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EMBARK ON YOUR SPECIAL ADVENTURE
Tailor-made Retreats in Bulgaria for Young Adults with Special Needs—
Horse riding, Cooking courses, Swimming in mineral pools, Nature walks, Quad-bike tours and more...
RETREAT ACTIVITIES
HORSE RIDING guided TOUR
A guided horse-riding tour through a cool pine forest and beautiful landscape. The farm also offers animal interaction with rabbits, ducks, donkeys, a miniature pony, cats and friendly dogs. This activity can be scheduled as a morning or afternoon activity. Either a picnic can be arranged or a meal at a local traditional restaurant.
MINERAL SWIMMING POOL day spa
Relaxing day at healing mineral pools featuring pools of varying temperatures renowned for their soothing properties. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the shaded on-site restaurant. The pool is 45 minutes from the accommodation and planned as a day outing.
QUAD BIKE ASSISTED ADVENTURE
A guided quad bike adventure with breath-taking views as you ride across the open landscape nestled between the Pirin and Rodope Mountains. All quad bikes have a qualified assistant, so special riders can either choose to ride or go pillion. ​This activity is arranged for mid-morning followed by lunch at a nearby restaurant.
BULGARIAN COOKING EXPERIENCE
A hands-on culinary adventure where you’ll learn to prepare Bannitza— a traditional pastry —and then savour the rewards of your efforts during a shared meal, accompanied by a selection of flavourful local salads. ​This activity can be a mid-morning or an afternoon activity.
MOUNTAIN NATURE WALK & LUNCH
An accessible mountain path walk on the Pirin Mountain and a visit to one of the oldest trees in the world, called "Baikusheva Mura" which is 1300 year old. The tour includes a meal at a nearby restaurant, nestled between the peaks of the Pirin Mountain. This tour is planned as a day outing that includes a stop in the resort of Bansko town.
CREATIVE SPACE
In addition to the exciting excursions, DownTime Tours provides a CREATIVE SPACE at the Ubuntu Studio or Ubuntu Garden for guests, offering bespoke group sessions—creative sessions and garden time. Your host is a therapeutic Art Counsellor and will discuss with the group on their arrival what media and creative activities they are interested in exploring — painting to music, clay, nature mandalas, collage.
Your TOUR GUIDE & guesthouse Hosts
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OUR INSPIRATION TO HOST RETREATS With a wealth of experience working with individuals with special needs, I bring a deep understanding and heartfelt commitment to creating meaningful and transformative retreat experiences. As an Art Counsellor, I have witnessed the profound ways creativity can inspire self-expression, growth, and joy in people of all abilities. Creativity will be gently infused throughout the duration of the retreat for special guests to explore their innate creative voice. ​On a personal level, I have had the privilege for the past 20 years of being a stepmother to an incredible young man with autism and Down syndrome. My husband and I have been steadfast in our dedication to helping him thrive beyond his perceived limitations. Together, we’ve explored skiing, horse riding, canoeing, quad-biking, high ropes and many other adventures—pushing boundaries, fostering confidence, and creating memories beyond our wildest dreams. My passion is for others to share this dream by creating bespoke retreats that are a safe and supportive space where individuals with special needs and their caregivers can explore, grow, and rediscover their limitless potential. I believe that when we step outside of our comfort zones—guided by love and patience—life's most enriching experiences await. We look forward to hosting you and sharing in your adventures at DownTime Tours. Michelle and Peter
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ACCOMMODATION
& LOCATION
Ubuntu Guesthouse is situated in Obidim, one of the highest-altitude villages in Bulgaria. The guesthouse features three twin rooms, private relaxation areas, a secluded swimming pool, and a fully equipped kitchen and dining space.
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Our focus is to create a safe and inclusive environment where our special guests can engage in enriching activities that promote well-being and joy.
Join us for a memorable retreat that combines relaxation and adventure.
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our mission
Discover the unique features of our retreats that cater to the special needs of our guests.
TAILORED ACTIVITIES
Personalised Programs
Our retreat offers personalised one-week programs featuring activities such as cooking classes, horseback riding, nature walks, swimming in mineral pools, quad biking, creative workshops, and visits to local attractions. These activities are carefully designed to provide each guest with a fulfilling and memorable experience.
Sample programs are thoughtfully curated to maintain a balance between engaging activities and ample relaxation time at the guesthouse's pool.
TRANQUIL ACCOMMODATION
Time-out or Socialise
Experience the tranquility of our guesthouse accommodation, offering guests various zones to either choose some personal time-out or engage with others in social spaces.
INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT
Welcoming Atmosphere
We provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for our special guests, ensuring that everyone feels valued and supported throughout their stay.
Your hosts include an experienced professional and a parent of a young adult with special needs, offering compassionate understanding of each person's unique way of functioning—because we are all different!
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