A capsule cabin in Veľaty, eastern Slovakia. (source: Košice Región Turizmus)
In Veľaty, a quiet village in eastern Slovakia not far from the Hungarian border, two capsule-shaped cabins have appeared in a local recreation area best known for its thermal pools. They are small, self-contained and decidedly modern – more often seen in urban tech parks than among low-lying farmland and sleepy vineyards.
This is not your typical countryside accommodation. The so-called “smart capsule houses” are part of a new tourism project that opened in the Aqua Maria complex, an area mostly visited by locals looking for affordable wellness treatments. The idea: attract a broader crowd – Slovak city-dwellers, perhaps even a few foreign tourists – by offering something different.
Each unit is equipped with automated lighting, climate control and a compact kitchenette. There is a private bathroom, a small terrace and enough space to sleep a couple or a young family. It is not quite luxury, but it is a far cry from camping. The aim, according to the project’s developers, is to offer a comfortable but low-impact stay in a rural setting, with a touch of novelty.
Next to the pods is a small playground themed around space exploration – bright, safe, and clearly designed with children in mind. There is also a new outdoor workout zone: some pull-up bars, benches and fitness frames on a gravel patch open to anyone, including day visitors.
Veľaty sits in the Dolný Zemplín region, one of the least touristed parts of Slovakia. Public transport is limited, English isn’t widely spoken, and the infrastructure, while improving, remains basic. But the area has its draws. The famous Tokaj wine region begins just a few kilometres away. Small wineries offer tastings, and cycling trails weave through the surrounding vineyards. For those looking to explore slowly and quietly, it’s an alternative to Slovakia’s better-known mountain destinations – though you can also take to the water and raft along the Bodrog River.
The site opens to the public on June 7. Advance bookings are recommended – there are only two pods, after all.
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