A bit Jugendstil, a bit Art Nouveau, a pinch of Cubism, Bauhaus and a few measures of Art Deco: Always an impressive sight, the “Palace” in Portoroz, designed by Austrian architect Johannes Eustachio, opened in 1910 and was improved again and again in subsequent years. During the Austro-Hungarian monarchy Portoroz, the “harbour of roses” on the Gulf of Piran was one of the most important and sophisticated resort spas in Europe, in addition to Grado, Venice’s Lido and Opatija.

The spacious, luxurious grand hotel with its beautiful park fit right in with this. Illustrious guests cavorted here and enjoyed the mild climate and the view of the sea – European aristocracy with entourage, famous film actors decades later, including Sophia Loren, Marcello Mastroianni, Yul Brunner and Orson Welles. Before falling asleep like Sleeping Beauty in 1983, the palace was declared a listed building and the park protected as a monument of shaped nature ...

Almost 100 years after celebrating its first opening the grand hotel on the promenade glistens with renewed splendour as “Kempinski Palace Portoroz”. The historic section was extensively refurbished and now accommodates over a hundred rooms and suites, including a presidential suite, the belle epoque ballroom with magnificent terrace restored true to the original, event rooms, elegant bars and lounges, a few boutiques and the “Palace Club”.

The gourmet restaurant “Sophia” is also situated here. Dark wood panels and bright pillars dominate its interior, a splendid place to dine. The menu features Mediterranean and Italian fare with most products originating from the region. There are freshly caught fish and shellfish, along with Slovenian wine from the Kristancic winery being produced by the family’s third generation in Dobrovo.

The chic “Fleur de Sel” bar and restaurant lounge, along with other rooms and suites and reception, is located in the recently constructed section of the building. On white leather sofas guests have an aperitif – Spritz is currently in fashion –, before enjoying a modern interpretation of Slovenian cuisine on the terrace.

The Kempinski Rose Spa, 1,500 square metres in size, is all about relaxation and well-being. Treatment rooms, rasul bath, Finnish sauna, aroma steam bath, hammam, jacuzzi and rest areas are spread across two floors. The rose and salt applications with raw materials from the region are especially popular. An area with indoor and outdoor pools and exquisite terrace round all this off ...

Hotel Director Thies-Christian Bruhn has invited people to a barbecue on the rooftop terrace: The view sweeps over the promenade and bathing jetties, the water sparkles in the evening sun. Perhaps hotel boats will already be departing from down there on day trips to Venice in the coming season.

Text: Regine Smith Thyme

Kempinski Palace Portoroz

Obala 45
6320 Portoroz, Slovenia
Tel. ++386/5692/7000, Fax 7950

For further information: http://www.kempinski-portoroz.com/en/home/index.htm