In between assignments and feeling a bit sluggish, I browsed apathetically at endless pages of spa resorts, hippy dippy places of spirituality and numerous health hotels or exercise regimes cunningly disguised as holidays. I wanted the opportunity to self improve both physically and spiritually, but I wanted it on my terms.

I was instantly impressed by the Melanya web site, with further investigation into the facilities and ‘easy going’ approach at this exclusive mountain retreat firmly clinching the deal. I am a bit of an adventure tourist at times and have enjoyed kayaking and mountain biking, so the activities at Melanya offered a great alternative to sunbathing and relaxing if I became a bit fidgety. The booking procedure was very simple and the next day I received my booking confirmation and balance of payment invoice. Also attached to my welcome email was a thoughtful booking form, which asked a few simple questions about my personal requirements during my stay, a nice touch.
I have never been to a mountain retreat before and although I’m used to travelling alone for both my work and the odd holiday, I must admit to being ever so slightly anxious about being a single woman up a mountain, in the middle of nowhere, in a foreign country. Focussing on the positives, I finished packing and headed for departures.

Despite my flight being delayed, I was met at Sofia airport by a friendly Bulgarian gentleman who made up for his lack of English with a warm smile and genuine mannerisms. My driver loaded my luggage into a spacious, executive car and we set off for Kardzhali. The journey was broken up with a brief stop for refreshments and before long we were rolling into Kardzhali town for our rendezvous with Melanya’s owners, where I was offered additional refreshments while my luggage was transferred into a land rover for the ‘final ascent’. I had been met by one of my hosts for the week, Lee, who I found instantly likeable and easy to get on with. As we left the town and headed for the mountains, Lee and I chatted about Bulgaria, the roads, the weather, work, food and London until the landscape through which we were travelling could be ignored for no longer. Lee told me the beauty improves as we get deeper into the mountains and after 30 minutes, the breathtaking scenery had almost rendered me speechless! There was no doubt in my mind that the Rhodope Mountains are indeed a special place. Upon arriving at Melanya, my choice of mountain retreat was already beginning to surpass my expectations, the location of the house and the views are absolutely stunning. I was soon introduced to Lee’s partner Melly and shown to my accommodation, which was everything I could have hoped for and more.
The self-contained accommodation at Melanya is of an excellent standard, even for someone who has stayed at some of the worlds’ top hotels. The apartment delivers the perfect mix of rustic charm with warm wooden floors and furniture coupled with exceptional cleanliness and a wonderfully spacious shower room. Everything was very well presented and the kitchen was fully stocked with seemingly everything I could possibly need for a week and lots more to boot. Let the detox begin!

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