Luxury travel, at its very best, is invisible. It’s the feeling that every detail has been anticipated before you’ve even thought to ask. We sent Wellness Editor, Anji McGrandles on a 48-hour escape to Slovenia organised and designed by HansJet and Hans Travel & Lifestyle for a masterclass in white-glove travel where precision, discretion, and indulgence are centre stage.
The journey began at my front door. A private chauffeur collected me and delivered me straight to London Luton, where the HansJet Pilatus PC-12 awaited. No terminals, no queues, no waiting. Within 15 minutes of arrival at the private FBO, I was stepping onto the tarmac and into the executive cabin, a mid-size jet experience that immediately sets the tone of my trip. Plush seating, generous legroom, and a dual-crew on board meant the service felt both polished and personal.
With catering tailored to my preferences and a serene onboard experience led by the pilot, this was flying as it should be — discreet, seamless, and miles away from the noise of commercial flying.
Just over two hours later, we touched down in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s quietly captivating capital.
Discover Ljubljana
Small, elegant, and effortlessly walkable, Ljubljana is a city that reveals itself slowly, especially in winter. December transforms the old town into a festive dream, with Christmas markets lining the riverbanks and fairy lights reflecting off the water. The architecture is striking, and the entire city feels perfectly scaled for a short escape.
We checked into AS Boutique Hotel, a beautifully designed property with one of the best locations in the city. From here, everything is within easy reach, and the views of Ljubljana Castle perched above the rooftops are a constant reminder of the city’s storybook charm.
That evening, Hans Travel & Lifestyle had arranged dinner at Restaurant JAZ by Ana Roš, led by Slovenia’s most celebrated chef. The tasting menu was innovative and seasonal, balancing creativity with an unapologetically local point of view. Paired with Slovenian wines, it was a reminder that this country’s wine scene remains one of Europe’s most underrated. For those keen to explore further, then visit Suklje, a stylish wine bar in old Ljubljana with over 450 exceptional wines that rival far more famous regions.
An Insider Guide to Slovenia
The next morning unfolded at a gentle pace, beginning with breakfast before a guided wander through Ljubljana’s Christmas markets. Accompanied by Olga Navarro, General Manager at Hans Travel & Lifestyle, the experience felt entirely bespoke, less tour, more insider access.
A curated walk through the Central Market followed, layered with tastings, stories, and introductions to local flavours. It was immersive without being overwhelming, and every detail felt thoughtfully considered. Later, a leather crafting workshop with EvilEve, one of Slovenia’s most distinctive artisans, offered a hands-on creative moment that balanced the indulgence of the trip with something meaningful and memorable.
Just minutes from the hotel is Aftr, a cool, lively restaurant with private booths, fantastic cocktails, and a banging playlist. The Mediterranean-inspired menu was designed for sharing and socialising, making it one of the city’s popular dinner spots. Chef Jorg Zupan is one of the key players in the recent culinary revolution that has put Slovenia on the world map of gourmet destinations, having cut his teeth at Pied à Terre and Heston Bloomenthal’s The Fat Duck.
Lake Bled: An Alpine Fairy-tale
On our final day, we departed Ljubljana for Lake Bled, just 30 minutes away yet utterly transportive. Snow-dusted peaks, emerald water, and a church-topped island create one of Europe’s most enchanting landscapes.
An exclusive guided visit to Bled Castle included sweeping views, a sparkling wine reception, and a demonstration of traditional printing techniques, a rare glimpse into Slovenia’s cultural heritage. From there, a traditional pletna boat carried us across the lake to Bled Island, complete with a surprise tasting of potica, the country’s loved walnut cake.
You can spend hours exploring the lake and surrounding area. There’s trails and walking paths, and in December, you’ll find a Christmas market lakeside. After boat rides, exploring the castle, nosing around churches, and walking around the lake, I was ready for lunch. The Old Cellar House is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a bite to eat while admiring the fabulous views. Their menu combines traditional Slovenian dishes with a modern twist.
Seamless Service
The true measure of luxury travel, however, is not when everything goes to plan, but when it doesn’t.
Just hours before our return flight, Ljubljana airport was closed due to heavy fog. Where this might spell chaos for most travellers, HansJet and Hans Travel & Lifestyle demonstrated exactly what white-glove service really means. Olga had everything in hand before I even had time to worry. The flight was swiftly rerouted to Austria, and private ground transport was arranged to take us directly there — calmly handled without delay.
There was no disruption, no stress, no sense of inconvenience. Just flawless coordination executed behind the scenes while I sipped tea totally unaware.
We landed back at Luton at 7:45pm, where a chauffeur was waiting just metres from the jet steps. By 8:15pm, I was back on my sofa at home, a door-to-destination experience delivered with absolute precision.
Much of this ease comes down to the HansJet Membership programme, which quietly sidesteps the compromises of commercial flying, ad-hoc charters, and full aircraft ownership. With clear monthly pricing and no upfront acquisition costs, it offers ownership-level access without the operational noise.
After a whirlwind 48 hours and a genuine ‘pinch-me’ travel moment, I’m not convinced my EasyJet flight next week will quite cut it.
Photography by Mark Dellbello Ocepek.
