Authentic and luxurious experience in the wilderness of the Rhodopes

Steeped in history and culture. Nestling at 1,600m altitutude in the sleepy hamlet of Gela - the birthplace of the legendary Thracian musician Orpheus. A meticulously and lovingly restored six-bedroom mountain house commanding magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. Villa Gella - a family-owned small luxury hotel and all-seasons villa (chalet) rental, accessible by car and helicopter, by foot or on horseback.

Luxurious amenities

A panoramic terrace, wood-burning fireplaces everywhere, a swimming pool with a view, a badminton court 'hanging' in the air, a pétanque with a BBQ, an unusual horseshoe throwing court, a cosy library, Bulgarian rose or juniper toiletries, underfloor heating, most comfortable beds, a choice of pillows and the softest linens. Chef offers ‘omakase’ by season, as well as full vegan and vegetarian menus. A seamless merger of indoors and outdoors. Multiple spaces where guests can quietly disappear on their own or merge in groups. And breathtaking and mesmerising views from every window and angle.

A bolthole in pristine mountains

Far from the city bustle and away from the prying eyes, amidst the peaks where once Orpheus strummed his lyre, the Thracians built fortresses and the Romans laid roads and erected basilicas. In the rhythms of Rhodope mountain music hushed by the gaida (bagpipe) and energised by the tapan (drum). When tired of human company, follow the tracks of brown bears among the elm trees, climb the peaks after mountain goats, look for the rare vultures and black storks soaring above. Stretch your arms and touch the stars. Come, Hear the Silence!

Beautiful interiors

The living-cum-dining room as a mirror image of the large terrace, the library and the spa, the six en-suite bedrooms, the covered terrace with a large jacuzzi are all decorated differently, yet preserving the common thread of local materials: cool stone, warm wood, tactile textiles; pastel accents in the welcoming whiteness. The spacious living and dining room is at the heart of the chalet, a place to enjoy the superb cooking by the villa's private chef, an afternoon tea of local mountain herbs, a lively discussion on diverse topics, a wine-tasting of local wines or a private concert by the large fireplace.

Six distinctive bedrooms, each with a spectacular view...

Villa Gella has six distinctive bedrooms, all en-suite, offering a luxurious bed and an ample space for relaxation in the warmth of a wood-burning fireplace. Guests can choose a room to suit their disposition - luscious oriental, glitzy stripe, glass transparent, musky wooden, luxurious rural, thrifty stone - all with wood-burning fireplaces, underfloor heating, several window-facing bathtubs, complimenting the spectacular views to the surrounding mountains.

Authentic taste of the mountains

Bulgarian cuisine is a unique fusion of Mediterranean, Ottoman and Slavic cooking traditions, adding its own unique touches, ingredients and flavours. At Villa Gella it varies with the seasons and the availability of produce from the surrounding eco farms. The creativity of the local chef fosters unpretentious and unforgettable fine dining experiences, enhanced by wines made from indigenous grape varieties according to the centuries-old traditions of the country's five distinct wine regions.

Guest Testimonials

We appreciate that we were able to eat and drink right here instead of going to restaurants. We love all the shades of green in the forest and the fields. We loved the ‘small surprises’ and the ‘big surprises’. Thank you for the anniversary flowers and the cake, for the loving attention to all our needs. Thank you!Carol and Bill, USA
You are the best family in the Balkans! Never will I forget Orfeo’s birthplace, the six hour hike, the peppers picnic, being wet as mice and arguing about the useless young generation!Dame Emma Thompson, DBE, Actress, Screenwriter, Author, Activist, UK
I have never spent such a memorable day in the mountains. I am charmed by the summer beauty of the Rhodope Mountains, her bounty of flowers and herbs, and most of all, by your deep knowledge and special relationship with the plants that surround you. Our few days at Villa Gella have given me the eternal respect for the power of nature for our wellbeing and health. And you have such rich heritage fight on your doorsteps.Sophie Benge, Author, Healing Sources: Spas and Wellbeing from the Baltics to the Black Sea, Prestel
We have had a wonderful stay in the middle of the mountains. The villa is so relaxing and comfortable - every detail has been thought about. ... Words cannot describe such heavenly cooking... The walking has been special - meadows with wild flowers, pine forests and mixed forests, still some snow high up, deserted ancient ruins and empty tracks (except for deer and possibly a few bears which are ‘not too dangerous’)... We really appreciate the wine tasting and the joy of Bulgarian wine made with such care and pride.Sue and Philip, Canada
It was a wonderful place to stay, with outstanding food and outstanding people! I had such a fun/ great time here and I hope I can come visit again! Thank you!!!Helen, Norway
Топлина. Уют. Гостоприемство. Зимна приказка в сърцето на Родопа планина... Вилла Гелла е уникално съчетание на всичко това! Благодарим на домакините, колите ни подариха тези емоции!Матео, Дара, Ния, Ирена, Дечо
Villa Gella was a very special place for us to spend a very special time of our lives! Thank you for providing us with the perfect base for exploring and wаndering after the biggest day of our lives!Tom and Anna, honeymooners
The food was delicious, the setting was gorgeous, and the design and decor exquiste. Most of all, everyone was kind, lovely and hostiable. What a delightful place.Penny and Bill, USA
Villa Gella is an inspiring, inspired experience. The attention to crafts and tastes is apparent in the smallest details ... to the grandest gesture. ... Villa Gella is something unique to Bulgaria. Share it only with those who will appreciate this special place.Aza and Wendellen
Thank you for a wonderful week at Villa Gella! Your warmth and kindness made it feel like a home away from home! ... Our children have especially had a wonderful week! From planting beans in the garden, finding snails, playing badminton, all the delicious sweet ‘surprises’ from Dimka’s kitchen ... and best of all the traditional Bulgarian bagpipe music - all make wonderful memories on our first trip to Bulgaria (and definitely not our last!)Stuart, Jean, Oscar, Ivy
Hard to describe what we experienced here ... amazing nature, culture, history and your hospitality!! Bravo Villa Gella!!!Hiro Kusuda, Winemaker, New Zealand
Thank you for your amazing service! I really loved your amazing, luxurious atmosphere, your food and staff. I honestly am amazed of how much you could put up with my brother, you’re a hero. This villa definitely deserves those awards! Thank you for having me! I will definitely be begging to come back in the summer. See you in the summer! XOXIsabel, 7-year old, UK
... It is hard to decide if we should tell everyone about this place or if we should keep it a secret...Robert Young, PhD, Professor Coastal Geology, North Carolina, USA
The best trip of my life... Everything was perfect!! Great facilities, great view, great food and more than anything else great people! It was the most pleasant, unforgettable moment. I’d love to come again.Sue, Seoul, South Korea
What a wonderful & friendly place with such warm and intelligent people. It was a highlight of our trip. To spend time in your home with you was a great pleasure. Thank you so very much.TC Schwartz, Singapore
Villa Gella is a place we do not want to leave. We want to live here. It offers everything one needs for happiness. Thank you for being such wonderful people.Micheline, France
I had a great time at Villa Gella, it’s location is so beautiful, peaceful and make you happy. Dimka and Ivan are great hosts, the food is amazing, very healthy, the way they make the place for us with lots of hard work and love. The villa is a good place for meditation, yoga and skiing.Dr Isaac Mathai, Founder, Soukya International Wholistic Health Centre, India