Doing Things

The Rhodope Mountains lure visitors in all four seasons of the year. Hiking trails abound in the area including the Dospat and Smolyan lakes, the Devil’s Throat and its canyon, Mount Perelik and Mount Orpheus. Hikers have an opportunity, through guided tours with game and botany experts, to observe rich wildlife and flora, unique in Europe. Visits to the caves Devil’s Throat, Yagodinska and Uhlovitza offer challenging and memorable hikes underground. Pamporovo ski resort (the second largest in Bulgaria) with more than 50km of downhill skiing and cross-country ski runs for all levels of skiers is only 15km away. In the winter, a horse-drawn or a dog sleigh could offer an unforgettable fairy-tale experience.
An exciting way to explore the mountains and villages around Villa Gella is by bike or on horseback. A local stud farm offers rides in its paddocks and treks along mountain trails. Mountain ranges, mirror lakes and ancient woodlands are an inspiration for professional and amateur painters and photographers alike throughout the year, as the changing seasons allow for multiple takes on the same landscape. Luxurious yoga retreats are held annually.
Villa Gella can offer a prolonged stay or an overnight rest for visitors travelling from Rila and Rozhen Monasteries to Bachkovo Monastery, from the towns of Melnik and Bankso to the city of Plovdiv, for anyone exploring the Rhodope Mountains and the Thracian Valley and venturing away from Sofia and Plovdiv

More information on Nearby UNESCO Heritage Sites
More information on UNESCO Heritage Sites

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