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hotel
Bethlen Estates
Transylvania
Romania is firmly on our 2022 watch list, and the opening of
Bethlen Estates has us making a beeline for Transylvania. The
village of Cris has been in the Bethlen family – who built its
imposing medieval castle – for over 800 years. The plan to open up
this lush woodland area to visitors has been in the works for quite
some time, with mother-and-son duo Gladys and Nikolaus Bethlen
running the show. The property comprises a series of renovated
Saxon cottages, a manor house and other stylishly renovated
dwellings (think kilim rugs, local crafts and original wooden
beams). Meals are taken in the cosy central barn, or in your
individual residence, and the Transylvanian wine tastings in the
cellar are unmissable. Want to venture further afield and
experience the untouched beauty and staggering biodiversity of the
Transylvanian countryside? Raluca Spiac’s travel company, Beyond
Dracula, is the best in the business when it comes to bespoke
itineraries offering off-grid experiences.