Guest House Verbena in Apriltsi

The place is great and located in one of the most beautiful spots in the mountains with crystal clear air and breathtaking view.
But the real gem of the stay are the hosts!
Thank you! We will definitely visit again.

Villa Verbena is a renovated old house offering no-frills comfort and convenience. It is situated on an old forest road along the Zla Reka river in the foothills of Central Balkan region at an altitude of ~650 m. The rooms are tastefully furnished with en-suite bathrooms; every room has a book shelf with a selection of titles to read. There is parking for 8-10 cars.
It is a family affair run by two generations; the hosts are friendly, hospitable and good fun to be with, and together with Bertha the dog and the cats easily make you feel at home.
Villa Verbena is a great place to relax and laze around, enjoy the peace and quiet, and the good food and wine; bear in mind that there's not much to do, so a long stay could get boring unless you're a keen hiker. The area is crisscrossed by numerous pathways and forest roads to explore (the local trails are not marked and very few are plotted on the internet). The trail heads to Botev Peak, Maragidik and others are 15-30 minutes away by car, but note that the access road to the property is seriously bad; drive slowly and choose your way with extra care. The guesthouse is in a logging area, so the pleasure of walking into the mountain is spoilt by heavy trucks and other equipment that leave ugly scars in the woods and make a racket early in the morning.
The price is for half board, breakfast and dinner included. Credit cards and cash are accepted.
There's no cover for the A1 and Yettel networks, but then again, you've come to disconnect, haven't you? For those who can't live without the internet, there is Wi-Fi, although it's somewhat slow.
August 17-20, 2023

I recently had the pleasure of staying at the enchanting Villa Verbena in Apriltsi, Bulgaria, and I must say, it was an experience that exceeded all expectations. Tucked away in a remote and idyllic corner of the world, this hidden gem offers a retreat like no other.

Upon arrival, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the road leading to Villa Verbena was far from the daunting obstacle some reviews had described. The journey was a scenic delight, with breathtaking vistas unfolding at every turn.

The hospitality extended by the hosts was nothing short of heartwarming. From the moment I stepped foot on the property, I felt like an honored guest in their home. Their warmth and genuine care created an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation that truly set Villa Verbena apart.

The culinary offerings at this villa were a culinary journey in themselves. The breakfast and dinner provided were a delightful fusion of local flavors and international influences, skillfully prepared and served with an attention to detail that bespoke of true culinary passion. Each meal was a gastronomic adventure, leaving me eagerly anticipating the next culinary creation.

The accommodations at Villa Verbena were a haven of tranquility and relaxation. The tastefully decorated rooms exuded a rustic charm while boasting modern amenities that ensured a comfortable stay. The attention to detail was evident in every corner, from the meticulously chosen decor to the thoughtfully provided amenities.

But what truly stole my heart was the natural beauty that enveloped Villa Verbena. The surrounding landscape was a masterpiece of nature's artistry, with rolling hills, verdant forests, and a symphony of birdsong that serenaded me each morning. The air was crisp and invigorating, inviting me to explore the nearby trails and immerse myself in the embrace of the great outdoors.

In summary, my stay at Villa Verbena in Apriltsi, Bulgaria, was an unforgettable experience that touched all my senses and rejuvenated my spirit. The remote location, far from being a hindrance, was a gateway to a world of beauty and tranquility. The hosts' genuine warmth and graciousness, combined with the delectable meals and warm accommodations, made this a destination that I am already yearning to return to. If you're seeking a place to escape the mundane and embrace the extraordinary, Villa Verbena is the haven you've been dreaming of!

Wonderful hosts and spectacular setting. Absolute hidden gem. We went for a very long hike and got lost, ended up being 4 hours away from our car with no busses or taxis. The host was super nice and came to get us.

If you are looking for a remote location, in the middle of the forest /mountains, with great hosts, great food (just accept what they are offering for dinner, you will not regret it!), great rooms (do not expect 5 stars Hilton' style rooms, but very clean, big room with big beds) and great courtyard, this is the perfect place in Northern Bulgaria. If are about 100 km radius of this location, it's worth for sure going there!
PS: take also the Bowen therapy. Especially if you are traveling by motorcycles. It's fixing all pain!
PPS: be aware, the last 3 km is not a very good road. But perfectly doable by any car. And by any motorcycle, except the super sport bikes.

Fine place with lovely hosts and good food. Quiet, peaceful and very green place, great for a short break. There are several hiking trails nearby.

Quiet and lovely nature, the hosts are very polite, the food was great.Relaxation 100%

Great place! Highly recommended!

Amazingy beautiful and quiet location, local food cooked on out lf this world level and nice smiled hosts. Strongly recommend

Excellent atmosphere, great friendly hosts. The food was the best - short menu but everything is delicious, cooked with fresh and tasty products. Enjoyed every bit of our 3 nights stay here. The last 2 km of the road is bumpy but "dangerous" as mentioned in another review is far exaggerated and misleading. I recommend with both hands!

From here we spent the first day going to "Vidimsko praskalo", the second day we went to "Pleven hut" and the third day - a walk in the mountain on foot from Villa Verbena. Great place to be if you love the mountain, nature and beautiful sights!