The calm oasis in the mountains: 7 things I loved at the first Swissôtel hotel in Romania 

I thought that (almost) nothing can surprise me in Poiana Brașov. That I saw already all the nice hotels and I tried all the good restaurants during the past years. But… I found out that “never say never” is a saying with a good meaning. And that’s because I fell in love with a new and very posh Swissôtel hotel in Romania, Poiana Brașov. 

#travel #travelblogger #travelinRomania #English 

For reservations and more informations – www.swissotel-poianabrasov.ro. 

It was a very tough week. There were a lot of loose ends and demanding phone calls. There have been, of course, a lot of beautiful things I saw in a day – three festivals, in fact (from Romanian Jewelery Week to Radar and Diploma Show). But still… I really needed a break so I double enjoyed (if I could say so) the stay at Swissôtel Poiana Brașov. It was the real calm (and very stylish) oasis in the mountains & I get the energy what I needed for the days to come. Well, if you take into consideration the fact that I have always wanted to live in a hotel… you can easily guess why I will tell you just 7 reasons to go there and feel like home!

1. The hotel is the definition of “Quiet Luxury”. I know that is a term already too used, but you have to trust me: if you wanna imagine the hotel where “The Succession”’s characters would stay, this is the one – understated elegance that blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment. Not to mention the high standard of professionalism and precision, inspired by Swissôtel’s impeccable service. 

Then, I have to tell you about the rooms: so warm, so cozy, so impeccable! And so, so spacious! Warm beige wool carpet, wood panels, comfortable couches, beautiful details and a color palette inspired by the blue façades of Saxon houses. Plus a king size bed that made me sleep like a child. (P.S. – there are only 64 rooms start at a generous 40 square meters, with the largest reaching 100 square meters.) 

2. The little details. The hotel’s design is a celebration of Transylvanian material heritage, contemporarily reinterpreted through collaborations with local architects, designers, artisans, and artists to preserve the essence and traditions of the region. I loved the limestone partition walls sourced from Sălaj, the handcrafted ceramics by Viscri Ceramics and the blue glasses from Mediaș (from recycled bottles). Oh, and the fluffy slippers!

3. The view & the terrace. Yes, I know that I said that I was relaxed. I was… almost relaxed – therefore, for the best and quick emails and for the most creative moldboards I enjoyed the terrace and the perfect view over the forrest and the mountains.

4. The Spa. The PÜROVEL Spa, with its Spa & Sport signature treatments in Romania. I loved the serenity of the cozy intimate indoor pool and I think there is nothing better to say calm & tranquility than a lush greenery, creating a peaceful retreat that soothes both the body and mind. To keep in mind – there are also outdoor and indoor jacuzzis, perfect for relaxation in any season, as well as our indoor gym, conveniently accessible year-round.

5. Sustainability. The hotel minimizes environmental impact, emphasizing eco-friendly practices and innovative solutions, from design to operation. There are here: solar panels that sustain the spa operations for 7 months of the year; windows and exterior walls with passive house-level insulation, each room features fresh air intake with a heat exchanger; natural ventilation without the need to open windows, lime plasters with non-toxic natural colors to minimize wood waste, the same wood is used for windows, decor, ceilings, and furniture; recycled glass tableware handcrafted in Transylvania. 

6. The architecture’s details. The hotel’s design is the result of a collaborative effort between award-winning architects and studios, local craftsmen, and artists, all with a strong commitment to sustainability. To be sure I don’t forget anybody, I will list, below, all of them. 

* Nicolae Petrencu, for the general project design with input from Skaarchitects on common space, worked to reflect a sense of openness and comfort.

* The Spa, rooms and overall concept, by Eliza Yokina in collaboration with Craftr studio, offer a refined heaven of tranquility. The Spa atmosphere, further enhanced by the botanical expertise of Primitiv plants, emphasizes a deep connection to nature, with lush greenery and calming elements that evoke the surrounding landscape.

* The hotel’s facades, designed by Cumulus one, provide a striking yet harmonious visual statement, reflecting the traditional architecture of Transylvania with a modern twist. 

* The outdoor experience is elevated by Poteca studio, whose garden design offers a serene extension of the hotel’s atmosphere, blending local flora with carefully curated landscaping to create a peaceful retreat.

* The restaurant, a collaboration between Cristian Corvin and Plus Minus Arhitectura, is inviting and stylish, with a design that reflects the essence of Transylvanian hospitality. (The restaurant is operated by Prato restaurant in Brașov – and you definitely will try the best pasta!)

* The lighting for both the reception and restaurant, crafted by Glowdesign studio, adds a layer of ambiance that enhances the guest experience.

7. The zen feeling. Have I ever told you that I wish I could live in a hotel? Well, now I think I found a good candidate for that; I could live in this hotel, for sure.  

Photography: menthol.ro/ Florin Cristache, www.dreamingof.net.