Terme 3000 and Prekmurje, the perfect wellness weekend

Terme 3000, the tourist resort in Moravske Toplice, is the perfect destination for an autumn getaway.

Nestled in the picturesque Prekmurje region of northeastern Slovenia, it offers a unique blend of local tradition, premium spa relaxation, and untouched nature.

Terme 3000 is widely renowned for its unique, unfiltered black thermo-mineral water, often called “black gold”, which provides therapeutic benefits for orthopaedic, rheumatological, and skin conditions.

Besides excellent relaxation, Moravske Toplice offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor leisure and recreational activities, including hiking, cycling, and golf, as well. That is all you need for an active and unforgettable weekend.

 

📌How to get to Moravske Toplice

Moravske Toplice is in the Prekmurje region, the far north-eastern part of Slovenia, near the tripoint of Slovenia, Austria, and Hungary. Murska Sobota, the centre of Prekmurje, is located about 7 km away.

The best way to get there is by car, depending on your location.
From Ljubljana, take the highway toward Maribor, continue to Murska Sobota, and just follow the signs to Moravske Toplice. It takes approximately 2 hours to drive. You can also take a train or bus from Ljubljana to Murska Sobota, and then catch a taxi or a local bus.

Terme 3000 is about 540 kilometres away from Belgrade, and the journey by car takes a little over 5 hours, plus waiting at the border.

 

♨️The history of the Terme 3000, the black gold of Prekmurje

Terme 3000 is one of the most famous thermal destinations in Slovenia, in the heart of Prekmurje, but also in a part of the former Pannonian Sea. By the way, the name Prekmurje literally means “area across the Mura River.”

Once, the Pannonian Sea stretched across a large area of ​​Central Europe. Millions of years of geological history have left traces deep below today’s plains. The sea disappeared a long time ago, but the water found there still reminds us of that ancient past.

The origin story of this resort is a little bit unusual. Actually, in 1960, drilling operations were underway in search of oil in the village of Moravci. But instead of “black gold”, an incredibly hot, murky, and dark thermo-mineral water erupted from the depths of the earth.

The oil well was closed. Although locals were initially disappointed by the lack of oil, they quickly realised that this unusual water possessed excellent healing properties. From the winter of 1961, they started using hot water for bathing.

The story about its healing properties spread quickly, so the pool soon became too small for all visitors. The black thermal mineral water became available to everyone, and the first official bathing area was opened on July 28, 1962.

Only two years later, in 1964, the water was declared a natural healing remedy. From the first improvised village pool, it evolved into one of the largest and most prestigious thermal resorts in this part of Europe.

 

Black thermal mineral water in Terme 3000

Can you imagine bathing in a pool with black thermal mineral water?

Well, it was an interesting experience, and after my fall from the bicycle that day, the thermal water was just what I needed. This is unique water in the world. It rises from deep underground sources, between 1175 and 1467 metres below ground. The water bursts to the surface at a staggering 72 degrees Celsius. It is dark, slightly murky, carries a mild petroleum scent, but it leaves an incredibly pleasant, subtle oily protective layer on your skin. For bathing purposes, the water is cooled down to a highly comfortable 37 to 38 degrees Celsius in the resort’s unfiltered “black baths.”

Due to its exceptionally high concentration of active mineral substances and natural hydrocarbon content, it is rightfully nicknamed “black gold.”

In the water, you can see specks of completely natural oil residues (peloids) and organic sediments from the prehistoric Pannonian Sea. They give the water its signature murky black colour and subtle petroleum scent. These tiny particles are packed with concentrated healing elements, leaving the skin feeling slightly oily after bathing, showing that the therapeutic substances have bound to the skin.

 

Bathing in black mineral water is scientifically proven to offer therapeutic benefits for a wide range of health and wellness concerns.

♦ It helps dampen the chronic inflammatory process (rheumatic conditions and joint pain), and it assists in post-operative recovery of the musculoskeletal system.
◊ The black water aids in treating various skin conditions (such as psoriasis), intensely hydrating the skin and restoring its natural elasticity.
♦ The warm water acts as a natural sedative: it lowers stress levels, instantly melts away chronic tension, and relaxes tight muscles.

By the way, unfiltered black thermal mineral water from Terme 3000 is the base of the Blackaquatherm cosmetics. You can buy its creams directly at Terme 3000 and enjoy them at home.

