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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.