Faces of Terme Krka – Simona Vidic

When guests complain that they didn’t have time to turn on the TV, I know my purpose has been fulfilled.

The word “animation” comes from Latin – “anima” means soul. To animate, therefore, means to give soul, to add life to the everyday rhythm of the hotel. This is exactly the mission of Simona Vidic, organizer of cultural, social, and sports events at Terme Šmarješke Toplice. She also brings a lot of warmth, laughter, and imagination to her work.

Asked by: Jana Kovačič Petrovič

Simona, if you could describe your workday in three words, which would you choose?

Every day in my job is active, fun, and dynamic. No day is the same as another. It starts actively, with a hike, and then various activities follow: from relaxing ones, like sound baths, to entertaining and cultural programs.

I have the great privilege of being able to go outdoors during work – with the guests, we always agree that this is one of the best possible ways to start the day. The atmosphere in nature can be more cozy and relaxed, as we can more easily make connections during hikes and other outdoor activities. Guests share similar stories and friendships are formed. Thus, my workday is often also fun. And because I move all day between different tasks – those prepared for the guests and those that are part of my work in the back office – I can also describe it as very dynamic.

What brought you to Terme Šmarješke Toplice and this position?

My ideas about what I wanted to do in life have, of course, changed over the years, but they have always leaned towards working with people. I gained experience working in hospitality, at a travel agency, as an animator on the Rudolf raft on the Krka River, and as a guide in the Dolenjska region. All of this was very helpful when I started working as an animator at Terme Šmarješke Toplice 10 years ago.

When people ask me what I like most about my job here, my answer is always: the people – by that I mean not only the guests but also my colleagues. I am convinced that in order to ensure guest satisfaction, good cooperation among all of us is essential. In addition to the privilege I mentioned earlier, I also have the privilege of being surrounded by an amazing team that understands we are all working towards the same goal and supports each other.

If you had to choose a feeling, taste, scent, or sound that best represents Šmarješke Toplice, what would it be?

A warm embrace of nature and tranquility – that’s the first thing I feel. Our spa park is like a huge soft carpet where you can lie down, listen to the babbling of streams and the singing of birds, take a few steps into the forest and enjoy the silence … in summer, you can cool off in the pleasant shade by a pond full of blooming Indian lotuses. I believe our surroundings have a naturally therapeutic effect, but if I had to choose, my favorite here is the rustling of autumn leaves underfoot.

Which activities are the most popular among guests?

We strive to meet the wishes and needs of as many guests as possible with our animation program. It truly delights me to see that all activities are well attended. When guests complain to me in the hallway that they didn’t even have time to watch TV or read the news, I know my purpose has been fulfilled.

In addition to organizing activities for all hotel guests, you also run programs for closed groups – associations, clubs, corporate groups coming to the spa for preventive programs. What is characteristic of these?

Various patient associations come to us, mainly coronary associations, diabetes associations, etc., as well as different organizations. For them, we further adapt the program, preparing additional educational and practical content. They participate, for example, in exercises with a physiotherapist or workshops with a nutrition advisor … their stay with us is often referred to as a “lifelong rehabilitation.”

Guests enjoy taking part in hikes, but musical evenings and evening tombolas are also very popular. They like informative health-related lectures and relaxation activities, such as breathing exercises and sound baths. Performances by theater groups, which provide a dose of laughter, are also very popular.

As you mentioned, hikes are popular. Which excursion or hike is your “hidden gem”? How do you show guests the soul of Dolenjska during excursions?

Šmarješke Toplice is surrounded by beautiful nature; we have wonderful natural features as well as many cultural and historical landmarks.

For guests who want a shorter walk, we recommend a stroll past the lotus pond to the ruins of Štrlek Castle. We also like to visit Otočec Castle and then enjoy a good coffee, homemade iced tea, or an excellent apple strudel at Devetnajstica near the Golf Grad Otočec course. Often, we venture to the viewpoint Vinji vrh or walk through the Radulja stream gorge to the natural thermal pool in Klevevž.

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In the surrounding area, we are also taken by a tourist road train, which visits the already mentioned Otočec and Klevevž, as well as a local beekeeper and a mill. A mandatory stop with the train, and also on our hikes, is at the wine fountain in Šmarjeta.

Near the hotel is the Crystal Valley, the first of its kind in Europe, which we often visit in summer. We also go on slightly longer excursions, presenting interesting experiences in the form of tastings, visits to local farms, and old homesteads to evoke a bit of nostalgia.

Which programs can you highlight for the coming year, 2026?

In January and February, we traditionally organize the Šmarješke Weeks of Loyalty. These are one-week stays with especially rich content and also at a more favorable price, to which we invite our loyal guests, members of the Terme Krka Club, but others can also participate. A free “Happy Bus” brings guests from various parts of Slovenia to these stays.

Each year, we include an extra “treat” in the Šmarješke Week of Loyalty, adding the perfect finishing touch to the usual highlights. In 2026, this will be a highly interesting lecture on gratitude and awareness, showing how little it takes to brighten your own day and someone else’s. Guests can enjoy a laughter workshop, and on an excursion, we will learn about the lives of two Dolenjska – and Slovenian – legends, Lojze Slak and Tone Pavček. I warmly invite readers to sign up – it will be fun!

Simona, and privately – where do you find your peace and recharge your batteries? What brings you joy?

My dynamic day continues at home in the same style after work. I most often recharge my energy within the family circle – on walks with my family, when we explore local places with two little curious ones, or when we get creative at home. Since children’s minds are full of interesting ideas, we are never bored. On long winter evenings, we sometimes enjoy a little theater performance or a mini-concert right in the living room. 😊 I also like to take time for the theater, to watch a good comedy; when everything calms down, I listen to a good podcast, and more and more often I pick up light reading again and again.