When I say Bulgaria, what comes to mind? A vague notion of Eastern Europe, a little old Slavic lady with a head scarf…and wasn’t Viktor Krum from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Bulgarian? Having been three times, I can honestly say it is an absolutely stunning place worth getting to know and the perfect location for a very special incentive adventure.
Bulgaria is breathtakingly beautiful
The rolling green hills give way to endless lavender fields; then suddenly a field of happy sunflowers nods welcome as you drive past. And unlike the name suggests, the Black Sea isn’t black at all. Its waters blend from teal to a deep aquamarine, and its sand is a soft white. No wonder it’s known as the Bulgarian Riviera with its palm trees and lovely beach and cliffside resorts.
Beyond its surprising beauty, there were many factors that made Bulgaria a perfect fit for this particular group of health-conscious, European guests. First, being in the essential oils industry, our guests were looking for farm-to-table, conscientiously prepared meals, and that is exactly the kind of cuisine that is the hallmark of Bulgaria. Consider their signature dish, the shopska salad—tomatoes, cucumber, tangy local cheese, roasted and fresh peppers, and olives, drizzled with olive oil and vinegar. It’s absolutely delicious and available at every meal, and those meals are served at hours customary to Europeans (like a late evening dinner).
Perfect for a Niche Client
Also, Bulgaria has been famous for its rose oil for millennia, so it is a natural fit for those in the trade. This particular global essential oils brand opened a distillery in Bulgaria several years ago, and now they have added a second distillery to meet demand. In one of the highlights of the trip, our guests enthusiastically toured these facilities, marveling at seeing the process from field to finished product. They also loved seeing how their efforts have had a powerful economic impact for the surrounding farming community by creating much-needed jobs.
The connection to the essential oils distillery was a real draw for our guests, but the beauty of this country and its incredible resorts in this Balkan paradise would be a draw for anyone looking for a unique incentive location. My first time in Bulgaria, I stayed with a group at the stunning Thracian Cliffs. It was absolutely gorgeous—white cliffs, picturesque golf course, and beautiful pools, beaches, and suites. For this retreat, the Riviera Beach Hotel was our inviting destination. With huge pools right near the pristine beach, it was the perfect paradise for relaxing and soaking in the unbeatable sunny weather. I loved standing on the beach, my phone compass in hand, and thinking, Turkey is over there. Romania and Ukraine are that way. The Black Sea is so large, you feel like you’re looking out over the ocean, and yet it is a land-locked sea. Something about being in such a lovely, off-the-beaten-path location is truly inspiring.
The biggest WOW experience of the trip would have to be the farewell dinner hosted on our final night in the most elegant manor house—Palace Euxinograd. This former summer palace of the Bulgarian royalty has jaw-dropping gardens and overlooks the sea. The exquisite architecture, delicate uplighting, and lilting music from the live band made each guest feel like royalty. The smiles that night were genuine and contagious. The food was delicious—shopska salad (of course), steak and trout, pumpkin soup—and all extremely fresh. The desserts were a delightful pistachio cake, a chocolate mousse, and an incredible rose-water pavlova. Yet the moment that made this night truly unforgettable was when our clients gave their well-deserving guests who had earned this incentive experience a gift bag with precious and coveted items like frankincense soap and melissa oil. This thoughtful gift brought several guests to tears—they simply felt so appreciated by the fantastic company they work for.
As I listened to these wonderful guests reminiscing about their favorite experiences of the trip as they prepared to head home to Germany, France, Spain, Austria, Scandinavia, and even down the road in Bulgaria, their energy, gratitude, and commitment to excellence seemed to overflow. This was not only a well-deserved reward for their hard work, but it was also a rejuvenating experience. Bulgaria is to thank for that! This unexpected destination was the perfect fit for those seeking wholeness in the teal waters of the Black Sea, wholesomeness from local farms, and wellness among the lavender fields of this Balkan Riviera paradise.
