LET'S GO ON A LUXURY HOLIDAY!

When we crave to let ourselves in exclusive pleasures. When we seek a place of quiet seclusion among nature. When we want to indulge in exquisite spa experiences and amazing cuisine... we do not book airline tickets for some exotic destination anymore. We choose Bulgaria instead. In the past few years the country has confidently become a place where people seeking an exclusive holiday discover diverse options to enjoy a luxury vacation of a world-level quality.

The benefits of this refocusing are obvious. Travelling takes just a couple of hours and saves both time and carbon emissions. You do not need to own a vaccination certificate and to undergo PCR-testing upon departure and return.

Something more. Bulgaria is blessed with an incredible range of geographical conditions that invite you to escape from the busy city life. The Black Sea coast lures with its golden beaches and calm sun. The mountains charge us with fresh air, pristine nature and options for active relaxation. And the abundance of mineral springs in the country is a true wealth. The new luxury hotels and resorts that appeared in the recent years in Bulgaria allow us to enjoy it to the full – with healing, beautifying and relaxing traditional and exotic therapies, procedures and massages.

When we combine the vacation at a luxury place with exquisite spa pleasures and the proximity of the mountain, we quickly recover from the everyday stress. The exclusive 103° Hotel & SPA (Sapareva Banya, 39 Germaneya St, phone: +359 88 61 03 103; www.spahotel103.bg) gives us exactly this. Sapareva Banya is famed for its geyser whose water, with temperature of 103ºС, is the hottest in Europe. 103° Hotel & SPA allows us to enjoy this unique nature treasure and to feel its beneficial effect on our body and mind in a cosy complex where each detail emanates tranquility. Stepping on the principles and aesthetics of Scandinavian minimalism, the boutique 103° Hotel & SPA provides us with an elegant environment, a modern SPA centre and seclusion far from the crowds. And at the rooftop bar we find a hydromassage pool, fresh drinks and vistas to the Rila.

But this is not all. In the nearby Panichishte Resort, at the foot of the Rila, another gem awaits: 103 Alpine Hotel (phone: +359 896 103 103, www.hotelalpine103.bg). The boutique hotel and villas were created with a single goal and idea: to provide exclusive guests the feel of seclusion, total relaxation and pleasure for all senses. The design of 103 Alpine Hotel is a skilful balance of Bulgarian tradition, nature elements and Alpine style. The SPA centre is a masterpiece, and so are the contemporary interpretations of traditional dishes served at the elegant restaurant. 103 Alpine Hotel is a place which we are happy to visit in all seasons, enriching the experience with treks in the Rila and skiing on the slopes of Panichishte.

Choosing where to go for a well-deserved luxury vacation in Bulgaria has never been so exciting. The choice is rich and the experiences are nice for sure. Whether we will choose to experiment with different hotels or will find our new favourite spot for future returns – it is completely up to us.