Akasha Retreat — 187 Strada Principala Sat, Romania
Mountain sanctuary in Transylvania's Piatra Craiului, above 1000m in the village of Peștera
After more than 25 years of traveling and working across the globe, Irina and Daniela—a mother-daughter pair originally from Romania—left their lives in London to return home and create the retreat of their dreams. They chose the serene village of Peștera, perched above 1000 meters in the heart of Transylvania, where Piatra Craiului National Park's majestic ridgelines embrace the property. Here, in one of Europe's last untouched wildernesses where bears, lynxes, and wolves still roam beneath centuries-old trees, they built a sanctuary rooted in simplicity, sustainability, and soulful reflection.
The name Akasha carries dual meaning: from Sanskrit, symbolizing freedom and the majestic views from every window; from Romanian, acasă, meaning home—reflecting the comforting sense of belonging that defines the retreat's hospitality. The 11 individually refurbished rooms feature luxurious interiors inspired by nature, walk-in showers, fine cotton linens on foam mattresses, and complimentary tea and high-speed wifi. Guests access an indoor yoga studio, outdoor deck for summer classes, heated outdoor jacuzzi fed by filtered spring water rich in mountain minerals, and a custom-designed sauna with views across Romania's landscape.
Daily yoga classes taught by accredited international instructors include styles such as Yin, Hatha, Pranayama, Sound Healing, and Meditation, offered at 8 AM and 5:30 PM in English for beginners and intermediate practitioners. The restaurant sources artisanal produce from the local area, serving three meals daily with varied options for vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters. The lounge, terrace, and bar offer specialty coffee, premium Romanian wines from small vineyards, and cocktails overlooking Piatra Craiului National Park.
Since opening in 2015, Akasha has welcomed over 45,000 guests from around the world. The retreat operates with a commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism, guided by the founders' values around social and environmental development. It has been recognized as Romania's Best Wellness Retreat 2024 by the World Spa Awards, named the only Romanian location in the 2024 Rizzoli New York publication "The Wellness Bucket List: 1000 Escapes and Experiences to Enrich Your Mind, Body, and Soul," and awarded Best Sustainable Accommodation in Romania by the 2023 GrINN Awards. The retreat also holds the Global Vegan Awards 2024 for Best Vegan-Inclusive Communal Dining Experience and Leaders in Luxury 2025 for Most Relaxing Wellness Retreat in Romania.
Akasha operates a second property, Villa Alba by Akasha Retreat, located 1 kilometer from Bran Castle in Predeluț. Built by award-winning architect Paul Veseli, this heritage villa features six individually designed rooms and is available for private bookings, family gatherings, and group events. Both properties welcome corporate retreats, team buildings, and private events, with in-house coordinators and event planners managing all details from conception to execution.
Traditions: Sivananda Yoga, Yin Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Restorative Yoga
Programs: Daily Yoga Classes (Morning 8 AM, Evening 5:30 PM), Yin Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Pranayama, Sound Healing, Meditation, Sauna Sessions (Traditional Swedish or Infrared), Massage Therapies