Our tale is not merely a story of a resort; it’s a chronicle of family, of resilience, and of dreams turned into reality. It starts more than a century ago, back in 1913, in a small Slovenian village, where Ivan Dopler was born. His humble beginnings planted the seed for a lineage that would come to shape Naturasort.

At a tender age of twelve, Ivan received a sheep as a gift. The lamb’s offspring provided him with the means to start a small livestock business, marking the genesis of Ivan’s entrepreneurial journey. By his sixteenth birthday, he had built a wealth of his own, which led to the establishment of his farm.

In 1938, Ivan expanded his holdings by acquiring land from the Benedictines. Yet, his story transcended business. It was a testament of courage and resilience.

During World War II, Ivan was pulled into the torrents of history. He clandestinely printed anti-German newspapers in his cellar for a local resistance group, an act that cost him his freedom. In 1945, he was deported to Dachau concentration camp, and his daughter Veronika (nicknamed Beba) was born.

Despite the ravages of the camp, Ivan survived. He returned home, a mere shadow of his former self, but with an indomitable spirit. In testament to his resilience and leadership, he was elected Mayor of Kungota. Yet, the trials did not end there. His rising status led to the confiscation of his wealth by the communist regime, but Ivan did not yield, rebuilding his life once more.

Beba, inspired by her father’s resilient spirit, found her life partner in Vili Krsnik, a charismatic veterinarian with a passion for sports. Their union marked a new chapter in the family’s story.

The narrative took an exciting turn with the birth of their daughter, Tatjana Krsnik, affectionately known as Pika. Her story would weave its way into the family tapestry, punctuated by a competitive spirit that began in their living room with a simple game of table tennis. This pastime would soon evolve into an extraordinary pursuit.

Pika embarked on her journey towards becoming a top sportswoman. She was the only female table tennis player in Maribor at the time, leading her to play for Olimpija, where she excelled. Pika’s achievements testify to her unwavering dedication – a nine-time Yugoslav Junior National Champion and third in Europe. Despite her premature retirement due to injuries, she had left an indelible mark in the sporting world.

In the late 1980s, the Dopler-Krsnik lineage found a new purpose. Vili envisioned tennis courts on the family’s verdant land. A deal with SCT during the construction of the Maribor-Šentilj motorway allowed their land to serve as a base for these envisioned courts. The transformation was remarkable; marshland turned into a sports hub.

Under Vili’s guidance, Šport park Krsnik took form. The inauguration saw the famous singer Ivica Šerfezi serenade guests as the new sports center came alive. The heart of the family now beat stronger than ever, its rhythm echoing in the bounce of tennis balls.

In the early ’90s, Pika married Pavle Brglez, a civil engineer. Their union fused love and vision, with Pavle’s skills shaping the park’s development. The couple sought to make the park a year-round sporting attraction, introducing squash courts and table tennis tables. This expansion was celebrated with the birth of their son, Primož in 1992.

The dawn of hospitality in their family business marked a significant evolution. The once modest bar and two tennis courts evolved into a lively hub, expanding to accommodate guest rooms for larger gatherings. This growth coincided joyfully with the birth of Pija, Pika and Pavle’s daughter, adding another delightful layer to their story. The complex continued to thrive under the family’s watchful eye, welcoming a kitchen, winter garden, a back terrace, and even a football field in the ensuing years.

The story took an exciting twist when Beba proposed the idea of creating accommodations on their property. From this seed sprouted Naturasort, a living embodiment of the family’s legacy and love for nature. The painstaking planning and construction were the fruits of Pavle and Primož’s labor, each addition reflecting the family’s rich history, their love for sports, and their bond with nature.

Pija followed the family tradition, excelling in tennis and graduating from the Faculty of Tourism Studies, while Primož pursued his passion for architecture, weaving his architectural prowess into the fabric of Naturasort.

Naturasort is a dream carefully nurtured and meticulously brought to life. It stands as a tribute to the legacy of a humble sheep-owner, a testament to a family’s passion for sports and nature, and a symbol of strength and resilience. With each passing day, it continues to pen a tale that began over a century ago with Ivan Dopler, an enduring story of a family and their undying dreams.