Interest in village stays is increasing both from leisure tourists and from companies for employees in management teams.
Şirnea is the first tourist village in Romania, certified in 1968. Photo The Barn Şirnea
Romanians are returning to their origins and increasingly prefer stays in the countryside for an authentic experience, close to nature and traditions. Thus, the demand for village retreats has increased by 30% in recent years compared to previous years in both the leisure and corporate segments. Along with accommodation services, village retreats can include farm visits, cooking workshops, wagon rides or pottery or hand-weaving workshops and cost between 300 and 1,500 euros per person, according to The Barn Șirnea, accommodation unit which offers such packages, located in the first tourist village in Romania.
“These retreats have become an attractive alternative to standard vacations, addressing both those who want to relax away from the urban hustle and bustle, as well as companies looking for novel methods of team building. More and more companies are opting for executive retreats, totally atypical compared to classic teambuildings, being authentic, in the Romanian village and in the middle of nature, where employees have the opportunity to collaborate and develop their creativity in a setting different from that of day by day. And in the leisure segment there is a special interest in this type of stay, tourists are increasingly looking for options to reconnect with village life. That is why, in recent years, interest in authentic retreats has increased significantly, by 20%-30% compared to previous years. Şirnea is not just a destination, but an experience in itself. Here, participants find a unique place away from the hustle and bustle, where nature and authentic tranquility foster team bonding and creativity. Tourists are attracted by the return to origins, spectacular landscapes and traditional experiences that give the feeling of being in a place where time has stopped. Every detail of the retreat, from the nature walks to the traditional food, is thought out to provide the perfect balance between relaxation and reconnection – both with yourself and those around you“, explains Irina Pințoi, manager of The Barn Şirnea.
Village retreats with farm visits, cooking workshops and wagon rides
The busiest times of the year for corporate retreats are in the fall, especially in October and November. Spring, in the months of April-May, is also popular, due to the revival of nature and the freshness of the place. On the leisure side, summer is the favorite time for hiking and outdoor activities, while winter attracts families and couples who come for the sledding and winter scenery in a traditional mountain village.
Corporate attendees look for activities that promote collaboration and personal development, such as farm visits, cooking workshops with local ingredients, and guided nature activities. Mastermind or mentoring sessions are also highly valued. In contrast, leisure participants prefer to relax and connect with traditions, opting for hiking, wagon rides or local craft workshops, such as pottery or hand weaving, which give them an authentic connection to rural life.
Who chooses a village retreat and how much it costs
In the corporate segment, the participants come mainly from large and multinational companies in industries such as IT, financial services, consulting or pharma, from Bucharest, Cluj, Brașov, Sibiu, Râmnicu Vâlcea. Groups are generally 10-15 people, mostly middle and senior managers, who come to strengthen team bonds in a relaxed and authentic setting.
In the leisure segment, more and more entrepreneurs and managers who want to disconnect from the daily hustle and bustle opt for a village retreat. At the same time, the number of foreign guests, from countries such as Great Britain, Holland, Germany or Israel, is increasing, attracted by the authenticity of the village, the tranquility of nature and the local charm.
Corporate retreats at The Barn start from 500 euros per participant and can reach up to 1,500 euros, depending on the length of stay (2-4 nights), the complexity of the activities and the personalized options. Each retreat is tailored to the needs of the group, from premium accommodation and traditional meals with carefully selected natural ingredients to special activities such as guided hikes, horse riding, traditional workshops or personal development sessions with renowned speakers. For the leisure segment, the costs vary between 300 and 700 euros per person, depending on the length of stay (2-4 nights) and the chosen experiences – relaxation in nature or authentic exploration of village life.
“An executive retreat organized by us, at The Barn Şirnea, is a harmonious combination of authentic rural life experiences and personal and professional development. Participants reconnect with nature and find inspiration in a peaceful setting, but also have the opportunity to participate in mastermind sessions where they can explore new perspectives for solving organizational problems. Depending on the wishes of each group, we can bring in facilitators or inspirational speakers to lead these discussions. We also had some special requests that turned the retreats into a truly memorable experience. For example, we held a private concert in one of our lodges where attendees enjoyed live music in front of the fireplace. We also organized exclusive craft workshops, led by local craftsmen, where participants learned traditional craft techniques. Another example is cooking traditional dishes, according to grandmother’s recipes, for small groups, offering an authentic and unforgettable culinary experience. These requirements add an extra touch of uniqueness to each retreat and allow us to offer fully customized experiences tailored to the desires of those looking for something truly special. One of the biggest benefits of such a retreat is the strengthening of relationships between participants in a relaxed and authentic setting. For many, it is a return to the simplicity of life from their grandparents, a place where they discover the innocence and naturalness of human relationships. This atmosphere of authenticity and connection strengthens team bonds and contributes to closer collaboration between participants“, adds Irina Pințoi, manager of The Barn Şirnea.
The Barn Șirnea is founded by Irina Pințoi, Managing Partner of Talentor Romania, one of the main recruitment and executive research companies in the country. The Barn Șirnea is not just a destination, it is a journey through time and an authentic experience. The unit includes a villa with three bedrooms, living room, bathrooms and kitchen, “Casa Mare”, for 6-8 people, and a villa with one bedroom, living room, bathrooms and kitchen, “Sura” – a modern barn for 2-4 people . With 5-star facilities, The Barn Şirnea combines modern comfort with authenticity and traditions, offering guests the opportunity to completely disconnect from the daily hustle and bustle. With an emphasis on details to pleasantly surprise every guest, The Barn Şirnea has a rating of 10 on Booking.com according to tourists’ ratings.
Imagine waking up in a traditional cabin, surrounded by the quiet of the mountains and the stories of the village – a total escape in a place where history, nature and authenticity meet. Each retreat becomes a memorable experience, a return to the essence of simple life, but offered in a luxurious and personalized setting, perfect for finding your balance and reconnecting with yourself and those around you.
Şirnea is the first tourist village in Romania, certified in 1968, and is located at 1,200 meters above sea level, offering spectacular views of the Bucegi Mountains and Piatra Craiului. In addition to the natural charm, the village is full of history – here the first battles of the Romanian Army were fought in the First World War, for the realization of the Great Union. Guests can explore local traditions such as the Milk Measure Festival, an event that celebrates pastoral culture through traditional music, dance and food.
