Zornitza Family Estate, Relais & Chateaux, Bulgaria, Melnik

In the southwestern part of Bulgaria, at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, there is the smallest city, Melnik. This charming and picturesque place is rich in historic buildings, narrow streets, old churches, Orthodox churches, museums, and medieval ruins. The greatest pride of the region is the regional wine, which is a must-try when visiting Bulgaria. It is worth visiting the wine routes scattered over the neighboring hills. The unique combination of beautiful nature, history, cultural heritage and winemaking makes the Melnik region an attractive and diverse place.

In these beautiful and peaceful circumstances, the Zornitza Family Estate Relais & Chateaux complex was opened, located on 1 hectares, which combines nature and luxury in complete harmony. Hospitality here is the hotel's philosophy. It is a unique place for holidays and relaxation. The Zornitz family estate lies among the hills and vineyards of southern Bulgaria. The area is known for its clean air, and its volcanic origins have provided it with fertile soil, healing mud and natural mineral water.

The owner's vision was to create an oasis of peace for guests, in full harmony with nature.

The Greek border is just 10 minutes away, while the sandy beaches of Chalkidiki and the Bulgarian slopes of the Bansko ski resort are within an hour. Zornitza has a strong sense of place - spices, vegetables, honey, eggs, cheeses, flowering truffles and farm animals produced and raised on the estate's organic farm dominate the kitchen at the aEstivum restaurant. Zornitz's impressive cellar is stocked with numerous Syrah varieties grown in the surrounding vineyards, as well as 17 grape varieties (in addition to a Wine Spectator-certified wine list with hundreds of international labels).

The estate's grapes, wine and honey are also used in the treatments and therapies at the hotel's Zoma Body & Soul SPA. The SPA provides guests with wonderful experiences through therapies, relaxing pools with thermal water and Darphin Paris cosmetics. In addition, it provides an effective, holistic approach through personalized care and treatments, relaxing thermal water pools that allow the body and mind to achieve an optimal level of well-being and beauty. Atmospheric music, delicate scents, professional service and wonderful views of the sandy rocks and Melnik vineyards allow for complete relaxation.

The Zornitz complex was designed in Tuscan style, where the main hotel building has 9 apartments and the rest of the estate offers 6 villas. Each villa is characterized by luxurious, cozy interiors, artistic decor, large terraces and panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards, sandy cliffs and mountain peaks. Each villa has a fireplace, which provides a warm and romantic atmosphere in the cold months.

The materials used in the hotel are largely natural, and the ingredients are obtained from the surrounding eco-farm on the 200-hectare estate. Organic herbs, fruits and vegetables are grown. Honey, preserves and truffles are also produced - the latter are the result of an extensive tree planting program.

The hotel belongs to the Relais & Chateaux association, which brings together boutique hotels and gourmet restaurants where you can taste the best world-class flavors. The ideal location in the Melnik region, with over 280 sunny days and fertile soil, allows the production of unforgettable wines with full-flavored grapes. The aromas and flavors of local vines are becoming more and more popular at major world wine exhibitions.

It is an ideal place to relax in the bosom of nature, where local products are made: wine, cheese, honey and truffles - a unique place for connoisseurs of delicious cuisine.