Hotel Plesnik has been included on The World’s Greatest Places 2026 list, published by TIME. Compiled from nominations submitted by TIME’s international network of correspondents and contributors, the list highlights outstanding destinations to visit and stay around the world. This year’s selection places particular emphasis on places offering fresh, distinctive and inspiring experiences.
At Hotel Plesnik, the recognition is seen primarily as a confirmation of long-term efforts to develop a high-quality hospitality experience in the unspoiled setting of Logar Valley. “We receive this recognition with deep gratitude and sincere humility. At the same time, we feel a great responsibility – to respectfully preserve, develop and enrich the heritage entrusted to us in the years ahead,” emphasises Urška Kolar, the managing director of Hotel Plesnik.
The philosophy of Hotel Plesnik is rooted in the harmony of pristine nature, sustainability, well-being, tradition and outstanding gastronomy, which in recent years has become one of the key pillars of its identity.
Six Centuries of Tradition
The story of the Plesnik family in Logar Valley dates back to 1426, when their ancestors first settled in the valley. The first hotel opened in 1932, while the current hotel began operating in its renewed form in 1995 under the leadership of today’s owner, Martina Plesnik. Through her dedication, she has played an important role in preserving the valley’s unspoiled nature and authentic character, with the hotel becoming one of the most recognisable symbols of this glacial landscape.
More about the philosophy of Hotel Plesnik
A New Culinary Chapter
In partnership with legendary chef Janez Bratovž and under the creative leadership of the hotel’s head chef Tom Čopar, the culinary concept of Hotel Plesnik has been transformed over the past two years. The hotel first renewed its restaurant with a new à la carte menu, followed by the opening of the Plesnik Fine Dining Restaurant, centred around seasonal tasting menus. The resulting cuisine weaves together the culinary heritage of grandmother Marija Plesnik, local producers from the valley and contemporary techniques, while always remaining deeply connected to its surroundings. Each dish pays tribute to the nature of Logar Valley – its flavours, seasons, micro-location and rhythms, brought to the plate daily with creativity and respect.
The new culinary direction has quickly attracted international attention. Last year, the restaurant at Hotel Plesnik was included in the Michelin Selected list and received the Michelin Green Star, the highest recognition for sustainable practices and an environmentally responsible approach to gastronomy. It was also included for the first time in the prestigious Falstaff Restaurant Guide 2025, where the quality of its cuisine, ambience, service and wine selection placed it among the culinary elite of the wider Alpine region. Plesnik’s sustainable culinary story was also recognised by the global gastronomic platform 50 Best Discovery.
Sustainability as Everyday Practice
Sustainability is the guiding principle of Hotel Plesnik’s operations. It is built on respect for nature, the preservation of cultural heritage and close cooperation with local suppliers, tourist farms and producers from the Upper Savinja Valley. This approach helps safeguard the valley’s ecosystem while supporting the local community.
Unique Experiences
In recent years, Plesnik has devoted particular attention to designing and co-creating experiences together with local partners. Guests can enjoy carefully curated experiences that combine nature, tradition, well-being and the authentic flavours of the valley – from relaxation programmes, yoga, meditation and Ayurvedic approaches to nature and herbal exploration, creative workshops, sensory experiences and the tasting and preparation of local specialities. All are rooted in local knowledge, sustainable practices and close ties with the community. In May this year, the hotel will introduce a new experience, the Shepherd’s Trail, developed together with local partners and supported by the European ST3ER project.
Looking Ahead
At Hotel Plesnik, the inclusion on the prestigious TIME list is seen as an additional encouragement for the future, as new investments and improvements continue. The hotel has recently completed a full renovation of its kitchen, enabling further development of its gastronomic offering, while future efforts remain focused on providing a holistic retreat in the unspoiled nature of Logar Valley.
