“Geothermal water, which rises to the surface close to the hotel, is a challenge that inspired us to build this spa. We want to avoid the risk of winters without snow [t/n: Cerkno is primarily a ski resort] as well as off-season in spring and autumn,” explained the CEO of Hotel Cerkno Manuela Božič Badalič.

The hotel’s pool was 40 years old and the management faced a dilemma: to close it or to renovate. “We opted for the latter. We believe this means tourism development, new jobs, more foreign visitors, and guests who like this kind of relaxation,” argued the director of Hotel Cerkno.

Water will be additionally heated
Cerkno has a spring of geothermal water whose temperature reaches 25 degrees Celsius. For the deeper side of the pool, the water will be additionally heated to 29 degrees, while the other part of the pool will have 34 degrees. Mini spa will also boast three saunas – Finnish, infra and Turkish – as well as a fitness studio and a massage room. A spacious terrace is also being renovated, fixtures are new … All that’s left from the old complex is the frame.

Renovation pricier due to fittings
The renovation, which had been estimated at 600 to 800 thousand euros, began in late October. After a close examination of fittings, building contractors concluded that the system of water canals was in decay, electrical fittings were no longer safe to use, and that the pool’s engineering room needed major additional improvements, which is why the cost of renovation soared to 1.1 million euros.

G. C., MMC; translated by K. Z.