Villa Orłowo

The Villa feels like a huge castle, with room after room opening into another subtle, connected space. Among them are the Ballroom, the largest, plus the Conference Room, Golden Room, and Crimson Room, which serves breakfast. Adults can find peace and energy here, since the building was designed at a time when architecture and interiors aimed to soothe the nerves. It feels like home, unlike the featureless buildings developers put up today. Families and children can enjoy it too, especially in summer, when Orłowo Park becomes part of a game of hide-and-seek. The park is a large, densely wooded place with marked paths, and you can walk the whole area in a few dozen minutes. There are plenty of quiet corners to hide away in. Villages and forests surround it, and from several good viewpoints you can see the wide Kujawy horizons. There’s also a tennis court, and you can barbecue or have a bonfire. Villa Orłowo is a manor house built in 1872 in the style of a suburban villa, designed by Martin Gropius and Heino Schmieden. It has great architectural value and is part of Kujawy’s cultural heritage. The neighboring landscape park dates from the second half of the 19th century and has been carefully restored and maintained. I’d recommend the Villa for almost any cultural occasion, from weddings and First Communions to anniversaries. Its dungeons offer a more party focused space with a modern but stylish bar, so 18th century parties are possible too. I’ve been a guest at one, and the Villa keeps surprising me with its lovely nooks, rooms, and corners. The food is top quality, usually traditional Polish specialties, but the kitchen isn’t afraid to try new things. In recent years, working with Italian friends and southern masters, the Orłowo kitchen has reworked the culinary ideas of sunny Italy. I have no complaints about the team. The employees are warm, family oriented, happy to chat, and not afraid of customers. I’m still in touch with one team member, who has shared most of what I know about Villa Orłowo and sent me links to materials about its history and other interesting bits. V.O. is on social media. Search for “Villa Orłowo” on Facebook to find its page and follow the projects the team runs. These include the “Kresy Calendar” and health rehabilitation programs using Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system. The Villa also works with visitors from faraway India. I could say much more about these projects, but I’ll leave you to explore the internet, especially the Villa’s Facebook page. Where does Villa Orłowo sit on Europe’s cultural map? It seems to have been on the podium from the start. A place like this, with people like these, is bound to be a favorite in the fine puzzle called culture. Warm regards to the president behind all these projects, Mr. A brand that has been taking Kujawy to the Everest of media salons for years. This is a good direction for the region, and it’s worth carrying on.