2025 Essence of Bulgaria Exploration: The Queen of Flowers Retreat for Women

Celebrate Your Feminine Nature with the “Queen of Flowers”

Get ready for a joyous celebration and immersion in the roses of Bulgaria! For over 200 years, the climate and growing conditions have been ideal for the deeply aromatic Damascena Rose or “Queen of Roses” of Bulgaria. Our Exploration is scheduled for a truly special week in Bulgaria, during the Kazanluk Rose Festival, celebrated annually since 1903. Kazanluk is located in the Valley of the Roses where you’ll see acres upon acres of this symbol of beauty, youth and health whose petals are selected in a short window of harvest to offer its deep and strong floral aroma.  The Kazanluk Rose Festival is a joyous gathering of rose-adorned girls, women, boys and men for a time of dancing, sampling food and drink made with rose, shopping for rose products from vendors, live music performances, dancing and so much more. You’ll love the magic memories created as we participate in the fun with the locals!

Unique Essential Oil Distillation Experiences

We’ll be visiting during the ideal harvesting time of year for this delicate flower. We’ll see the extensive rose fields, learn about the harvest and distillation of this precious oil used for healing, skincare, perfumery and so much more!  I’ve been granted rare access to have you join me behind the scenes at the doTERRA Terra Roza distillery to observe the step-by-step process of creating rose essential oil. This is a very unique opportunity I’ve been allowed based on my years as a passionate essential oil enthusiast, teacher, and business leader with doTERRA essential oils. Our special tour is something very few people in the world have been able to see! Later in the travels to Eastern Bulgaria, we’ll also visit some of the early season lavender fields where much of the world’s true lavender is grown and essential oil distilled for our use.

Self-Care Time: Soak in the Healing Waters & Massage

One of Bulgaria’s highlights are the beautiful spa experiences offered in our Exploration. Both indoor and outdoor thermal pools of varying temperatures and mineralization provide a healing and soothing approach for soaking away tensions.  Sample the cold room, dry and steam saunas, relax in peaceful repose with soft music, close your eyes and enjoy this chance to unwind and merely be in the moment, honoring this time and experience you’ve allowed yourself to enjoy.  Make an appointment for a massage session that will help tired muscles and joints relax even further.  It will be a truly worthwhile investment in you!

Traditional Folk Dance, Music and Crafts

Tradition is the fundamental way that customs, beliefs, history and values are passed on to the next generation.  During our Essence of Bulgaria Exploration, we’ll learn about the traditions of healing with herbal and flower remedies. We’ll witness the joy of Bulgarian folk dancing and music. We’ll explore the hand-crafted fabrics beautifully embroidered in festive and traditional designs.  Woodworking, folk painting, weaving, carpet making—all unique creations we’ll see in our travels. Perhaps you’ll find the perfect hand-crafted item to bring back home!

Explore Unique Villages and Architecture

Throughout Bulgaria, we’ll visit some of the unique and ancient, historical sights erected over the years to commemorate needs of the faithful, and to honor the country’s heroes.  We’ll learn about the different chapters Bulgarians have experienced through the generations, and the creative solutions they’ve used to sustain a thriving Eastern European nation. We’ll wander side streets and investigate local shops and artisans, take in the flavors of Bulgaria at local restaurants, and meet the warm and friendly locals along the way.  While each day of our Exploration offers purposeful experiences, we’ve also included time for you to stroll and discover your own adventures along the way.

Relax and Unwind in Luxury Accommodations

Nothing is more important when traveling abroad than feeling comfortable, safe and secure in our overnight accommodations. You will love the incredible, 5-Star hotels we’ve selected to serve as “home base” each evening where you’ll feel like a queen!  Each of the three hotels in our Exploration offer beautifully-appointed, comfortable rooms, wonderful meal options with onsite restaurants, gathering spaces to meet up with others in the group, and spa and service options to delight your senses.

Begin Each Day with Gentle Yoga

Let me help you become more centered and grounded on our journey together with the gentle, daily yoga practice I will be leading for the group. Yoga mats are provided and we’ll gather to enjoy a practice designed for everyone in the group that participates. You can expect a practice that combines guided breathwork, meditation and movement to open and strengthen the body.  In addition, I’ll be offering sunrise yoga on the beach when we reach Varna as well!  For those who choose, yoga will be such a wonderful way to begin our days together and prepare our minds and bodies for a magnificent day of Exploration!

My 2025 Essence of Bulgaria Exploration is going to be one of the most memorable adventures of your lifetime. I can’t wait to share this truly unique women’s travel experience with those who say “yes” and register right away!

Cheers! наздраве!

—Marty