Zornitza Family Estate

Go Off the Beaten Path in Bulgaria — and Find Historic Cities, Stunning Landscapes, and a Mix of Cultures

"A rambling Relais & Châteaux property in southwestern Bulgaria near the Greek border, set across more than 100 acres of grapevines and operating its own wine label. The estate feels bucolic and sensory — roses perfume the air, orchards yield sour cherries and apricots, herbs line a creek, there are beehives, livestock and a fishing lake — and guests are encouraged to pick fruit and flowers to evoke a traditional rural childhood. Rooms and grounds are meant to surprise visitors (many arriving at night) and the team, led by general manager Yavor Kirov, arranges hikes into nearby Pirin Mountains and emphasizes harmony with the surrounding nature; the property also offers spa, vineyard and farm experiences." - Sarah Souli Sarah Souli Sarah Souli is a journalist based in Greece. She writes about people, places, and politics, usually in combination. Her work has appeared in The Economist, Politico, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, The Guardian, and others. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines