We did extend our stay and it was a great decision. Stressful events at home were put on a back burner and a loop of gym, swim, read and eat took place.
The hoteI is beautiful. Black steel and wood look amazingly good together and a perfectionist definitely oversaw the building of this project, it is all just so. The staff are lovely and the kitchen turns out great food.
As a brand new hotel, it’s still building up its clientele so we were blessed with saunas, spas, gym and a pool where we were quite often the only ones using them. Apparently weekends are busy but we will be gone by then.
Velingrad itself has very little to offer unfortunately. It was a very industrialised city but now it looks somewhat run down. One interesting thing is it’s community of Roma. We saw many Roma people when we were in Romania but Bulgaria’s population is sizeable with a large population in Plovdiv.
The Roma people apparently originated in Northern India. Many came to Bulgaria and Europe via the Ottamans in the 14th century, working as musicians and craftspeople. As with many nomadic cultures, modern life provides headaches for Romas and Bulgarians all round.
We’ve decided to change our original plans and go to the Black Sea Coast. We’d planned to explore the ancient city of Plovdiv but it’s predicted to be in the high 30’s – too hot for plodding around archeological sites – so the beach calls.
We’ve avoided the delights of Sunny Beach and have gone for Lozenets, close to a quieter and more authentic resort recommended by the hotel manager here.
Luxury it will not be but we’re ready to move on although The Kashmir will have a very special place in our travel memories.
Middle-aged flash packers 
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