Overview:
A Horse Riding & Yoga Wellness Retreat at Equus Silvania, a quaint riding centre and guesthouse located in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Romania, lasting six days and seven nights. This is rare opportunity to unplug, reset and reconnect with the wilderness in a place of undisturbed natural beauty. Guests will ride through hay meadows, ancient pastureland, mountain farms and lush green forests on a mix half-day and longer trails, stumbling upon wildflowers, rare birds, beautiful views and maybe even bear tracks. There will also be an overnight camping trip, allowing riders to experience a mini-adventure with a barbecue, stories around the campfire and a night spent sleeping in tents under the stars.
Daily yoga sessions will include a blend of grounding, energising and restorative classes, held either at the guesthouse or outdoors in the fresh alpine air, allowing you to move and breathe with the rhythm of nature. There will be riding every day except one, giving guests a chance to learn about the history and culture of Transylvania on a guided tour through medieval villages and towns. Guests can also have a relaxing massage, and will get to forest bathe among the giant beech and fir trees in the virgin forest of the Stramba Valley. There is an opportunity to visit a forest bear hide and see wild brown bears in their natural habitat.
About Equus Silvania:
Equus Silvania is a horse riding centre located in a quiet and picturesque village at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. The mountains represent the largest area of pristine nature in Central and Eastern Europe, with more than one third of all wolves, bears, and lynx west of Russia roaming here. Time stands still in the traditional village of Șinca Nouă, a place of just 2,000 inhabitants, where shepherds and farmers tend to their animals much like they did years ago.
Built in 2004, Equus Silvania prides itself on combining local traditions, cuisine and lifestyle with Western standards, and is the perfect place for riders wanting to enjoy some peace and tranquillity. Owners Christoph and Barbara are passionate about protecting the natural environment and have been actively involved in conservation in Romania for many years.
The guesthouse has nine double rooms and private bathrooms, and offers mainly organic food from the garden, property or surrounding farms. Meals are served in a spacious dining room and the neighbouring lounge is equipped with a bar and a fireplace where guests can relax in the evenings. Outside there is space to sit and enjoy the outdoors, with wooden swings and a willow-flanked gazebo.
The horses of Equus Silvania are Arab and Shagya-Arab, Kisberi, Gidran, and other Hungarian breeds, all with good stamina and used to the mountains.
For more information you can visit the website of Equus Silvania: https://equus-silvania.com/
Riding requirements:
The rides offer mix of walking, trotting and cantering, but are not suitable for beginners. Participants have to be competent in all paces. For safety reasons, safety helmets are to be worn on all rides. The weight limit is 95 kg.
Price:
€1,290 per person for a shared room. Includes riding, yoga, meals and airport transfers.
Flights are not included.
Fly to:
Bucharest Otopeni Airport. Please do not arrive later than 16:30 on the first day of the week and do not leave any earlier than 14:00 on the following Saturday. The trip to the guesthouse is approximately 3 hours.
Additional costs:
For a single occupancy room, there is an additional charge of €13 per night.
Massages are approx €20 per treatment and there is a €30 Forest Administration fee per person for the bear viewing trip.
Drinks ordered at the bar are charged separately.
Guests are also kindly asked to make a €40 donation to the CARPATHIA conservation project (optional).
Tips for staff are also not included.