Matca
Think Aman aesthetics meets a Transylvanian farmstead. Contemporary luxury dressed in local oak, pressed wildflower art, and centuries-old building traditions. Calm, restorative, and deliberately small-scale.
Book a villa over a room — the separate living room, balcony jacuzzi, and mountain wake-up views are worth the premium
Why It Matters
Named one of TIME Magazine's World's Greatest Places 2025 and featured in Bloomberg Businessweek's 'Where to Go in 2024'. Romania's first Relais & Châteaux property to open with this level of design intent. The hay-bathing ritual in wooden hillside huts alone sets it apart. Private night tours of Bran Castle — unavailable to day visitors — are a standout experience.
Matca opened in January 2024 on a hilltop above the village of Șimon, Brașov county, built by the Caluianu family — founders of the Albina Carpatină beekeeping brand — at a cost of €7.5 million. The name means 'queen bee' in Romanian, and the philosophy runs all the way through: the property has its own apiary producing honey used in the kitchen and spa. Sixteen rooms and junior suites sit inside two traditional Transylvanian farmhouses with whitewashed walls, shingled roofs, and bespoke local craftsmanship, plus a growing collection of private villas perched separately on the hilltop. The spa, restaurant, and bar all live in a stunning main house with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului mountains.
Where You'll Stay
3 room types available
Deluxe Room
Located in one of two traditional Transylvanian farmhouses arranged around an inner courtyard. Whitewashed walls, local oak finishes, pressed wildflower artwork, and creamy tones throughout. King-size bed, sitting area, flat-screen TV, minibar, coffee and tea facilities, safe, and a desk. Bathrooms feature walk-in showers with round stone basins and Ritual toiletries. Some of the smaller rooms in this category are in the attic and have the cozy feel of classic mountain lodging — but natural light varies, so request a room with a porch or balcony if that matters.
King · 19 sqm
Junior Suite
More generous versions of the farmhouse accommodation, ranging up to 68 sqm and set within the same two traditional Transylvanian structures. Same design language — local oak, natural textiles, artisan detailing — but with more breathing room. Six of the 16 rooms and suites across the property include a porch or balcony, and the junior suites are among those most likely to have outdoor access. A sitting area and king bed are standard.
King · 68 sqmVilla
Each villa sits independently on the crest of the hill, separate from the farmhouses, with unobstructed views across meadows and mountains. A separate living room, bedroom, and a large veranda with a private outdoor jacuzzi. You wake up with the Piatra Craiului and Bucegi mountains in full view. Large TVs, full bathroom with walk-in shower. This is where the property really delivers — the privacy, the jacuzzi, and the panoramic setting make it a genuinely different class of stay.
King · 60 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The hotel assists with access to ski areas in the broader Prahova Valley and Brașov county ski resorts during winter months.
Guided wildlife excursion to observe Romanian brown bears that roam freely in the forests surrounding Bucegi Natural Park. Available in warmer months.
Guests booked into the hotel get access to an online pre-arrival concierge to schedule activities. The team creates tailored day itineraries with local guides covering Transylvania's villages, fortified churches, and natural landmarks.
Local guides lead hikes through the forests and alpine terrain of Bucegi Natural Park, which surrounds the property. Suitable for various fitness levels.
Trails accessible directly from the property through Carpathian forest and meadow landscapes.
The hotel organises exclusive private evening access to Bran Castle — the 14th-century fortress associated with Bram Stoker's Dracula. This is a private visit not available to standard day visitors, and is considerably more atmospheric after dark.
A guided tasting hosted by the hotel's sommelier, working through the ~80 Romanian and 35 international bottles in STUP's cellar. Focuses on Romanian wine regions and terroir.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
140 sqm dedicated event space on the property.
Daily breakfast included with stays, served à la carte, continental, vegetarian, or vegan options at STUP restaurant.
Three friendly dogs live on the property and often accompany guests on walks around the grounds — a recurring highlight in guest reviews.
The hotel's own bee colony, managed by the Caluianu family (founders of the Albina Carpatină beekeeping brand). Honey produced here is used in the restaurant, the spa, and the exclusive herbal tea blend created in partnership with Roha Silva.
On-site helipad for guests arriving by or arranging helicopter transfer — a practical asset given the remote mountaintop location.
Located in a separate barn building away from the main house. Surprisingly well-equipped for the property's size — guests and reviewers compare the setup to a serious fitness club. Floor-to-ceiling windows with mountain views.
BUILD YOUR MATCA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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