So far, most people back home posed their questions as "What the hell do you want to go to Slovakia for? and "There's nothing there"! Well, I can tell you they're wrong. It's a small country, with a tiny population full of unspoilt natural beauty slap bang in the middle of Europe. I came here for an extended business trip, my Slovak company contact booked me into this ***Spa hotel. A bit difficult to find even with SatNav cos this place is tucked away on a hillside, on the edge of a forest near a tiny village called Vyhne. On arrival, I was most surprised at the natural surroundings, well kept island gardens, and general welcoming atmosphere presented by the entrance. The lobby is very modern, tastefully decorated. The ladies at the front desk were helpful, speak reasonable English, German, understand Polish as well as Russian, Czech. I was given the key to a room on the top (4th) floor. I found the room spacious, clean, very neat and functional. The bathroom comprising a glass corner shower, washbasin, and toilet is almost too big. Perhaps the wash basin could have been a size or 2 bigger but I found it to be acceptable. Free WiFi is available. Stepping out onto the balcony, gave me a side view of the carpark, as well as the forest 50m away. At night you can hear foxes greeting each other in the woods, or the occasional hollow grunts of red deer. Breakfast in the restaurant was an expansive but no-nonsense affair. The food was good, the coffee by comparison... for heavens sake is a disgusting brew without description...but there's always tea, or juices to drink. Coffee in the lobby bar is just delicious, the bar is well stocked but, they only (as far as I know) only serve drought STEIGER beer which incidentally, is brewed in the same small village...not bad at €2,50 for a half litre glass! In the Hotel sous- terrain, there is a lovely heated swimming pool, sauna, and rooms where 'boys' and 'girls' can enjoy a professional massage, facial, and / or body beauty treatments - all at most reasonable prices. If there is a downside to stayiing here longer than 2 days, then I would say that the ambient music in the hotel just got on my nerves...over and over again Enya. After 3 weeks here, I was glad to leave for that reason. Things to do in the area? Enjoy the nature trails - hiking. In the valley, in Vyhne, you will find a large sports centre (Vodny Raj) You can play squash, tennis, swim, play volley and football. I believe it is also possible to visit the STEIGER brewery but, I never got around to finding out. Nearest town for reasonable shopping is approx 45km away in Banska Bystrica, otherwise most immediate purchases can be done in nearby Ziar nad Hronom.…