Only 50 kilometres from Sofia and a one-hour drive from the historic city of Plovdiv, it is home to some of the country's best-known spa and ski resorts. There's currently one resort that's outperforming the rest – Dolna Banya, situated on the eastern side of Borovets. The town is recognised as one of Bulgaria's premier spa locations. On top of the warm minerals and naturally mild weather and a high level of foreign investment have boosted
the local property market.

The facilities that have sprung up around the town in recent years include a private airfield, an open-air stadium and Olympic-size pool, and a Nicklaus designed golf course. Dolna Banya specialises in affordable luxury properties, a market which Kevin Prior of Obelisk International says is thriving in Bulgaria. "We have certainly seen a change within the Bulgaria market as a whole, as increasing numbers of investors are now looking for high-end opportunities," he comments. "Dolna Banya is relatively unknown to the masses and therefore development has been kept relatively low key – reflecting on the areas more upmarket appeal."

According to Prior, the resort is perfectly situated to appeal to both holiday home buyers and investors. "It is regarded as one of the most healthy, unpolluted atmospheres worldwide," he says. "The area is situated within 15 minutes of the Borovets ski resort, within close proximity to a brand new golf club and spa, which is one of Bulgaria's first PGA standard golf courses. "Dolna Banya is also only 45 minutes to the capital city Sofia and its international airport, soon to be reduced to 30 minutes upon completion of the new motorway currently under construction."

The great climate of Dolna Banya, the easy access and the proximity to world-class sporting facilities suggests that the town is set to become a rival to some of the big southern European resorts. It is currently starting to attract a host of overseas property buyers, who come for the health benefits, the beauty and the convenience. "The area lends itself to a higher net-worth market," says Prior. "Tourism relates more to the holiday home and the longer-term holiday maker."

For further information:
Obelisk International 

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Article published 1 April 2008