A living legacy: the story behind Bethlen Estates Transylvania

We’re honoured to announce that Bethlen Estates Transylvania has been selected as the first and only Romanian destination included in the Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ collection. As Business Review Romania puts it, “This prestigious recognition is a testament to the estate’s dedication to preserving its historic character while shining a light on Transylvania’s rich culture and redefining luxury through a philosophy of slow living, fine dining, sustainability and immersive cultural experiences.”

This news sparked a wave of curiosity from Romanian media outlets. Many of the questions we received focused on our mission – why we chose to restore, preserve and breathe new life into the village of Criș – and how cultural heritage can shape a sustainable future for Transylvania. These are questions close to our hearts. As Nikolaus Bethlen shared in a recent interview: “This isn’t just a restoration project, it is a living, breathing ecosystem designed to honour the past while supporting the present and future of Criș.” There is a deeply personal motivation behind this project, rooted in family history, but also in the desire to share the unique charm and gentle rhythm of this corner of the world. 

“Some collect cars,” Nikolaus Bethlen jokes, “I collect ruins.” The humour contrasts with the seriousness of the undertaking. With no expectation of a swift financial return, the project was always about something deeper: an “emotional investment” in the spirit of the place. As Nikolaus puts it, preservation is not just about nostalgia, it’s about continuity – “allowing the past to inform the present in meaningful, liveable ways.”

That is why we felt the need to write this article. To share with our readers not just what we’ve built, but why we do it in the first place.

Preserving the soul of Transylvania: the importance of cultural conservation

Transylvania is more than a picturesque region of rolling hills and sleepy villages. It is a living tapestry of cultural, architectural and natural heritage that has withstood the test of time. Amid centuries-old forests and fortified churches, traditional Saxon homes and cobbled lanes, there beats the quiet but steadfast heart of Transylvania: a deep respect for the past and a desire to carry it gracefully into the future.

Where time stands still but moves us forward

Yet this rich legacy is under increasing pressure. Unsustainable modernisation, urban migration, neglect and mass tourism have left many villages abandoned and historic buildings in ruin. Cultural traditions risk being lost, crafts forgotten and the unique identity of this place diluted. 

Now, more than ever, cultural conservation is not just about preserving buildings or customs, it is about protecting a way of life. And this requires intention, passion and patience. Preserving heritage in Transylvania means restoring buildings with care, using traditional materials and techniques. It means working hand in hand with local artisans who hold generational knowledge in their hands. It means reviving not only structures but stories.

Bethlen Estates Transylvania: a model of living heritage

Nestled in the picturesque village of Criș, the estate is a landmark of thoughtful restoration and living heritage. Once-abandoned Saxon cottages and noble manor houses have been reborn –  thanks to skilled local artisans using traditional techniques – into refined accommodations that evoke stories of the past while embracing the comfort of today.

The care is visible in every detail: hand-painted tiles, restored wooden beams, locally sourced materials. Each room blends architectural authenticity with modern elegance. It’s no wonder Bethlen Estates Transylvania became the first Romanian destination to join Small Luxury Hotels of the World, placing it among the world’s most exceptional retreats. This honour reflects not only the estate’s commitment to luxury hospitality but also its dedication to sustainability, authenticity  and cultural responsibility.

The beauty of continuity

Staying at Bethlen Estates Transylvania means more than comfort. It means immersion. Guests can enjoy curated cultural experiences: foraging walks in the forest, winery visits, historical tours of the many nearby UNESCO-protected sites and stories shared around the fire by locals. The fine dining restaurant, led by Chef Róbert Tordai, celebrates regional ingredients with a modern twist, taking guests on a sensory journey rooted in Transylvanian terroir.

But the true luxury here is time. Time to witness the sunrise over the hills, to hear the wind in the secular trees, to reconnect with the rhythms of village life. In doing so, guests become part of the preservation story. Cultural heritage lives as long as it is cared for, lived in, shared. At Bethlen Estates Transylvania, that legacy is not behind glass. It is a door you walk through, a room you sleep in, a meal you remember. And it is waiting to be discovered by those who choose to travel with intention.

Choose travel that gives back

Cultural conservation begins with how we travel. By choosing destinations that honour heritage, support sustainability and empower local communities, we become part of the solution. At Bethlen Estates Transylvania we want to show that preservation and progress are not opposites. They can – and should – go hand in hand.

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