In sharp contrast to Ljubljana’s largely low rise look, the sleek modernist 20-storey InterContinental Ljubljana certainly stood out as a gleaming landmark during my lux weekend break in the Slovenian capital.
Not only is the InterContinental the city’s first five star luxury hotel, it is also now the city’s most prominent skyscraper. At 81 metres, it is the tallest tower in central Ljubljana and the second tallest in the city and country (there’s another 20-storey building on the outskirts of town, called the Crystal Palace, that is taller by 8m).
Close to all the action and much of what I wanted to see or do, the hotel served as a smart HQ for my itinerary and a welcome retreat for a few days of leisure. Indeed as much as I enjoyed my meanders around town, I must admit that two of my favourite moments took place at the InterContinental.
Per usual for me, one involved food. The other was my session at the hotel’s spa.
B – Alfredo Russo
One of the best meals had in Ljubljana (and during all of last year in fact) was at B – Alfredo Russo at the top floor of the InterContinental.
Michelin starred Italian Chef Alfredo Russo’s Slovenian outpost pairs rooftop dining with sweeping views and a dynamic haute cuisine menu. As presided over capably by the restaurant’s Executive Chef Komnen Bakić), my dinner at B restaurant yielded an exquisite blend of Russo’s Piedmontese upbringing, the best of local knowhow and seasonal ingredients, and a savvy understanding of what fine dining is supposed to be about these days.
Every morsel tasted was a dream. But one dish in particular that ought not to go unmentioned was the tortino di melanzane (aubergine, tomatoes, and smashed mozzarella with a Parmesan biscuit). In a word: wow.
More at brestaurant.si/en.
Saruna Spa
The other indulgent excuse to ‘just stay in’ was a panoramic pause spent lounging at the InterContinental’s 18th floor Saruna Spa where I enjoyed a 45-minute massage with heated Himalayan salts followed by laps in the zero-edge indoor pool and a deeply relaxing scenic soak in the Jacuzzi. I’m a sucker for a Jacuzzi – especially one with a view, and if that view happens to be a commanding one of medieval castles and snowcapped Alps seen from floor-to-ceiling windows then so much the better!
For details go to saruna.si.
InterContinental Ljubljana is located at Slovenska Cesta 59, Ljubljana 1000. Find out more at ihg.com/intercontinental.
And please stay tuned for more in my Ljubljana Lux series.
