Tranquil Times Chi Yoga & Holistic Wellness Retreat in Rural Bulgaria

Mornings start with a chi yoga class before breakfast — usually around 8am, in the garden when the weather allows, otherwise in the indoor practice space. Chi yoga here is slow and breath-led, closer to a restorative hatha style than anything athletic. You'll hold poses longer than you might be used to and spend a fair bit of time lying down. It's designed to calm the nervous system rather than build strength.

The second class runs late afternoon, around 5pm, and tends to be a gentler wind-down session — seated stretches, breathing work, sometimes a guided relaxation at the end. Between the two classes you have the whole middle of the day free. Some guests walk into Sadovo, some visit the Kamchia Reserve, some go to the beach in Varna, and plenty just stay put and read.

Food is vegetarian, cooked on site, and included. Expect things like bean stews, roasted vegetables, salads with feta, fresh bread, and fruit from the garden. Meals are eaten together at a shared table, which is where most of the socialising happens. If you have dietary requirements the team asks you to flag them at booking.

Holistic therapies — massage, reflexology, Reiki — are available most days and booked directly with the retreat. They're not included in the price. There's also a garden, an outdoor seating area, and free time to do absolutely nothing, which is genuinely the point of the place.

The retreat sits in a valley surrounded by vineyards and forest inside the Kamchia Nature Reserve. Varna, Bulgaria's Black Sea capital, is 25 minutes away by car, and beaches are about the same distance. Airport transfers from Varna Airport can be arranged — it's a short drive.

What's included

- Accommodation at the retreat in Sadovo - Breakfast, lunch and dinner, cooked on site - Twice-daily chi yoga classes - Use of the garden and practice space - Tea and fruit before morning class - Pre-arrival dietary consultation

What's not included

- Flights to and from Bulgaria - Airport transfers (can be arranged, charged separately) - Holistic therapies (massage, reflexology, Reiki) - Optional excursions to Varna and the Black Sea coast - Travel insurance - Personal expenses and drinks outside meals