Lakeside Yoga & Wellness Weekend in the Julian Alps, Slovenia

The retreat is built around Sunrose 7, a boutique hotel that has been standing in Bohinjska Bistrica since 1890. It is adults-only and markets itself as a digital detox hotel — no strict schedule, no bootcamp atmosphere. The estate runs along the river with a protected chestnut grove on one side and the botanical Park Ceconi on the other. There is a large grass backyard, which doubles as the outdoor yoga space when the weather holds.

The yoga is led by Nicki, a registered yoga teacher who is also a certified SUP yoga instructor and holds a British Canoe Union Foundation Safety & Rescue Certificate. She works with two main styles: hatha and yang vinyasa in the more energising morning-type sessions — built around strengthening muscles and increasing flexibility — and Yin yoga in the slower sessions, a passive practice aimed at deep muscle, fascia and tendon work, joint mobility and chronic pain relief. Classes can be taken as part of a group on the lawn, as private one-on-one sessions, or as SUP yoga out on Lake Bohinj, which is the unusual option here. On the board you work harder to stay balanced, so it hits core strength and muscle tone, and it is more fun than it sounds — falling in is part of it.

Beyond the mat, the hotel has a spa and wellness setup with an Aquapark Wellness & SPA, massages, facials and body wraps, and a panoramic wellness area. A private health and wellness consultation is available if you want advice on diet and lifestyle to take home. Free admission to the Aquapark is included with every room.

Walks are the other main activity. Guests head out on marked trails around Bohinj — along the lake shore, up toward the surrounding viewpoints, or through the forest in Triglav National Park. Bikes can be arranged, and horse riding and climbing are both available in the area. Lake Bohinj itself is about six kilometres from the hotel; Lake Bled is roughly 30 minutes by car. Swimming, kayaking and canoeing happen on the lake in summer. Ljubljana, the capital, is about an hour away. Triglav National Park surrounds the town, so the mountain scenery is the backdrop to everything.

This suits people who want structure available but not imposed. If you want a five-class-a-day schedule with set meal times and a strict detox, this is not that. If you want one or two good yoga sessions a day, a lake to walk around, a spa downstairs and the freedom to go for a long lunch instead of the afternoon class, it is a very good fit. It is also popular with couples — the hotel markets itself as equally good for solo travellers and couples — and the flexible format means mixed groups work fine.

What's included

- Accommodation at Sunrose 7 boutique hotel - Free admission to Aquapark Wellness & SPA with every room - Daily yoga sessions with resident teacher Nicki - Group hatha, yang vinyasa and Yin yoga classes - Use of the hotel garden and lawn yoga space - Meals as per your booking - Optional activities and walks from the programme

What's not included

- Flights - Airport transfers (can be arranged) - Travel insurance - Private 1:1 yoga sessions - SUP yoga session (available at extra cost, seasonal) - Spa treatments, massages, facials and body wraps - Private health and wellness consultation - Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses - Bike hire, horse riding, climbing and other off-site activities