 

Terme 3000 today

Today, Terme 3000 is a space where excellent accommodation, warm hospitality, local gastronomy, and wellness rituals intertwine to completely reset your body and soul.

There are three hotels in the resort: Hotel Livada Prestige, Hotel Ajda and Hotel Termal, as well as the Prekmurska vas apartment complex, bungalows and a camp. You can enjoy 32 swimming pools and baths, two wellness centres, a health centre, and a golf course. Impressive, isn’t it?

 

Thermal park and Thermalium Wellness Centre

The central place of Terme 3000 is occupied by the Thermal Park, one of the largest thermal water parks in Slovenia.

It covers more than 3,000 square meters, with indoor and outdoor areas, pools for relaxation and swimming, children’s pools, black baths, and adrenaline and family slides such as Aqualoop, Black Hole water slide, or Kamikaze adrenaline slides. Sauna lovers will enjoy the Finnish, infrared and steam saunas.

 

After swimming and relaxing in the thermal pools, indulge yourself in wellness rituals or beauty treatments in the modern Thermalium Wellness Centre. For example, you can enjoy a fantastic massage with the oil of Prekmurian herbs or a mud treatment. The Livada Hotel Prestige also has its own Thai wellness centre, which provides massages and scrub treatments.

 

You can also enjoy the highly efficient and non-invasive Reviderm treatments, used to eliminate skin conditions, such as acne, scarring and hyperpigmentation.

 

Healing with Septaria

At Wellness Thermalium, you can also relax in the Septaria room, beside 15-million-year-old rocks, founded in 2003, during the restoration of the vineyard and wine route in Slovenske Gorice. They are about two metres in diameter and rich in minerals.

 

It is believed that their energy and positive effects contribute to our well-being. Because of this, it is recommended to rest in the lounge after wellness services. So, they help to strengthen the immune system, reduce swelling, activate self-healing, help skin regenerate better, contribute to better regeneration of bone tissue and to the alleviation of muscle spasms. Well, it was another interesting experience.

Just relax and surrender to the feeling of peace and energy which you cannot explain…

 

🏨Accommodation at Terme 3000

Terme 3000 offers various accommodation options to suit your budget and interests, including hotels, houses, apartments and camping. Because of the panoramic corridor which connects the three hotels, you can stroll to the wellness centre and pools in your bathrobe without ever stepping outside 🤩

Hotel Livada Prestige 5*

The most luxurious hotel in the Terme 3000 complex is the Hotel Livada Prestige, opened in 2006. In addition to 2-bed rooms and 32 luxurious suites, it has its own wellness centre, restaurant, bars and modern business centre. Next to the hotel, there is an 18-hole golf course.

 

The hotel is known for having almost all rooms with bathtubs where guests can enjoy a bath with black thermo-mineral water. It has its own thermal pools and several saunas, intended for hotel guests who want a more peaceful thermal vacation.

 

 

Hotel Ajda 4*

Next to Livada Hotel Prestige, there is Hotel Ajda, which has modern rooms, thermal pools and a wellness centre.

 

The hotel got its name after ajda, the local Prekmurje dialect and Slovenian word for a local grain, buckwheat. It takes a special place in local culinary traditions, featuring prominently in authentic regional dishes served in the resort.

By the way, you will find buckwheat also in the pillows, ensuring a deep sleep. I have to admit that it was the first time that I slept on a pillow like this, and I slept like a baby! Actually, the buckwheat hull pillow is very flexible; it adapts to the head, providing a micromassage effect. Also, it regulates body heat: it warms you in winter, and cools you in summer! The buckwheat hull pillow is suitable for people with allergies and asthma.

 

Hotel Termal

The Hotel Thermal was built in 1982. It is suitable for families with children and couples. The hotel is connected to a medical-wellness centre. It offers a peaceful environment and delicious food based on local ingredients.

 

Apartment Village Prekmurska vas

The apartment village consists of a group of houses that resemble the typical Prekmurje village. They are located next to Thermal Park, and they are very popular with families, cyclists, and everyone who wants to enjoy a calm vacation.

 

Houses of Prekmurska vas Ajda 

Another accommodation option is the comfortable holiday houses of Prekmurska vas Ajda, inspired by traditional Prekmurje houses. The houses are made of natural eco materials with reed roofs. They are recommended for several couples or families with children.

