Tiny Home, Big Adventure | My Eco Stay Escape In Slovenia

When I travel, I look for unique hotels and Airbnb’s to have different experiences in different cities, often changing my accommodation every two to three nights. When doing this, I prioritize places owned by locals to ensure my dollars go to locals instead of large corporations. I also stay at places that are more environmentally friendly, to make sure I’m travel more sustainably. On my trip to Slovenia I stayed in several interesting places, some with fabulous views, but one of the most interesting stays was an eco stay in a tiny home in the woods. It was located near several charming cities near the Adriatic coast and run by a Slovenian couple.

Tiny Home Eco Stay

This tiny home eco stay is tucked in a serene landscape, surrounded by lush greenery. It was very peaceful and quiet. It definitely felt like an escape into nature, which was a a nice relief after several touristy cities. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the three charming cities I visited on the Adriatic, Piran, Izola, and Koper, but sometimes all the tourism can be a bit much. This was the perfect escape.

I was able to visit the cities during the day, enjoy their vibrant culture and history, eat delicious fresh seafood and pasta, and retreat to a peaceful environment at night. All this while traveling sustainably.

On top of that, the owner, who stays near the tiny home, was so sweet and charming, I felt completely safe despite sleeping in the woods by myself. Especially that first morning when I cracked opened the door of the tiny home to see him skipping down the path with a smile after dropping off my breakfast basket. I wish I had that on video…

Sustainable Tiny Home

The tiny home is thoughtfully designed, featuring eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices. Its rustic charm is elegant, while enhancing your connection to nature.

It’s constructed of wood and glass, with large windows all along the side and top to allow natural light to flood the space and offer tranquil views of the landscape. The perfect backdrop for relaxation.

It’s not much bigger than the bed, which is covered in white netting, making it look romantic as well as protecting you from bugs if you decide to sleep with the doors open. There are also white curtains, both above the bed and alongside it so you can cover the windows for more privacy. Beside this, it is eco-friendly, with no electricity.

There is a little space in front of and behind the bed. You can use this as sitting space, with the door open, or your luggage. There’s also a solar light on the door that stays lit for a few hours after sunset. I had come to Slovenia to hike, so I had a headlamp with me that I also used.

In front of the tiny home there are two chairs and a table set on a patio. This is where the owner brings you breakfast (more on that below). Behind the tiny house, is an open fire pit, where you can enjoy a glass of wine, or maybe roast some marshmallows if you are so inclined.

There’s an outdoor sink, which is beautiful in a very rustic way. It’s made of slabs of stone with water running via a pump. There’s also an outdoor shower that hangs beside the tiny home, so you shower outside.

The toilet is a compost toilet behind the tiny house. The compost part of this makes this tiny home even more eco-friendly. After you use it, you cover everything with a coating of sawdust, which is the composting part of it. It’s also private, even though it’s outside, with a reed fence around it.

While it might seem a little scary to sleep out in the woods by yourself, the owner, who is extremely charming, stays in a cute little villa on the property just a few yards away. Because of this I felt very safe, even as a solo female traveler.

Breakfast

Breakfast here is lovely. Andrej, the owner, drops off a basket at the table on the patio with your food carefully packed inside. It feels like you’re opening a gift with all the little jars and containers.

Mine had three types of jam, which looked home made and a little jar of honey. I didn’t ask, but there are bee boxes on the property, so I think the honey is fresh as well. There was also yogurt, smashed avocado, sliced bananas, some cream cheese and butter, as well as coffee or tea, which ever you prefer, and some milk. There was bread as well, so you can combine all this any way you want.

This lovely tiny home eco stay is more than just a place to stay; it’s a destination that emphasizes harmony with nature and sustainable travel. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, this eco-friendly retreat offers a unique experience that will leave you refreshed and inspired.

The listing on Airbnb is at a few days of nature in sLOVEnian Istria.

Things To Do Nearby

Although this tiny home is remote, there is so much to do nearby. In addition to nature walks on the property, it’s located in Marezige, which is wine country. There are over a dozen wineries dotting this part of western Slovenia to explore.

This includes a place called Wine Paradise, where there’s a Wine Fountain you can drink from while enjoying stunning views of the valley below and Adriatic Sea beyond.

Of course you can also take day trips to Piran, Izola, and Koper. And although I stayed in Piran for a few days in a lovely Airbnb overlooking the sea, it’s such a lovely town, I went back to explore more. I also spent more time in Izola and Koper.

I also visited the Lipizzaner horses at the Lipica Stud Farm. This stud farm dates back to the 16th century when it was created by the Hapsburg’s to breed the majestic white Lipizzaner horses that are so well known for their grace, beauty, and intelligence. This was about a 40-minute drive from my eco stay. I also visited Trieste Italy, which is a port city also on the Adriatic coast. It’s about 30 minutes away.

Alternatively, you could simply turn this into a nature retreat with mindfulness practices or, if you bring your yoga mat, your own yoga retreat.

Want More Of Slovenia?

As noted above Piran, Izola, and Koper are nearby, three little gems on the Adriatic coast. Piran is the most charming of the three, but also the most touristic. All three are lovely little towns and definitely worth visiting. Aside from my eco stay, I stayed in Piran in a lovely Airbnb on a hilltop overlooking the sea.

I also stayed in Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana. This enchanting city is located closest to the international airport. You can explore the medieval castle overlooking the old town, walk the riverside promenade and admire its beautiful architecture and bridges, learn its history, and enjoy its delightful cafe culture.

I also stayed in Bled, another must-see, although admittedly a little touristic due to its beauty. With stunning alpine Bled Lake, and fairytale-like Bled Castle soaring above it, it’s like walking into a postcard. It also makes a great base for the area as there is plenty of adventure nearby. You can explore Vintgar Gorge, hike Mount Triglav, hike Seven Lakes, or go canyoneering, river rafting, and even skydiving.

Safe Travels!

Julie