I’ve never seen a real bear up close, let alone a brown Transylvanian one. I’m told they roam the forests of the rolling Romanian hills within the untamed nature of the Bucegi Natural Park. Yet, reassuringly, none of the staff at the Matca Transylvanian Sanctuary had ever seen one either.
Just as well, as Matca, which means Queen Bee is designed as a five-star sanctuary, a place of comfort and serenity. It was built in January 2024 by the home-grown Caluianu family, founders of the Albina Carpatina brand comprising Royal jelly, honey, and pollen granules. For a family profoundly attuned to nature and natural healing this act of passion needed a whopping investment of €7.5 million of their own money, and the result is impressive.
The valley is abundant with places to stay, but Matca is located on a mountaintop accessible from the town of Șimon, in Brașov county. The drive there passes hilly prairie-like lands of Prahova Valley where people can be seen turning hay and where white-washed buildings and a white monastry sparkle in the sun.
The Romanian-styled “village” designed by architect Gabriel Georgescu is inspired by the 21 Ocolul Măgura house from the ASTRA Museum in Sibiu, and sprawls over seven hectares surrounded by undulating hills.
It is a lush landscape that’s deeply touching in the summer months. It’s also beautiful when the autumnal hues of orange, red and brown coat the landscape and later in the year when the inevitable winter white of snowfall offers its change of scene and skiing opportunities. So, it doesn’t matter when you go, as Matca is a year-round getaway destination.
Who for:
Couples or friends looking to reconnect and rejuvenate within a spa/health complex surrounded by plenty of hiking opportunities and good food.
Accommodation
Matca Farmhouse
Matca bedroom
Matca bedroom
There are 16 rooms fashioned out of two traditional Transylvanian farmhouses, each with an inner courtyard. There is softness in the decor of local oak, bell-shaped light shades, creamy colours, and artworks made of pressed wildflowers.
Each room has a king-size bed, sitting area, flat screen tv, free wifi, coffee and tea-making facilities, a safe deposit box, a desk, and amenities such as a makeup mirror and hairdryer. Stylish bathrooms have walk-in showers, handsome round stone basins and aromatic Ritual toiletries. Most rooms let in plenty of natural light, but there are a couple of rooms that don’t. Be sure to steer away from those.
The two villas are the crowning glory of the resort. You wake up to stunning views over the Piatra Craiului and Bucegi Mountains. What a way to start a day! Plus can enjoy coffee in the separate lounge, and see those views from the bathroom. They even have a jacuzzi perched on their balcony.
Food & Drink
There is the Nectar bar, where you can grab a coffee, a juice or your favourite tipple but interestingly no fizzy drinks such as Coca-Cola. The STUP restaurant offers Transylvanian-influenced fine dining made from locally sourced ingredients. Breakfast comprises à la carte, continental or vegetarian options.
In the summer there’s a choice of dining alfresco on their terrace.
Facilities
The Natura SPA facilities at MATCA are extensive and include a heated indoor swimming pool a dry sauna, a wet sauna, a cold plunge and a salt room. There are regular yoga classes, as well as a heated indoor relaxation pool and jacuzzi.
MATCA swimming pool
MATCA spa
MATCA Relaxation room
The gym at MATCA
To finish it all off, there are sunbeds in the relaxation room with views through floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s also a spacious well-kitted gym with floor-to-ceiling windows – yes, you get those views again.
Or grab your walking boots and explore the area on a guided hike, or follow a trail by mountain bike.
What’s nearby?
The nearest airport is Brașov-Ghimbav International around 35 km drive. For a fright night you could visit Bran Castle of Count Dracula fame and get a ghouling guided tour courtesy of the hotel. Or check out the fortified churches in the surrounding area. Oh and if you are like me and interested in seeing a Romanian brown bear, you could visit the nearby bear sanctuary.
Verdict: Serene and beautiful the Matca Transylvanian Sanctuary is a luxurious escape into nature and a delightful place to relax and rejuvenate.
How much:
Rooms start from £316 a night at peak times including breakfast.
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