Elite Traveler Winter 2020

Zornitza Estate BULGARIA

It’s unlikely you’ve come across this precious fairy-tale family estate before, but the likelihood is that once you’ve been, you’ll want to keep it a tight-lipped secret until the end of your days. Embodying country living to a tee, Zornitza Family Estate was built from the dreams of a family of aesthetes enamored by the beauty of their home country. Hidden within the misty green-gold hills and zesty vineyards of southern Bulgaria, the Relais & Châteaux grand maison produces its own wine, honey, truffles and organic fruits, and raises its own curio of livestock —90 percent of which is used in its restaurants. Speaking of restaurants, this is where you really want to tuck in. With ‘farm to fork’ dining at the heart of his menu, head chef Vasil Spasov (previously of NOMA and Alain Ducasse fame) serves up seasonal haute cuisine with Bulgarian influences featuring black Burgundy and Bianchetto truffles stuffed into hearty meats. Then there’s the wine. With over 280 days of sunny rays, the fertile soils of Zornitza produce some seriously aromatic and full-bodied wines. Syrah is the dominant vine, accompanied by 17 other local and classic red wine grape varieties, all of which you can taste in the wine cellar under the tutelage of Alex Skorchev, head sommelier at Zornitza and founder of theWine & Spirits Academy Bulgaria. The estate’s vibe is cozy and elemental, with 15 modern rooms, suites and villas outfitted with stone walls, huge sofas, roaring fireplaces and massive beds. Of all the hideouts, the private villas are the best. All come with balconies overlooking the estate and beyond, along with romantic living rooms and bathtubs with dreamy views. If you do one thing... There’s lots on offer, from fishing in great lakes to climbing the sand pyramids of Melnik (absolutely stunning rock formations) via a great path next to a 13th-century monastery, but perhaps the most special offering is a hot air balloon ride over the region. Start early to see the sun rise over the surrounding Greek and Bulgarian hills before whizzing over the great vineyards and rolling tundras, canyons, mighty rivers and dense forests that border the resort. Glass of bubbly in the air? Mandatory. From $6,640 per night. Contact Ralitsa Georgieva, sales representative, sales@zornitzaestate.com, +359 888 457 005, zornitzaestate.com