A proud moment for Bethlen Estates Transylvania: now part of the Michelin Guide’s hotel selection

Some things happen quietly, without warning, but carry great meaning. On what seemed like just another day at the estate, we received a notification: Bethlen Estates Transylvania had officially joined the Michelin Guide’s hotel selection, through their curation partner, Tablet Hotels.

It was a humbling moment. We don’t know exactly when or how we were evaluated – like all Michelin selections, this process is discreet and independent – but at some point, someone from the Michelin Guide experienced what we’ve built here in Criș. And they saw something worth sharing with the world. This recognition matters deeply to us, not only because of what it means for our estate, but because it signals something larger: that Transylvania is stepping onto the global stage as a destination of excellence.

A new landmark moment for Transylvania’s culinary and cultural renaissance

“Being chosen to join Tablet Hotels, the hotel experts at the Michelin Guide, is an incredible honour for us,” said count Nikolaus Bethlen, the visionary behind the estate’s revival. “Our mission has always been to preserve Transylvania’s heritage while opening its doors to the world in a thoughtful and meaningful way. This recognition confirms that our work resonates far beyond our region and tells us we are on the right path.”

As the Michelin Guide defines fine dining, Tablet Hotels is redefining where to stay – with the same commitment to outstanding quality. For us, joining the Michelin Guide hotel selection is more than a badge. It’s a bridge. Tablet Hotels is known worldwide for showcasing some of the most unique, authentic and characterful places to stay, from heritage landmarks to design-forward retreats. They bring together hotels that are both meaningful and beautiful, rooted in place but open to the world.

Being part of this platform means that Bethlen Estates Transylvania is now visible to a discerning global audience: food lovers, design enthusiasts, heritage explorers and those who seek more than just a bed for the night.

A destination shaped by heritage, led by excellence

Located in the heart of the village of Criș, Bethlen Estates Transylvania is more than a beautiful retreat, it is a model of living heritage, bringing together history, culture and craftsmanship to create a refined experience. Once-abandoned Saxon cottages and noble manor houses have been reborn – thanks to skilled local artisans using traditional techniques – into sophisticated accommodations that evoke stories of the past while embracing the comfort of today.

Our estate is already known for its commitment to authenticity, being the first and only destination in Romania to be selected for the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) collection, a recognition it received for its unique approach to luxury, slow living and heritage-driven hospitality. Now, with its listing on the Michelin Guide platform, Bethlen Estates Transylvania continues to elevate Romania’s visibility on the international travel and culinary scene.

The soul of the experience: food that tells a story

At the heart of Bethlen Estates Transylvania’s exceptional hospitality experience lies its culinary philosophy, shaped by Chef Róbert Tordai and his dedicated team. Inspired by the region’s terroir and the timeless flavours of Transylvanian tradition, the kitchen crafts refined dishes that fuse heritage with modern culinary artistry. Trained in Michelin-starred French kitchens and profoundly influenced by Japanese precision and minimalism, Chef Tordai leads a culinary team that delivers food experiences that are both deeply personal and universally memorable.

“Our cooking is about balance,” says Chef Tordai. “I want every plate to honour the land we work with, the ingredients so generously provided by each season, be it from the soil, river, forest or sky, while surprising our guests with textures, aromas and stories they haven’t met before. It’s an intricate dialogue between the raw character of terroir and the refined language of innovative techniques.”

From freshly foraged wild herbs to house-made preserves, aged cheeses or fresh local fish, every ingredient tells the story of the region, filtered through the eyes and hands of a collaborative team whose creativity never stands still. The estate’s seasonal tasting menus are a highlight of the guest experience, inviting travellers not just to dine, but to connect with the land, the produce and the passion behind every flavour.

Putting Transylvania on the map of curated travel

The inclusion of Bethlen Estates Transylvania in these prestigious networks is not just an honour for us, it is a milestone for Transylvania and Romania as a whole. It signals a growing international interest in the region’s gastronomy, heritage and immersive tourism experiences. As more global travellers seek authenticity, craftsmanship and destinations with character and soul, Bethlen Estates Transylvania stands as a proud ambassador for all that this region can offer.