Recommended by the Slowhop Crew

Although we were just a few winding turns apart for two years, I met Krysia, the host of Artystyka Eco-Farm, only at a women's outdoor festival. After I moved from the Bystrzyckie Mountains in southwestern Poland, those few turns became a 140 km drive—and yet I still come here at least once a month, mysteriously always around lunchtime. In spring they gather meadow herbs and enjoy fresh produce from Kaja's garden. In summer, they watch the Perseids from the bench outside. In autumn, you might spot rutting red deer at the windows. And winter? Winter is for absolute silence, warming your feet by the fireplace, and hiking the empty mountains. I spend weekends here, celebrate anniversaries, and even bring my parents. That's the Artystyka effect—one visit is never enough.

Several team members and Slowhop hosts had already been here, all raving about it, and Marcin even spoke alongside Ela at a conference. After we returned, he declared, "We have to go." Ela checked her calendar, and we found a date. :) This place is outstanding—totally off the grid, with its own swimming pond, five-star breakfasts and dinners. Every morning we got a presentation of ingredients—this cheese from Magda, that sausage from Jan—and David rose at 4 AM to bake fresh bread. Being from Réunion Island, his desserts were next-level: perfectly tempered creams, meringues timed to the second, complete with a photo shoot before tasting. It was one of Slowhop's best experiences. Our dog loved it, we felt completely at ease, and we slept in a cabin with a terrace overlooking the forest—it was pure magic.

Yes, I work at Slowhop, and I'm not a globe-trotting adventurer. I like being close to Warsaw, reachable by public transport, with grocery delivery services dropping off supplies. That's why my go-to spot on the Slowhop map is Pieńki Wiewiórki. I arrive, sink into a hammock with my books, wander the woods, and no one expects anything from me—except sometimes I pester Kota, the mysterious caretaker, because I can't get the outdoor tub started. At Pieńki, I recharge, listening to birdsong, spotting moose from the viewing ladder, and sipping cold brew. That's just my style. PS: This is a dream spot for dogs—fully fenced grounds where they can roam, sniff, collect sticks, and chase Kota.

This one's for anyone who loves true elegance—no kitsch, just thoughtful design at every turn. We felt right at home, only with better decor and zero chores. If it's your first time in Białowieża Forest in northeastern Poland, ask Grażyna Chyra for a guided tour of the strict nature reserve. It's not just a walk—it's an experience. After exploring, dive into local fare—pierogi with wild blueberries, potato babka, and hearty potato dumplings. Then jump on hay bales for some nostalgic fun. The hosts are wonderful—friendly without being intrusive, always ready to help. Better reserve your spot for next year, because we're going back!

I liked Magda from our first phone call, and I'd even written the profile for her farmhouse. She spoke of the most beautiful view in Central and Eastern Europe and the sprawling garden around the house. But reality exceeded the story. Every morning I looked out from the "Asian" room and couldn't believe my eyes. Then yoga on the terrace, breakfast in the garden, lounging with a book, and walks through the historic village on Tarczynka Hill. Many hosts say time slows down here, but at Magda's it stops entirely. I don't recall ever resting as deeply as during my weeks there. I've visited twice and plan at least a hundred more. Last year I even enjoyed an experimental stay with outstanding breakfasts prepared by the house's friends—pure bliss.

Before you arrive, leave plenty of room in your stomach. This is probably the best vegetarian cuisine in Lower Silesia—and that's a serious claim! When Filip cooks, knees go weak and dishes never cool down. Marta adds her flair for aesthetics and transforms the historic property into a cozy haven. You can laze around with a Tuscan-style vibe, or if you feel adventurous, try kayaking, bathing in the Bóbr River, or sign up for pottery workshops with the Traveling Ceramic Studio. After four days here, I felt like I'd spent a month in a luxury spa. I even wondered if I could stay on forever as Filip's kitchen assistant.

Ewa and Marcin were pioneers in slow tourism—long before Slowhop existed or anyone dreamed of such a project. They're true icons. Since Kwasne Jablko joined Slowhop in 2024, we visited them like old friends, and it was incredible. Imagine a slow-food restaurant right in the middle of an orchard, delicious breakfasts and dinners at the farm, mineral baths at Camp Spa, secret-lake swims, and fascinating chats with Ewa and Marcin. Watching them run a real working farm in Warmia, we were full of admiration and respect. Pure icon status.

Warszauer is a boutique hotel in the heart of Kraków's Kazimierz district. This small building houses a big interior full of art—local paintings, handmade ceramics, and curated design pieces from around the world. We spent two nights there during a rainy July, and the hotel's location gave us plenty of options. Around the corner you'll find gastro gems for every palate, from Nolio pizzeria to modern plates at Bufet Bistro and classic French breakfasts at Charlotte Menora. But don't skip the hotel's own morning menu—short, local, and utterly delicious. If you're planning a city break with an eye for aesthetics, head to Kraków and stay at Warszauer.

I spent this year's holidays in the land of lazy breakfasts—pancakes with a lake view, where time moves even slower than I do on a paddleboard. Here you forget the day of the week but never where your crossword and coffee are. We lounged on the floating dock with our feet in the water. When it rained, we played Monopoly—normally a family-wrecking game, but somehow gentler here. Even squabbles over a Belweder hotel reservation sounded milder. Evenings were for bonfires and stargazing, spotting new constellations. It was one of those "Remember when…?" vacations we'll be talking about for years.

I might be biased—host Paulina joined Slowhop's team last year—but here's the story: first I clicked with Dacza, and then with Paulina—and it was instant. We arrived for a romantic getaway, armed with an ambitious sightseeing list, but ended up lounging indoors in countless ways, dining on the terrace, or running wild in the meadow. And little will change on future visits, because here: 1. Design lovers get a daily dose of beauty, always discovering something new. 2. Those craving analog life lose themselves in books, forest-bathing cards, and board games. 3. The active can play badminton, explore nearby trails observing microcosms, or learn constellations through a telescope. Here you subscribe to simple pleasures and pure bliss.