Portoroz, Slovenia
Kempinski Palace Portoroz Istria
Royal Retreat
What it is
A historic, palatial hideaway overlooking the Adriatic Sea with an indulgent spa.
What it isn't
Uninterested in your comfort. In fact, it’s quite the opposite: guest coziness is so paramount here that you’ll select your pillow. Among the choices? everything from vitamin E-treated premium down to Swiss pine, made from Arven wood chips from Switzerland. Also on the comfort menu: bath choices (you want the Good Night Bath) and myriad other things that will get you a solid 8-12 hours, including a pillow mist spray and “Relaxing Tea for Sleep.”
What we think
Slovenia no longer has a royal family, but if it did, this hotel would be their home away from home. It truly earned the name palace, with manicured gardens, columned terraces and sumptuous touches in the rooms, including scroll arm furniture that could very well sit atop a throne. Book a Grand Deluxe Room with a sea view and you’ll find Art Deco-inspired interiors that transport you to Gatsby-era Long Island, plus all the trappings of a European hotel stay (a bidet is just the beginning). Notably, there are five restaurants on the premises; breakfasts at Crystal Hall—under glimmering chandeliers that have hung there since 1910—are edible legends (pile your pastries high with the housemade marmalade; you won’t regret it).
You're here because
The hotel has both indoor and outdoor pools flanked by cloud-white daybeds, plus three sauna options (Finnish, Turkish and infrared, natch).
The Moment
Bubbles Bar has perfected the art of the tipple, and not just the champagne (though the Clos du Mesnil 1996 is indeed the best you’ve had). No, you’re equally impressed with what just may be the most well-curated horde of Irish malt whiskeys outside the United Kingdom—and the fact that you’re a-ok to sip them while smoking a stogie from their collection of fine cigars. Now THIS is living !
Restaurants & Bars
Sophia Gourmet Restaurant - Mediterranean gourmet cuisine
Fleur de sel - Modern and global culinary trends
Palace Club - Lobby bar with drinks and varied internationl snacks
Pool Bar - Stylish refreshments by the pool
Bubbles Bar - An aperitif & digestif bar
Sophia Gourmet Restaurant - Sophia is a a gourmet, slow-food restaurant offering fresh local Mediterranean cuisine with an Italian influence.
The restaurant is open only for dinner and offers the possibility of al fresco dining
Fleur de sel - is a day and evening a la carte restaurant and bar, located just above the pool. The restaurant offers a young and fresh feel, while the cuisine is based on modern and global Mediterranean trends. The terrace is located just above the outside pool, offering beautiful views overlooking the Piran bay.
Palace Club - is our lobby bar, which opens in the evening and offers live music performances on Friday's and Saturday's. It offers a selection of cocktails, local spirits, fresh juices and international snacks and dishes
Pool Bar - located next to the inside and outside pool, offering a varied selection of refreshments, pool snacks and plates.
Bubbles Bar - evening bar, located next to our restaurant Sophia. Offering a long selection of international and local wines, aperitif's and digestif's
Location
Set directly across from the sea in the ancient fishing town of Portoroz, a 10 minute drive from Portoroz Airport.