Matcha Transylvanian Sanctuary, Romania Review

I have never seen a real bear up close, let alone a brown Transylvanian bear. I was told that they roam the forests of Romania’s rolling hills, in their pristine natural environment in the Bucegi Nature Park. However, it was reassuring to know that the staff at the Matka Transylvanian Conservancy had not seen a bear either.

Just like matcha, this means Queen Bee Designed as a five-star sanctuary, a place of comfort and tranquility. It was built in January 2024 by the native Caluianu family, founders of the Albina Carpatina brand, which includes royal jelly, honey and pollen granules. This passion move for a family with a deep love for nature and natural remedies required an investment of up to €7.5 million of own funds, and the results are impressive.

There are plenty of places to stay in the valley, but Matka is located at the top of a hill and can be reached from the town of Simon in Brasov County. The drive to get there passes through the hilly, prairie-like land of the Prahova Valley, where people turn hay and whitewashed buildings and white monasteries sparkle in the sun.

Designed by architect Gabriel Georgescu and inspired by the 21 Ocolul Măgura house at the ASTRA Museum in Sibiu, this Romanian-style “village” is spread over seven hectares of land surrounded by rolling hills.

In summer, the scenery is lush and green, in autumn, shades of orange, red and brown cover the landscape, and at the end of the year, the scenery changes with the inevitable snowfall of winter, and skiing is possible, so no matter when you go, Matka is a year-round holiday destination.

Applicable to:

Couples or friends looking to reunite and rejuvenate in the spa/wellness center are surrounded by numerous hiking opportunities and fine dining.

stay

The 16-room hotel is housed in two traditional Transylvanian farmhouses, each with an inner courtyard. Local oak, bell lampshades, cream tones and artwork made from pressed wildflowers create a soft ambience.

Each room has a king-size bed, seating area, flat-screen TV, free wifi, tea/coffee making facilities, safe, desk and amenities such as a make-up mirror and hairdryer. The stylish bathrooms have walk-in showers, beautiful round stone basins and aromatic Ritual toiletries. Most rooms have plenty of natural light, but a few do not. Be sure to avoid these rooms.

The two villas are the highlight of the resort. Wake up to stunning views of Piatra Craiului and the Bucegi Mountains. What a great way to start the day! In addition, you can enjoy a coffee in the separate lounge and admire the view from the bathroom. There is even a jacuzzi on the balcony.

FOOD

The hotel has a bar called Nectar, where you can enjoy coffee, juice or your favourite tipple, but interestingly, no carbonated drinks such as Coca-Cola are served here. The STUP restaurant offers Transylvanian cuisine made from local ingredients. Breakfast is available à la carte, continental or vegetarian.

In summer you can choose to dine al fresco on the terrace.

facility

MATCA’s Natura SPA is fully equipped with an indoor heated swimming pool, dry sauna, wet sauna, cold plunge pool and salt room. The hotel regularly hosts yoga classes, and there is also an indoor heated relaxation pool and jacuzzi.

Finally, the lounge has reclining chairs and floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy the views. There is also a large, well-equipped gym with floor-to-ceiling windows – yes, you can enjoy those views again.

Alternatively, put on your walking boots and explore the area on a guided hike, or follow the trails on a mountain bike.

What’s nearby?

The nearest airport is Brasov-Djimbav International Airport, about 35 km away. For a night of thrills, you can visit Bran Castle, famous for Count Dracula, and take a guided haunted tour offered by the hotel. Or visit the fortified churches in the surrounding area. Oh, and if you’re interested in seeing Romanian brown bears like me, you can visit the nearby bear sanctuary.

in conclusion: The tranquil and beautiful Matkatlan Sylvania Reserve is a luxurious nature retreat and a great place to relax and rejuvenate.