Vlad’ll Do Nicely…
Trips to sink your teeth into with my luxury guide to Transylvania
As any travel guide will tell you, Transylvania is more of an experiential destination and one which is favoured by curious visitors, hoping to delve into the folklore of this enchanting region, deep in the heart of Romania. If it’s on your radar but you’ve not got around to booking up yet, let me show you some of the lovely places you can stay in. Don’t expect Transylvania to be awash with lavish, indulgent Vegas-style resorts but that’s not to say there’s not some absolutely charming and luxurious accommodation available.
If Transylvania is on your holiday wish-list then look no further. I’ve done some of the spade work for you which I hope will inspire you to book your dream trip.
Transylvania may be famous for the myth and legend behind the blood-thirsty Count Dracula (historical villain Vlad the Impaler was thought to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula), and understandably, this is a popular draw for tourists, but in truth, Transylvania is an explorer’s dream and there’s much more to it than vampire stories! You can see castle ruins, medieval churches, mystical forests and jaw-dropping scenery – a real fairy-tale setting for a different type of holiday, if that’s what your heart desires.
Count Kalnoky’s Guesthouses and The Prince’s Retreat
One of the first places that caught my eye was Count Kalnoky’s guesthouses at Miklosvar and The Prince’s Retreat at Valea Zalanului. You all know by now, I am fussy about where I stay and I look for a mix of comfort, location, character and a little touch of magic if possible. This place looks like it will tick all those boxes. It’s also frequented by our very own HRH the Prince of Wales.
Choose from the Count’s cottages or The Prince’s Retreat which are beautifully furnished and offer traditional charm and character. They look so atmospheric and inviting, conjuring up images of real storybook romance from a bygone era.
As well as enjoying the beauty of the estate and the surrounding area, your stay contributes to the preservation of Transylvania’s culture and heritage and thanks to the efforts of Count Kalnoky, he has transformed and maintained these delightful properties.
These retreats are sure to capture the essence of Transylvania and you too can enjoy the luxury of staying in lovingly restored ancient houses. Ideal for an authentic holiday experience in accommodation fit for a prince!
Book your stay here
Want a bespoke itinerary for your trip?
Beyonddracula.com create bespoke trips for guests, delivering trips (including hotels, guides and transportation). All of the accommodation is personally tested by them, and it’s reassuring to know that they don’t recommend anything without seeing it first. Beyonddracula.com has some lovely places to stay on their itineraries such as Daniel Castle, and the Zabola Estate.
Zabola Estate
Owned by Transylvanian nobility, this is a gorgeous place to stay. Offering a charming selection of individually designed rooms on a delightful private estate, you and your family can live like lords and ladies of the manor, especially if you opt for The Old Saddlehouse apartment which has four sleeping areas and a cosy drawing room with an open fireplace.
Castle Hotel Daniel
This hotel will appeal to you if you like a little bit of R&R after a day’s exploring. Now with a beautiful on-site spa, the Castle Hotel Daniel is another stylish yet characterful abode. There’s a range of rooms at various prices but for something special, try The Swan Suite – you can nod off into dreamland in a king size canopy bed.
You can book both hotels in Transylvania direct or as part of your itinerary with Beyonddracula.com
Sounds like you’ll get personal service and attention to detail for your trip. You’ll be able to arrange loads of things if you want them – custom build your trip, your way. You can visit the towns of Sibiu, Brasov, Sighisoara and Cluj – sampling some of the lovely traditional food and wine along the way or if nature and activity is more your cup of tea, you can go hiking, cycling, horse-riding, walking and truffle hunting!
Give them a go if you’re looking for specialist assistance in booking your Transylvanian adventures.
Castles of Transylvania on the Golden Eagle Danube Express
If you prefer being on the move, you could always step aboard this luxury train that will whisk you through some spectacular scenery of Eastern Europe. This exclusive rail journey on the Golden Eagle Danube Express kicks off in Istanbul, Turkey before heading to Romania via Bulgaria and you’ll get to see some of the stunning castles of Transylvania including Peles Castle and of course, Bran Castle.
Just look at the interior of this train – what a lovely way to see this part of the world and indulge in a little luxury on the rails? Count me in!
For more information and prices for this trip on Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, have a look at the website or give them a call on +44 (0)161 928 9410
Of course, no visit to Transylvania would be complete without visiting Bran Castle. Dracula or Vlad the Impaler aside, this castle is an important part of Romania’s history and heritage and you’ll enjoy hearing all about it when you go. Why not make it extra special by booking your very own small group private tour.
There’s no doubt about it, myth and legend abound in Transylvania and the friendly locals will have many a tale to tell you but you should go and write a story of your own. One that is true and the memories of which will stay with you forever.
Go visit; I promise, they don’t bite!
(sorry, couldn’t resist)
I love travel. I’ve been fascinated by other countries and cultures since my first foreign trip in 1985 and I’ve had serious wanderlust ever since.I also love to write about where I’ve been and tripsology lets me indulge that passion. I’m thrilled to be a regular contributor and editor. When I’m not writing I also run my own PR and publicity company.