Bansko in southwestern Bulgaria is the Balkans’ largest and most popular winter resort, the premier skiing hub of Southeastern Europe. Bansko is totally worth a visit in the warmer months too — whether for a chill spa retreat, a remote workation or a more active and outdoorsy holiday. In each of these cases, staying at White Art Holiday Apartments is a wonderful choice.
The spacious (72 m²) and cozy apartment is located in the four-star St. Ivan Rilski spa complex on the quiet outskirts of Bansko. By renting a private apartment in the resort’s largest spa complex, you get the best of both worlds. For a small surcharge, you have easy access to the hotel’s extensive spa facilities, including both heated indoor and outdoor pools and an adults-only spa zone. And if you’re looking for convenience, you can take advantage of the hotel’s ample breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings. But you can also try out the traditional taverns in town, because you’re not tied to an all-inclusive meal plan.
The White Art Holiday Apartments lodging in Bansko greeted us with free parking, a generously early check-in and even complimentary wine. The apartment was spotlessly clean and offered all possible amenities for our two-day workation in August. The living room was fitted with a comfy couch and armchair, two tables, and a flatscreen TV. The capsule coffee machine (with plenty of capsules provided by the hosts for free) powered us through the working days and the scented candle was a lovely little detail. For your cooking needs, there’s an oven as well as a microwave and a toaster in the kitchen area.
The big bedroom is furnished with a king-size bed, a wardrobe, another TV and a selection of pillows and blankets. Our favourite working spot in the apartment was the balcony with its enticing mountain views of Rila (as well as the outdoor pool) and its wooden design. And then there’s the bathroom, once again quite large and fitted with a bathtub as well as all the expected features. Both the bedroom and living room delighted us with the tasteful oil paintings hanging on the walls, which are a trademark of all White Art Holiday Apartments locations (Bansko, Razlog, Sozopol and Chernomorets).
Mountain biking fans can rent cross-country bikes at the St. Ivan Rilski hotel’s reception. Bansko’s surroundings at the foot of Pirin are an MTB heaven, with dozens of options for a relaxed bike trip or a challenging downhill ride (plus you can take your bike on the cabin lift to avoid the tedious uphill). The same goes for trail running — the tiny but gorgeous Krinets Reservoir is an excellent destination for a short and fun trail run from White Art Holiday Apartments.
If you’re coming to Bansko in winter, the White Art Holiday Apartments accommodation can serve as your perfect skiing holiday basecamp too. You can jump on a free shuttle to and from the gondola’s lower station, which is just a 15-minute walk away, and you can rent ski equipment (or store your own) at the St. Ivan Rilski complex.