API Beehive and Honey Garden
At the edge of the Novo Mesto city forest Portoval, along a well-maintained walking path, stands a large beehive, home to more than 30 bee families. Next to it is a beautifully arranged honey garden, featuring over 100 species of honey plants, many of which are medicinal. But this is no ordinary beehive and garden. Andreja Stankovič, a biologist and beekeeper for over 40 years, offers unique experiences to tourists there:
Tour of the Apitherapy Beehive and Garden
Individual guests and groups are shown the beehive and provided with explanations about the diligent workers. They are introduced to the garden of honey plants and treated to tastings of honey, herbal drinks, and snacks made from herbs and flowers. Catering is also available by prior arrangement.
Price for a 2-hour program: €85 per family. Group rates available upon request.
Visits are available by appointment.
The Honey Experience
At the Honey Garden of the Stankovič family in Irča vas near Novo mesto, experience a century-old tradition of women’s beekeeping, explore a herb and honey garden, and enjoy apitherapy in the beehive. Without protective equipment, you can observe the queen bee and the colony up close, relax on the hives, taste honey and herbal delights, and create your own beeswax souvenir.
Honey Picnic
Designed for families and larger groups, this experience offers a picnic in the heart of nature, yet just a stone’s throw from the city. By prior arrangement, a variety of honey-inspired dishes can be prepared – from buckwheat porridge with mushrooms and roast with chestnut honey to honey pie and sparkling honey wine. It will truly be a day where honey flows and memories are made.
Price: €39 per person (minimum 4 persons)
Picnic arrangements are available by appointment.
Apitherapy
In the apitherapy beehive, you can comfortably relax and enjoy the therapeutic effects of inhaling aerosol, which positively affects the respiratory system and overall psychophysical well-being. Apitherapy with honey tasting lasts half an hour, after which guests can relax in the beautiful setting of the forest and meadow.
Price: 20 € per person
An appointment is required in advance.
Honey Massage
Price: For pricing, please call the provided phone number.
Honey massage combines the healing properties of honey with therapeutic touch, promotes detoxification of the body, improves circulation, and helps relax muscles and skin. The honey massage takes place in a beehive facility featuring a resting platform above the hives and a glass wall at the headrest, allowing you to be surrounded by bees during the treatment—without any direct contact. During the massage, you inhale therapeutic air from the hive through a mask, which has beneficial effects on the body, especially the respiratory system. The honey massage also helps detoxify the body and reduce stress.
An appointment is required in advance.
Forest Therapy | Forest Selfness
A bed on the edge of the forest offers an excellent opportunity for relaxation among the trees. Forest selfness, which combines relaxing activities in nature with elements of meditation and mindfulness, has been proven to bring numerous positive effects, such as reducing stress, improving mood, and strengthening physical and mental health.
An appointment is required in advance.
