Jaczno is one of those places, I love to return to. For me – a real magic spot, therefore a little difficult to provide you with a “cold” and objective picture of the place. I am a true believer here, you need to decide, if you want to become one as well. Give it a try… I have been to Gościniec Jaczno a couple of times during the last five years: for extended weekends, summer vacations, etc. Recently, just spent one week with my two kids of their winter school break. What makes me go there again and again? Well, let me think... First of all, the location. I believe, I am not exaggerating when saying that Jaczno is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places, I have ever seen in my entire life. Located in the heart of Suwalszczyzna region, and also within Suwałki Landscape Park, which is a special environmental protection area. If you would like to swim in lakes with no one but you around, if you would like to walk through real wilderness, watch animals in their natural environment - this is the place to visit. Hańcza, the deepest lake in Poland, is just around the corner. And so is Wodziłki, the little village of Russian Orthodox Old Believers, hidden between hills and lakes. Those are just a few places worth to visit by walk, bike or half an hour car drive. Being located so much in the nature and off the bitten trucks has its (little!) price to pay. If want to visit you need to plan in advance (especially if you are not based in Poland). It takes four or five hour drive from Warsaw and it is worth the effort. Secondly – the people. Jaczno gathers very interesting characters, so you never get bored. The place somehow does not attract those, who are focused on self marketing and advertising themselves, while on holiday. One the contrary, the place offers very informal, casual atmosphere. You can leave all your daily routines behind and truly relax. At same time, there are always some people hanging in the bar during evenings to discuss various – often, very sophisticated – topics. Thirdly, the venue. Simple but definitely not basic. The place, you feel good and enjoy (I am sure, the roots of the owners related to architecture and design helped a lot there). A great combination of stone and wood, sourcing the best Polish tradition and very well integrated into the surrounding environment. Perhaps the smallest double rooms are slightly too basic but the bigger doubles and - definitely - the apartments are really nicely made - well design, pretty large and comfortable. And if you would like to be really on your own – choose the Fisherman House. I have just spent there a week (in winter!), heating the whole thing with a wooden stove – I loved it and so did my two kids. When talking about kids, Jaczno offers kayaking or boat trips on its lake. There is also a small playground for your little ones. You can also cycle around, walk, run and go for a day excursions by whatever means of transport you chose. Your kids can also run after the owners cat or dog and surely they will be tired enough to go to bed early, leaving you an opportunity to explore the bar on your own. Another strong point about Jaczno is their food. Always fresh, many of their products coming from local producers (such as famous Swiss man, who moved to Suwalszczyzna many years again from his home country, producing or rather “handcrafting” very good cheeses in his own farm nearby). There is one clear threat though – you are very unlikely to lose weight during your stay. You may ask, are there any weak points about the place. Well, of course, there are. It is not that close to any major airport and it takes four to five hours drive from Warsaw. There is no Spa nor heated swimming pool. There are no clubs, pubs, shopping centers nearby. Some of the TV sets in the rooms are quite outdated and the mobile phone coverage signal can be quite bad there (there is WIFI though, if you really need to stay online). So, if you are looking for those kind of activities and attractions, under no circumstances you should choose Jaczno for your short escape of longer holiday break. For all the others – do try it and you won’t be disappointed. Perhaps, after going to Jaczno, your life will never be the same again... …