Please note: This article was first published on The Vegan Tourist and last updated November 28, 2021.
Updated May 30, 2019:
I cannot confirm that Appaloosa Ranch operates as a vegan business anymore. The website is currently offline. I received a somewhat cryptic message from Dominique after I contacted her on Facebook. She told me that they were booked until May 2020 “because of a longtime therapy”, but she did not answer my question in regard to whether the Appaloosa Ranch is still a strictly vegan business. I will try to find out more, and will update this blog post as soon as I know more.
Updated November 29, 2021: The website is up and running again, and they are still offering vegan food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner – although I don’t know if they’re a strictly vegan business anymore. I did not check whether all the information in this article is still accurate.
Original Blog Post:
I was recently contacted by a reader from Slovenia, Dominique Artel, who asked if I could help promote her business, the Appaloosa Ranch. Dominique and her partner Andrej Zimic live at the ranch with their two children, two dogs, four cats, and seven horses. The parents and children are all vegans, and the Appaloosa Ranch is a vegan bed & breakfast.
I was a little hesitant at first, as I’ve never been to the Appaloosa Ranch myself, but there’s a lot of useful information on their website, there are many photos, and Dominique emailed me a lot of additional information – enough to convince me that their business should be supported. I am happy to help.
So here it is:
The Appaloosa Ranch is located in the small village of Dobruša, which belongs to the municipality of Vodice, about 15 km north of Ljubljana, Slovenia.
They have two rooms, for two people each. „The double-room is furnished with a double bed, a cupboard, a table with two chairs in an authentic ambience.“ If necessary, they can offer a baby crib. The second room is smaller and simply furnished, better suited for children or tourists who don’t mind more basic accommodation.
There’s a bunk bed in the room. The window offers a beautiful view of the horse pasture and the edge of the woods.“
There’s one bathroom for both rooms, accessible from the hall and next door to the guestrooms (shower, toilet and sink). „You will have access to a homelike saloon with a big cockle stove and a cosy couch. There is the possibility to play tabletop football too.“
Dominique and Andrej prepare a vegan breakfast for their guests. Among other things they offer „daily home-made fresh fullgrain spelt bread, green smoothies, fresh home-made spreads and jams, home-made sprouts and fresh organic vegetables from our garden.“
They make their own ice cream, and you can also order vegan lunches or dinner. Most guests prefer to eat at a big table together with the family, but you can also enjoy your meals in a private atmosphere.
Dominique says that there are two vegan restaurants in Ljubljana (Loving Hut and Ajdova zrna), plus several vegetarian restaurants (Govinda’s, Falafel, Bistro Piknik).
The farmhouse is situated within six acreas of meadows and pastures (the hay is used to feed their horses), and they also own six acres of woods. The farmhouse is at least 200 years old. There’s WIFI, you can rent bikes, and your (well-behaved) dog is welcome at the farm, too, if you let them know in advance that you’re travelling with a dog.
Of their seven horses, six belong to the Appaloosa breed. „The horses are living together in a group in a clean and adequate open stable and are very interested to get in contact with humans. With their interesting appearance they are a feast for the eyes. Any interest in the horses or some support from your side is very welcome. Possibilities for horseback riding are available.“
Check out their website (the “bed & breakfast” tab offers information in English) , and also their Facebook page.
If you decide to vacation at the Appaloosa Ranch, I would appreciate you feedback for my readers – just leave a comment.
Good luck to Dominique, Andrej, and their family!
Contact information:
Dominique Artel & Andrej Zimic
Dobruša 3
1217 Vodice
Slovenia
E-Mail: info(at)appaloosa-ranch.si
Phone: +386 59 93 19 52
Mobile: +386 41 91 55 57
or: +41 76 441 68 02