Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie spent their post-wedding celebration “mini-moon” in an eco-hotel in the secluded Slovenian highlands, where visitors may eat bear prosciutto and experience a calming “balance of energies.”
About 30 minutes from Ljubljana, Vila Planinka is located in a valley close to the settlement of Jezersko in the Kokra Valley. It provides vegan toiletries and tap water with the “highest magnesium level in Slovenia,” which is supposedly excellent for the heart.
The five-star boutique hotel, whose rooms range in price from £242 to £542 per night, emphasizes its “wellness” program and claims that, owing to “four energy spots” that were found “centuries ago” in its garden, guests will “slow down, harmonising your rhythm with your inner balance.”
There is no wiring in any of the 23 rooms, and you can only use the Wi-Fi in the lobby; it is not installed in the rooms unless you specifically request it.
He was one of the nicest visitors we have ever had and asked for nothing, said hotel owner Katja Batajelj and her daughter Lana to the Telegraph after the Johnsons left on Saturday night.
He enjoyed the meal and drink very much. We would be really blessed if all visitors were like him.
The Postojna caves are a collection of gigantic natural caverns with a storybook medieval castle at the entrance.
Ms. Batajelj characterized the pair as “extremely busy” and said that they went trekking, swam at the nearby lake, and visited the caves.
Their two-year-old Wilf and seven-month-old Romy were not present.
In addition to a spa within Vila Planinka with Finnish and infrared saunas, it promotes a number of other outdoor activities in the neighboring mountains, such bike rides and a “romantic nighttime trek.”
The restaurant at the villa uses ingredients from the area’s fauna; “bear cheeks” and “bear prosciutto” are both included on the tasting menu, which may include up to seven dishes and cost €78 (£66).
Slovenia has the greatest number of bears in all of Europe, and the animal is prized there as a delicacy.
The Jezersko area, close to the Austrian border, is known as “the green gem of Europe” and is a favorite destination for mountain bikers, hikers, and climbers.
After a delayed wedding ceremony last month, Mr. Johnson and Carrie left for Slovenia.
Given the present economic challenges confronting Britain, the news that the Chancellor, Nadhim Zahawi, was on vacation at the same time drew significant criticism.
It happened at the same time as the Bank of England forecasted inflation would reach 13%, up from their prior prediction of 11%, and a five-quarter recession beginning late this year.
The PM will be informed of happenings while gone, according to past statements from Number 10.
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng also said this morning that he is in “frequent” touch with both men, adding, “I’m here, I’m in your studio, I’m in a suit, and I’m not on vacation.”
In response to his admission that he “doesn’t know” where the prime minister is, Mr. Kwarteng told Sky News that the chancellor is always accessible.
I’m in touch with him, he continued. I just chatted to him this morning on WhatsApp, and he is fully aware of everything that is happening.
“I’m the business secretary, I’m at your studio, wearing a suit, and I’m not on vacation,” she said. And attempting to solve this issue is our exclusive priority.
He said that “the Prime Minister and the Chancellor are absolutely on top of what is occurring” and that they are in daily communication with him.
Angela Rayner of Labour, however, asserted: “The Tories have ruined the economy.” They are currently missing in action.
Mr. Johnson has made some contentious visits in the past.
Last year, as the Taliban advanced on the capital of Afghanistan, the Prime Minister reportedly started a vacation in Somerset and then quickly returned to Westminster.
A few weeks later, while Afghans and Britons were still trapped in Kabul due to the departure of soldiers, he attracted attention once again when he departed Downing Street on a four-day holiday with his family.
No. 10 refused to call the trip a vacation at the time and said he was “continue to work.”
Also in 2021, a trip to Spain at a property owned by the family of the minister Lord Goldsmith sparked criticism for its lack of openness.
Mr. Johnson came under fire from Labour for including a complimentary vacation at the villa on the list of ministers’ interests but not on the parliamentary register, which may have required the publishing of further information like the cost of the stay.