Raven's Nest

We spent a lovely October weekend here, surrounded by greenery and nature in a peaceful, quiet setting. The food was delicious, and finding fine dining high up in the mountains was incredible. There are walks on the property and nearby, with well-organised, easy-to-reach routes to some amazing viewpoints. There are also places to relax and a spa. Hope to come back someday!

The staff were such a pleasant surprise, kind and friendly, and always checking whether they could help. The room wasn't decorated in the traditional style I expected, but the attention to comfort and detail was clear. Even in very hot weather it stayed breathable, with a great temperature at night. The pillows and bed covers were among the comfiest we've had in this kind of accommodation. We ended the evenings around the campfire and also enjoyed movie night. It was a small thing, but everyone was laughing and having a good time. I'd love to return and hope the same care is still there. Thanks for a wonderful memory!

It took me a while to process our stay before writing this. I'm leaving the restaurant and food out, as I reviewed those separately. The setting is remarkable, hidden in the mountains so you can't see it from down the hill or road. That makes it hard to find, too. Once on the property, it feels like another world. The houses are beautifully made and traditionally decorated, with thoughtful bedding and furniture. There are two fantastic viewpoints, where you can enjoy the quiet, sunbathe, have coffee, or read. The open-air cinema wasn't showing a movie during our stay, but it was still a nice place to sit. There's also a lovely outdoor fireplace where guests can meet and talk. We went hiking during the day. I'd recommend staying no more than two nights. Most of the staff were really nice, greeted us warmly, and made sure we were looked after. When something happened in our room through no fault of ours, they dealt with it right away and offered us another room. I wish I'd accepted, because the traditional house had no insulation. Water dripped from the ceiling after the people above us bathed, though the bigger problem was the noise. Their walking made loud sounds in our room, and they walked a lot. We couldn't sleep before 1-1:30 in the morning and were up around 7. That was a deal breaker. The retreat is presented as a place to rest and get back to basics, but we were exhausted. After the water leak, the woman apparently managing the property asked if everything was okay. When I tried to explain the noise, she walked off mid-sentence to talk to another staff member and a customer. No apology or acknowledgment, and she didn't say she'd come back. I got the impression that the questions were asked to get a positive answer, not to hear what guests had to say. Getting there is tricky. Much of the road is unpaved, and it's very narrow. If you're unlucky, one car may have to reverse a long way for two cars to pass. We drove through rain and I found it dangerous. I wouldn't recommend staying here. It felt increasingly like an Instagram spot, while the sense of authenticity was lost with loud maintenance happening around us all four days and other guests working remotely and talking on their phones. If you really want to see it, take a day trip or stay one night.

We had an amazing stay, and I couldn't find anything to complain about. Just know it's not cheap: the rooms, food, and spa cost more than at ordinary accommodations. I think you get good value for what you pay, though. It's a closed circuit, so book ahead rather than showing up unexpectedly. Follow the basic common-sense rules and you should enjoy your time here. Thanks to everyone on the team for making our stay so memorable. Best birthday ever. Cheers, Razvan