The Best Mountain Retreats to Book in Bulgaria

From hiking around a glacial lake to cruising through the sky on a piloted Delta Glider, this aparthotel offers a range of activities for outdoorsy folk on the outskirts of the Pirin National Park. Choose between a studio, one- or two-bedroom apartment, complete with a kitchen and balcony, plus access to indoor and outdoor pools, a games room and restaurant. Travelling as a group of four? Book the two-bedroom villa, which has its own wood-burning stove, just a short walk from the main complex.

If you’re looking for a base to explore Rila National Park, the largest in Bulgaria, then book Yagoda. It’s an ideal base for summer hiking to the top of Mount Musala, the highest peak in the Balkan Peninsula. Wooden A-frame cabins are dotted around the holiday complex, some of which have private saunas. Make the most of the outdoor pool and tennis courts in the warm months. Come winter, head into nearby Borovets to ski the pine-studded pistes of the most popular ski resort in the country.

The Pirin and Rila Mountains can be seen from practically every spot inside the highest hotel in Bansko, from the glass-ceilinged swimming pool to the white leather chairs of the Sky Bar. The apartments range in size from mountain-view studios to an 11-person suite with a fireplace and open-air jacuzzi, all decked out with pinewood floors and pristine white walls. Also on-site are a ski rental store and Bar Ascalon, where you can accompany drinks with pool and foosball. The main ski gondola is just 1.3km (0.8mi) away.

The star feature at this wellness resort is a chic, wood-and-marble spa, boasting indoor and outdoor pools, a hammam, Finnish sauna and aroma steam room. Rooms, studios and apartments wear soothing blues and greys; most also have views of the Pirin Mountains, best seen from the top-floor design double rooms. Head to the Chef’s Kitchen for outdoor dining and buffet breakfasts, whilst the vintage leather sofas in the Rustic Lounge Bar are primed for fireside cocktails.

Admire the snow-covered forest from the warmth of an indoor pool or outdoor jacuzzi at this ski-orientated lodge in Borovets. Studios and one- or two-bedroom apartments feature balconies overlooking the pistes, as well as storage space for ski equipment. There’s a free shuttle bus to the slopes and a bike rental service available at reception – explore 20km (12mi) of signposted trails in the Borovets Mountain Bike Park during the summer months.

For a traditional ski chalet feel, book Hotel Tanne. It’s just 300m (1,000ft) from the main ski gondola at the bottom of Pirin Mountain. Make a beeline for the spa where you can rest your ski-tired muscles by steaming in the salt room or unwinding in the Russian bath. Afterwards, take in the mountain views from the Lobby Bar and stone-walled restaurant, which serves banska kapama, a delicious regional stew made with cabbage and several kinds of meat.