Guests also have access to the thermal water park and pools of Hotel Ajda and Hotel Termal, and there is a half-board option at Hotel Termal.

 

Next to these apartments, you can find a barefoot trail: take off your shoes and walk along this trail, which consists of six different walking surfaces, with its own beneficial effect.

At the tree-hugging park, find your favourite tree and hug it! It is known that trees calm us down and have a positive effect on our well-being… In a word, everything around you is in perfect combination with nature!

 

📍What to do and visit in Moravske Toplice

Besides bathing in thermal pools, saunas and wellness rituals, there are many things you can do and visit in Moravske Toplice and Prekmurje. You can read more about them in the following texts, but for now, just mention some of them…

 

⛳Golf Course Livada at Terme 3000

Golf lovers, this is a perfect place for you! Just steps from the hotels in the Terme 3000 complex, you’ll find the 18-hole Golf Course Livada. Spanning more than 50 hectares, it features water hazards and wide fairways. For beginners, there are organised lessons and a golf school. Golf carts and equipment are also available.

By the way, the highlight of the golf course is hole 9, the longest hole in Slovenia…

 

🚲 Bike tour

One of the most popular excursions in Prekmurje is a bike tour. There are more than 100 km of well-maintained cycling and Nordic walking trails. 

The road leads through villages, among traditional houses, churches, and vineyards. One of the special places is Bukovniško Lake, created in the late 1940s, surrounded by a forest. It is known for 26 energy points, marked in the area, which visitors associate with beneficial energy radiation. There, you can see the chapel of St. Vid, the well of St. Vid, a forest educational trail, an adventure park and other facilities.

 

🪴Ocean Orchid

Can you imagine a magical tropical garden with a large orchid plantation, located in the small village of Dobrovnik, in Prekmurje?
At Ocean Orchid, around two million orchids are grown a year, and they are sold in all EU countries. One of the most unusual orchids is vanilla, which you can taste in homemade ice cream served with coffee.

You can also buy the beautiful orchids from the plantation as a gift or souvenir and take them home. And literally, you don’t know which one to choose!

 

🍅 Lušt tomato

Besides orchids, thermal springs in Prekmurje are perfect for tomato production. There are more than 30 types of tomatoes cultivated at the Lušt Domačija plantation. Delicious tomatoes are sold almost all over Slovenia. You can also buy them in their shop, together with many tomato and local products.

 

🍷Winery MAROF

A hedonistic vacation is not complete without wine 🤩 Winery Marof  is one of the most famous wineries in this region and in Slovenia. It is located in the village of Mačkovci, among the green hills in the Goričko region.

The winery looks like a fairy tale. Imagine a modern wine cellar and building in the middle of the vineyards, next to a castle from 1905 on a nearby hill, a true fantasy🤩

 

🍽️Local Prekmurje cuisine

 Good wines are always paired with delicious food. Prekmurje is known for its specific dishes, such as bograč, a traditional stew made from three types of meat (pork, beef and game), and dodoli, made from boiled potatoes and wheat flour, with sour cream and fried onions.

And the most famous local dessert is the Prekmurska gibanica. It consists of several layers with fillings of poppy seeds, cottage cheese, walnuts and apples. Completely different from the Serbian gibanica, which is made with cheese and eggs 😀

 

🍫 Chocolate lovers: visit Passero, the family-run estate. They make handcrafted chocolates and pralines infused with local flavours like pumpkin seed oil, jurka grapes, elderflower, and Prekmurje gibanica. Take a break for coffee, herbal lemonades, natural ice cream, delicious chocolates, and please yourself and your loved ones with these sweet souvenirs.

 

Weekend in Terme 3000 and Prekmurje 

If you wish to escape to a place where time moves a little slower, and where the air smells of the Pannonian plains, think about Prekmurje. Your next destination for a relaxing weekend could be the thermal resort Terme 3000 in Moravske Toplice.

Whether you are visiting for the magical properties of the black water, the adrenaline-fueled drops of the water slides, a round of golf on the beautiful Pannonian plains, or a slice of Prekmurska gibanica paired with a glass of premium local wine, you will leave this place completely reborn and with a promise to yourself to return very soon.