Strewn around an endearingly rustic, multi-layered sprawl of gardens and with an impressive list of highlights for such a boutique vineyard escape here in Bulgaria, the Zornitza Family Estate is as good as guaranteed to leave you charmed.
Why you'll love it here
- Stay at this family-owned property for warm hospitality and a unique opportunity to discover southern Bulgaria
- A Relais & Châteaux property with a truffle orchard and eco farm growing fresh organic produce
- Discover the hotel’s wine cellar, Degustation Room or tour the ten wineries in the neighbouring hills
- Spa treatments use the Estate’s own produce including grapes, lavender, and honey from the beehives
Jacob
Travel Specialist
Your holiday always includes
- Premium lounge passes at UK airports
- VIP meet & greet service at departure
- Private transfers to and from your hotel
- Personal concierge service throughout
- 24/7 assistance when travelling
- The first-hand knowledge of our team
Full accommodation information
Hotel information
With just 15 enticing guestrooms among the rolling hills and perfectly presented rows of vines, this is a truly exclusive retreat with a vision to create an oasis of calm for guests.
The real brilliance of this rural retreat near Sandanski is its authenticity, proud rustic atmosphere and clear connection with the landscape.
Indeed, it stretches far beyond the vineyard itself. Although you’ll have no end of pleasure indulging yourself with afternoon wine tasting tours while here, the story continues during mealtimes too, with just about everything served on the Zornitza Family Estate’s fine dining menu being grown onsite, at their admirably organic eco-farm. Whether it’s your morning jam and artisan cheese plate or truffle-infused main course at night, the chances are it was picked, prepared and presented all within a few short yards.
Then there are the luxury elements of all that the Zornitza Family Estate has to offer, none more so than an uncharacteristically modern spa, a haven of smooth beech wood and zen music, salt and jet pools, steam baths, a sauna and indoor thermal swimming pool, plus another outside, just for good measure. You can keep fit in the gym, pick up a bike and cycle the scenic trails of Melnishka River Canyon (among many other nearby natural areas ideal for riding and walking), ski during winter, visit Thessaloniki in summer, or just enjoy time spent around the hotel grounds.
Finally, when it comes to your home away from home on your boutique Bulgarian holiday, the guestrooms and villas at Zornitza Family Estate are cosy, homely, and most importantly come with a terrace or patio to enjoy views of the surrounding vines, mountains and valley below; what’s not to love?
Room Options
The 9 Suites and 6 Villas each evoke a fitting rural ambience with their bare stone walls, wooden beams and lovely views to be enjoyed through each window, or from your private terrace/balcony. Studio rooms in the main building are a touch more modest on the floorplan though don’t lack in character, and all included amenities are the same, such as air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, robes and slippers, a minibar, tea and coffee making facilities and either a queen or king-size bed, depending on available space.
Suite
The Zornitza Family Estate Suites are a great option, roughly 485sq ft in size they come with a balcony or terrace, queen-size beds and views across the grounds or vines, plus a walk-in shower and all other in-room extras.Villa
Slightly larger at just under 600sq ft, most Villas come with a king-size bed and either an open-plan sleeping/lounge area or separate living room altogether with fireplace, plus superior views and a furnished patio or terrace.Facilities/Amenities
One of the many delights of your stay at Zornitza Family Estate will no doubt be the boutique, charming nature of what’s available when here. There are certainly supremely high-end aspects to the property such as their classy spa that has a distinct hydrotherapy theme, with its steam baths, salt and jet pools, an additional thermal pool and sauna too, plus plenty of relaxing massage treatments, of course. You’ll also find a small but well-equipped gym, as well as the surrounding gardens, eco-farm, vineyards, and a luxe outdoor swimming pool from which to enjoy the valley views, though blissfully, that’s about all there is and in fact, all you’ll need.
Restaurants & Bars
aEstivum Restaurant
Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by the signature high standard of cuisine here at Zornitza Family Estate, as their aEstivum Restaurant really is something special. Many of the seasonal dishes are infused with mouth-watering Black Burgundy and Bianchetto truffles that are found nearby, while almost everything else is also grown onsite in the organic eco-farm, where you can also pick up artisan cheeses, homemade jam, honey and other irresistible delicacies. Back at the restaurant, the gourmet food is always seasonal so it’s impossible to predict on a week-to-week basis. However, what you can be sure of is a true fine dining experience here, global influences on the plate and cutting-edge presentation to match, plus a wine cellar regularly consisting of more than 300 separate labels. The restaurant space is a stone-clad, cosy place to enjoy your meal, though plenty of al fresco areas can be found on the patio which is great for afternoon and evening drinks too.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Activities & Entertainment
Simply enjoying the estate itself is a constant source of interest here, as afternoons can be spent taking lunch betwixt the grape vines, wandering Zornitza’s onsite organic farm – which produces the food for their fine dining restaurant menu – or pampering yourself at the spa. Then when the time does come to get out and about, you can visit historic Sandanski Old Town and the monasteries of nearby Melink, while a little further afield natural wonders come thick and fast. The Melnishka River Canyon, Slavyanka Mountains, Ali Botush Nature Reserve and waterfalls of the Bashliitsa River are among many highlights within reach; perfect for hiking, biking and rafting tours. And, if visiting during winter, head to Bansko Ski Resort for the day or in summer the historic sights of Thessaloniki, Greece; golf-lovers have the Pirin Golf & Country Club on-hand too.
Sustainability Initiatives & Responsible Tourism
Nestled within the Zornitza Family Estate, the hotel’s dedication to environmental responsibility blooms. It nurtures an on-site garden teeming with fresh spices, herbs, and vegetables, cultivating a farm-to-table experience that delights the senses. Recently, the hotel unveiled a 'sustainable menu,' a culinary masterpiece woven from seasonal, organic, and locally sourced products. This harmonious blend of on-site farming and mindful menu creation underscores Zornitza’s unwavering commitment to eco-conscious luxury, providing you with a delightful and responsible gastronomic journey that respects both the palate and the planet.
Bulgaria travel information
When to visit Bulgaria
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best time
Good time
Ok time
- Time zone: +2 GMT
- Flight time: 3 hours
- Recommended airlines: British Airways
- Currency: Bulgarian Lev, Euro
- Tipping guideline: Depends on the service
- Health considerations: No major health risks.
- Capital: Sofia
- Population: 6,618,615
- National languages: Bulgarian
- Electricity and plugs: Type C & F, 230V
- Mobile phone coverage: Good coverage
- UK passport visa requirements: You don't need a visa for Bulgaria if you have a British passport - for a maximum of 90 days
Want to know more?
Call our Travel Specialists for a chat with our Bulgaria experts. They'll share their first-hand insights so you can find your perfect holiday.
Christmas Eve: 9am - 3pm
New Years Eve: 9am - 3pm
25th Dec, 26th Dec & 1 Jan: CLOSED
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Jacob
Travel Specialist
Bulgaria travel guides
Want some more help planning your holiday to Bulgaria? Read our expert guides to find out everything you need to know about where to stay, dine and explore on your Inspiring Travel escape.
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Christmas Eve: 9am - 3pm
New Years Eve: 9am - 3pm
25th Dec, 26th Dec & 1 Jan: CLOSED
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
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