Tailormade Romania

Staying on a floating hotel (‘flotel’) in the Danube Delta is a superb and unique experience. These flotels travel through the Delta’s many waterways, exploring the maze of channels, lakes and remote islands, and allow one to experience the very heart of the wetland and its plethora of wildlife from an entirely different perspective. Meals are prepared by on-board chefs and comprise delicious, traditional cuisine, whilst the open sundeck deck offers ample room from which to birdwatch, as well as a bar. Rooms are relatively small, but are clean and comfortable, all with en suite facilities, with the added benefit of incredible and ever-changing views of the Delta each morning! Power is provided via a generator, operated during the daytime only, so that passengers can fully absorb the peace and night time sounds of the Delta after dark.

Situated in the Piatra Craiului National Park between Bucegi and Piatra Mountains, the Mosorel Guesthouse commands the most breathtaking setting with far-reaching views. Surrounded by spectacular mountains, it is often possible to spot agile Chamois on the nearby rock faces, and even the occasional Brown Bear ambling across the slopes. A network of hiking trails criss-cross the surrounding area, and the friendly owners will be more than happy to provide advice on the best routes, as well as sharing their knowledge of the local wildlife. Rooms are situated within the main building, as well as in a number of separate cabins, and are clean, spacious and comfortable, all with en suite facilities. Delicious home cooked meals are of a traditional Romanian style and are all freshly prepared with locally-sourced ingredients.

Situated within an extensive tract of pristine forest above Pecineagu Lake, with breathtaking views of Făgăraș and Lezer-Păpușa Mountains, the Bunea Wilderness Cabin offers an unforgettable opportunity to leave civilisation behind and experience the wild Carpathians. The cabin was constructed by ‘Foundation Conservation Carpathia’, and is part of the largest private conservation project in Europe. The surrounding forests are home to Wolves and Eurasian Lynx, as well as European Brown Bear, and can be explored on foot with an expert guide via a network of trails to suit every ability, or viewed from the comfort of the hide. Evening meals are prepared with local, organic ingredients and are enjoyed by candlelight with a selection of excellent Romanian wines. The accommodation itself is rustic, but very comfortable nevertheless and comprises three cosy bedrooms (one double and two with bunk beds) a fully-equipped kitchen, bathroom with solar shower, rustic fireplace for cooler evenings and, most importantly, large windows overlooking the mountains and an excellent collection of field guides! There is also a telescope for guests to enjoy the spectacular, unpolluted night skies. There is no electricity at Bunea, but this only adds to its appeal! A visit to Bunea Wilderness Cabin is a truly special experience.

The Comisu hide offers another superb, off-the-beaten-track option for those keen to leave the hustle and bustle of modern life well and truly behind. Perched in a beautiful meadow above the tree line, the views across the Făgăraș Mountains are simply incredible. The hide itself is simple and rustic in nature and so time here requires a sense of adventure. Sleeping arrangements are basic, comprising bunkbeds set around a cosy log burner with warm sleeping bags provided … since the hide sits at 1,700 metres both are very welcome in the chilly evenings. The toilet is located just outside the hide, and there is no shower or electricity. However, this is absolutely the draw of Comisu; its rustic nature offers exciting wildlife viewing opportunities far from civilisation, and a couple of nights spent here will never be forgotten.