Vila Verbena — Hotel in Apriltsi

I recently had the pleasure of staying at the enchanting Villa Verbena in Apriltsi, Bulgaria, and I must say, it was an experience that exceeded all expectations. Tucked away in a remote and idyllic corner of the world, this hidden gem offers a retreat like no other.

Upon arrival, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the road leading to Villa Verbena was far from the daunting obstacle some reviews had described. The journey was a scenic delight, with breathtaking vistas unfolding at every turn.

The hospitality extended by the hosts was nothing short of heartwarming. From the moment I stepped foot on the property, I felt like an honored guest in their home. Their warmth and genuine care created an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation that truly set Villa Verbena apart.

The culinary offerings at this villa were a culinary journey in themselves. The breakfast and dinner provided were a delightful fusion of local flavors and international influences, skillfully prepared and served with an attention to detail that bespoke of true culinary passion. Each meal was a gastronomic adventure, leaving me eagerly anticipating the next culinary creation.

The accommodations at Villa Verbena were a haven of tranquility and relaxation. The tastefully decorated rooms exuded a rustic charm while boasting modern amenities that ensured a comfortable stay. The attention to detail was evident in every corner, from the meticulously chosen decor to the thoughtfully provided amenities.

But what truly stole my heart was the natural beauty that enveloped Villa Verbena. The surrounding landscape was a masterpiece of nature's artistry, with rolling hills, verdant forests, and a symphony of birdsong that serenaded me each morning. The air was crisp and invigorating, inviting me to explore the nearby trails and immerse myself in the embrace of the great outdoors.

In summary, my stay at Villa Verbena in Apriltsi, Bulgaria, was an unforgettable experience that touched all my senses and rejuvenated my spirit. The remote location, far from being a hindrance, was a gateway to a world of beauty and tranquility. The hosts' genuine warmth and graciousness, combined with the delectable meals and warm accommodations, made this a destination that I am already yearning to return to. If you're seeking a place to escape the mundane and embrace the extraordinary, Villa Verbena is the haven you've been...

Villa Verbena is a renovated old house offering no-frills comfort and convenience. It is situated on an old forest road along the Zla Reka river in the foothills of Central Balkan region at an altitude of ~650 m. The rooms are tastefully furnished with en-suite bathrooms; every room has a book shelf with a selection of titles to read. There is parking for 8-10 cars. It is a family affair run by two generations; the hosts are friendly, hospitable and good fun to be with, and together with Bertha the dog and the cats easily make you feel at home. Villa Verbena is a great place to relax and laze around, enjoy the peace and quiet, and the good food and wine; bear in mind that there's not much to do, so a long stay could get boring unless you're a keen hiker. The area is crisscrossed by numerous pathways and forest roads to explore (the local trails are not marked and very few are plotted on the internet). The trail heads to Botev Peak, Maragidik and others are 15-30 minutes away by car, but note that the access road to the property is seriously bad; drive slowly and choose your way with extra care. The guesthouse is in a logging area, so the pleasure of walking into the mountain is spoilt by heavy trucks and other equipment that leave ugly scars in the woods and make a racket early in the morning. The price is for half board, breakfast and dinner included. Credit cards and cash are accepted. There's no cover for the A1 and Yettel networks, but then again, you've come to disconnect, haven't you? For those who can't live without the internet, there is Wi-Fi, although it's somewhat...

The road to the villa is in a very bad condition. I didn't actually believe there is a house out there. It's actually around 2 km far from the main road. You should consider taking an off-roader for this terrain although you can go with your family car but a rather annoying experience. Still the place is very nice (if you are able to reach it). There is a big restaurant and the food is very good. I think they have a local garden and they grow most of the vegetables there. They told us meat comes from a small farm in the region as well. The people who run the place are very nice and you can have a good chat with them. There is a big yard where you can have rest, read a book at some nice chairs or have a drink. Rooms are very well furnished - big bedroom, chairs and cupboards. Bathroom is also big. I just didn't believe this when I saw it having in mind the condition of the road to the place. It must have been hell difficult to bring all this stuff there. Satellite cable and free wi-fi is available in the rooms. A small parking place for 3-4 vehicles is also available. Very quiet place in the evening... it's actually in the woods so you don't hear any vehicles or people around. There is just one neighboring house. I would definitely recommend but to stay at least for two-three days without roaming with your car in the area - just relax...