Its attraction and powers were worshipped by pilgrims in the Middle Ages, rediscovered by the Swiss healer, Arnold Rikli, in the 19th century, relished by the Yugoslav royal family between the two world wars and subsequently enjoyed by Tito and his many prominent guests. What is it that makes Bled so appealing to the modern business traveller?

Meetings now and then

It may be the tradition of hosting a colourful palette of high-end events ranging from corporate, government and association meetings to prestigious sporting competitions and social events, which makes Bled the perfect host. Infrastructure is undoubtedly important and Bled features the Bled Congress Centre with space for 500 delegates, as well as a plethora of hotels with excellent conference and accommodation facilities within walking distance of one another - but at the end of the day it is the human touch that ensures the success of any event. Bled is proud to have hosted the PEN International Writers' Meetings since 1977; four World Rowing Championships, most recently in 2011; and to be chosen as the meeting place of statesmen from around the world who congregate annually at the Bled Strategic Forum; to name a few events that have made Bled their home.

Hotel meeting facilities for every taste and budget

Meeting planners looking for a combination of tradition and luxury will select the five-star Grand Hotel Toplice as their base; those requiring a large hotel conference centre will choose the Golf Hotel which has the additional benefit of a modern wellness centre, or the Alpine-style Kompas Hotel which prides itself on a high level of personal attention. The Park Hotel and Best Western Premier Lovec Hotel are two friendly four-star alternatives, while the three-star Astoria Hotel boasts newly renovated facilities and the Jelovica and Ribno are long established, value-for-money favourites.

The great outdoors beckons

If participants would like to blend business with pleasure, Bled offers plenty of possibilities. Lying at the edge of Triglav National Park, nature is at its best, providing a wonderful playground for golfers, cyclists, hikers and adrenaline sports enthusiasts. Why not visit the Adventure Park on Straža hill or work out and team build with Olympic rowing champions?

Back to basics cuisine

Tradition is also honoured in the dishes created by the young and ambitious chefs of Bled. The chef at Hotel Triglav likes to study old recipes prepared in the same hotel by previous generations and modernise them with his inventiveness to make new dishes with a touch of nostalgia. The menu at the Lovec Hotel's Grill Restaurant features such regional delicacies as Carniolan sausage, Bled trout and cottage cheese "štruklji" and the chef proudly uses only the best and freshest local ingredients. 

Special venues for special events 

Good company and excellent food require a special ambience in which to be enjoyed. In Bled, the choice ranges from the rustic to the chic, from the relaxed to the elegant. How about a medieval reception at Bled's majestic cliff-top castle, a tasting of traditional Slovenian "potica" cakes on the country's only island to which guests will be taken by wooden boat, a standing reception in the VIP lounge of the Velika Zaka rowing centre, a cocktail party on the terrace of the trendy Vila Prešeren or a gala dinner at Vila Bled's mural-embellished Concert Hall?

Alternatively, you might venture into nearby Radovljica, a village with a well-preserved old core, to enjoy a touch of history combined with culinary delights in one of the traditional Slovenian inns or the stately Radovljica Mansion.

Meetings in Bled go green

Locals and visitors are in agreement: this piece of paradise has to be preserved. Meetings in Bled are committed to honouring this, with Sava Hoteli Bled the forerunner of the trend. In the framework of their "Green for a better tomorrow" project, the hotel group aims to reduce energy and water consumption and dish up healthy local coffee breaks and carbon neutral water, among other initiatives. Bled's (meeting) future looks bright - we wish Bled a lot of success in attaining their 2020 goal, to become the most sought after and inspiring sustainable alpine meeting destination.

www.bled.si