historic stud farm spaces, outdoor courtyards, and parkland. This allows organisers to design events that go beyond conventional formats. The final impression is defined by authenticity, narrative strength and spatial diversity, positioning Lipica as a benchmark destination for incentive, retreat and experience-driven corporate events.
Benchmark insight: Lipizzaner heritage, historic stud farm setting, renovated Hotel Maestoso, extensive outdoor event spaces, strong storytelling potential, integration of culture and nature, suitable for incentive and experiential corporate formats.
3rd place: CUBO GOLF COURSE, final score: 4.569
Cubo Golf Course & Country Club Ljubljana positions itself as one of Slovenia’s most distinctive greenfield event venues, combining a championship golf course with a refined country club atmosphere. Entering 2026, the venue continues to stand out for its expansive natural setting just outside Ljubljana, offering a calm, discreet environment well-suited for business meetings, corporate gatherings, and incentive events away from the urban bustle. The venue differentiates itself through its open landscapes, panoramic views, and flexible indoor–outdoor event spaces, enabling organisers to host events that emphasise networking, relaxation, and experiential value. Golf-related activities add a strong incentive dimension, while the clubhouse provides an elegant yet informal setting for meetings and receptions. The final impression is defined by tranquillity, exclusivity and lifestyle appeal, positioning Cubo Golf Course as a benchmark venue for outdoor-oriented corporate and incentive formats.
Benchmark insight: championship golf course setting, proximity to Ljubljana, extensive green outdoor areas, indoor–outdoor event flexibility, strong incentive and lifestyle appeal, country club atmosphere, suitable for corporate networking events, incentives and executive gatherings.
About the Meetings Star Award
The Meetings Star, an independent, transparent evaluation of the quality of event destinations, hotels, and special venues, has set quality standards in the events industry for 16 years. It is one of the few accolades based on rigorous, objective criteria and standards. That is one of the reasons the award and the certificate of quality have earned an enviable reputation among event planners.
To learn more about the competition, visit https://meetings-star.eu/.
