Hotel Grad Otočec

MICHELIN Guide Slovenia : a night at Otočec Castle

"Built in the thirteenth century on an island of the Krka River less than an hour from Ljubljana, this romantic castle-hotel in Slovenia’s peaceful Dolenjska region feels straight out of a fairytale: ten plush rooms and six suites, a round tower concealing an incredible cellar of Slovenian wines, and a restaurant newly awarded with a Michelin Plate. In 29-year-old chef Nejc Ban’s kitchen—where he once apprenticed and now leads a brigade of eight—passion for local tradition meets quiet creativity: meats may be served in generous, bone-on cuts inspired by the castle’s history; the surrounding forest yields strong-flavored yet tender game (he once prepared a bear paw according to old Slovenian tradition), and when the season is open, local hunters bring their quarry on Sundays. The 2,500 m² organic garden overflows with pumpkins, leeks, herbs, berries, apples, tomatoes and edible flowers, and guests are encouraged to pick their own vegetables and ask the chef to improvise. His philosophy is simplicity—“You need to feel the trout, the beef, the vegetables”—yet he loves to weave flavors in cold starters like garden tomatoes with fresh herbs and a refreshing basil mousse, a crunchy lace-like Parmesan cracker with a ricotta-stuffed pumpkin flower, or applewood-smoked beef carpaccio. Whether I sit in the earthy-toned dining room or outside in the courtyard guarded by medieval walls, dinner feels once-in-a-lifetime: romantic, mysterious, and plated with fairytale whimsy. Desserts by pastry chef Tatjana Cerjak charm and delight, from a white-chocolate apple hiding light mascarpone whipped cream to a chocolate flowerpot. Between swims or fly-fishing in the crystal-clear Krka, bike rides, hikes, wildlife watching, the adventure park, and an 18-hole golf course (with a small, delicious catering service)—plus spa time nearby, helicopter rides and even game hunting—I can happily burn it all off before sinking into a cozy yet princely room to dream of royals, knights and witches." - Le Guide MICHELIN