VILLA LAVANDA

OUR VIEW
We had been in contact with the owner, Bojan Hladnik, for some time during 2008 - but as we were about to swap countries, we had to wait until we arrived in Slovenia.

It was worth the wait.

One fine, sunny day in late October, we drove from our new home in Ljubljana, about an hour or so south-west to Istra (Eng. Istria). The journey down to the coast is now a breeze (especially from October on, as the local north wind - the Burja - whips up nicely), until you get just above the port of Koper, where the road gets a bit tight 'n' wibbly. Fear not, it's just a short way between the hill-top villages until you get to the simply beautiful (thanks Al Green) Lavanda cottage.

We were met by Bojan and his wife Darija, who showed us around the property while telling us the story of how it was built - that is, re-built. Later we were treated to a wonderful meal (they can offer the same hospitality to you, too), which lasted for a good few hours, while they talked of their wonderful life and we talked of our wonderful business.

ACCOMMODATION
The ground floor of the building is open(ish) plan, and comprises a lounge with a large, comfortable sofa, TV and a wood-burning fire, a dining area that will seat up to six, and a well-equipped kitchen.

The upper floor has two large double bedrooms, one of which has a single day bed, suitable for a fifth person. All of the upper rooms overlook the large garden, which in turn has marvelous views of the surrounding olive groves and vineyards. In fact, on a clear day, you can see the Adriatic. A major feature of Villa Lavanda is the swimming pool - not huge, but perfect for a 'proper' swim or a bit of a splash-about. There is also a little pool house, which includes a shower and toilet.

The house isn't 'season dependent': as well as air-conditioning for the summer months, there is under-floor central heating to keep you snuggly warm during the autumn and winter (although when we were there at the end of October, we got a tan!).

AROUND AND ABOUT
For those of you who want to kick back and relax, Villa Lavanda is probably all you need. We, on the other hand, sometimes think we want to laze around... but curiosity always gets the better of us. So, for those like us, there's plenty to do and see.

The pretty coastal towns of Piran and Portorož are a short drive away (not places you'll want to stay in, but nice to visit), and the port of Koper is even cloaser. Watch out for the fish restaurants on the front in Piran: very tempting but very naff food. The coastal hinterland is gorgeous - full of vineyards and olive groves - go for a nice walk or drive through the hills and down to the coast.

Upon arrival, along with basic foodstuffs, you will receive a little welcome pack of goodies, depending on the season. If there is some of Bojan's olive oil, DO NOT pack it up to take home. Open it, pour some on a plate and mop it up with some fresh bread. Then plead with Bojan to sell you a bigger bottle.

WORKING UP AN APPETITE
Olive picking. One or two days in November, Bojan can arrange olive picking on his own grove, or others nearby.
Grape harvest . September to mid-October - pick grapes, drink wine, eat, sleep. Repeat. Marvelous.
Wandering Villa Lavanda is about 300m up above the Dragonja River Valley (a national park), so there's plenty of scope for ambling - both horizontal and vertical.
Sailing in the Adriatic can be arranged on various sizes of floaty things.

Full day trips can also be made to the Postojna caves, while Ljubljana is just over an hour away on the motorway.

LANGUAGES
Slovene, English, Italian

CHILDREN
They'll love it.

WEATHER
Villa Lavanda sits just above the Adriatic. You can expect very warm summers: July and August are the hottest months, with daytime temperatures around 26C, while during spring and autumn you can expect around 12-18C. Evening temperatures will be slightly lower, so bring something a little warmer. Winters are normally very sunny and there is seldom snow - but that would just make Villa Lavanda a cosier place to stay!

WHEN & HOW LONG
Villa Lavanda is open throughout the year. For as long as you like, but there is a minimum stay of five nights.

TO TAKE WITH YOU
This is not the place for suits and high heels - shorts, T-shirts, sturdy shoes or boots, something warm for the evenings and something waterproof in case it rains, is best.

CAR HIRE
AVIS - click on this link and you will open a new window for the Avis Slovenia website, from where you can book your car.

HOW TO GET THERE
Closest destination airports are in this colour.
Click on the airline name to open their web page in a new window.

From Gatwick:
Ljubljana with Adria (the national airline).
Venice with BA
From Stansted:
Ljubljana or Rijeka with EasyJet.
Trieste, Klagenfurt, Graz with Ryanair.
From Luton:
Zagreb with Wizz.
From Manchester:
Ljubljana with Adria (summer months only).
From Bristol:
Venice with EasyJet.
From Birmingham:
Trieste with Ryanair, Wednesday and Sunday only.

DRIVING TO VILLA Lavanda (Google map here)

Click here for directions from Ljubljana or Trieste (Trst).