Holiday Centre Slenis

It’s time to settle one of life’s most pressing questions – which is the best kind of sauna/steam room: Lithuanian, Russian or Japanese? No opinion on such matters? You may well have after a stay at Holiday Centre Slenis, where the spa area has all three to try out while you’re here.

Different guests will come to different conclusions no doubt, but one thing that can be agreed among all comers here is that this is one excellently located site for travels in Lithuania. Trakai and its famed castle are 10 minutes’ drive away, and a mere half-hour jaunt can get you to the country’s compact capital, Vilnius (with trains available from Trakai if you don’t fancy the drive). Museums, historic sites and a sculpture park are all within easy reach too, and Kaunas is about an hour’s drive away.

In between such outings, this is a fine place to chill out – the peaceful setting is on the shore of Galve Lake, with its own private beach area that’s got plenty of sun loungers, small boats and pedalos for hours of sand-based loafing. Further activity can be had at the basketball, volleyball and football pitches, and there’s a play area and stack of board games on hand to keep the nippers entertained.

Easy eats can be acquired at the snack bar on site, and facilities for self-catering include a barbecue area, picnic tables and a small kitchen with fridge.