ZORNITZA FAMILY ESTATE RELAIS & CHATEAUX, MELNIK

A sunny location in southwestern Bulgaria, idyllic views and exquisite food and wine produced right on-site – what’s not to love about the Zornitza Family Estate?

Encompassed by the rich natural beauty of the Melnik region, a land of hot springs and rolling vineyards, this Relais & Châteaux property has a strong connection to its surroundings. The 3,000-acre property not only has its own truffle orchard and vineyard but raises livestock and produces its own honey, cheese and organic fruit and vegetables. The seasonal haute cuisine served in its restaurants is unsurprisingly superb, complemented by fine wines, stylish interiors and great views.

A collection of contemporary stone buildings with timber beams and red bricks, this Tuscan-style property accommodates its guests in six spacious private villas and nine homely hotel suites. There’s also a high-tech gym and holistic spa furnished with a number of relaxing pools. When you’re not sipping on fine vintages in the property’s impressive wine cellar, you can venture out to discover nearby wineries, museums, waterfalls and historic sites dating all the way back to the Northern Thrace and ancient Greece.