Melia Grand Hermitage

Meli· Grand Hermitage is an All Inclusive hotel steps away from Golden Sands beach in the north of Bulgaria. The resort, which is backed by forests, is one of the biggest on the shores of the Black Sea. The sandy beach stretches on for kilometres and is known for its calm waters. The hotel has several pools, water slides and a shallower children's pool. There's an indoor pool, a spa, sauna and steam room to help you relax. The hotel has a garden, which also serves as a venue for evening fun organised by the hotel's entertainment team. Sporting activities are on offer, too, such as water aerobics in the pool. The dining options at Meli· Grand Hermitage are varied, with a choice of three buffet restaurants. There are also several places to enjoy snacks like ice cream throughout the day and evening. There are five different bars, including a lobby bar which is open 24/7. If you fancy a change, Golden Sands resort is a short stroll away and has restaurants, cocktail bars and pubs, along with clubs and cafÈs that stay open until the small hours. The forest behind Golden Sands Beach is a protected area for wildlife and contains more than 500 species of plants and 78 different kinds of birds, including the rare goshawk and golden oriole. Nature lovers can take a walk in the forest and look out for wild animals such as tortoises, pine martens, red deer and boar.

The protected area behind Meli· Grand Hermitage includes several natural hot springs with a temperature between 18-248C. Locally, these are thought to relieve the symptoms of conditions such as arthritis and bronchitis. A short drive away from the hotel is the Aladzha Rock Monastery, which was used by monks until the 18th century. The ruin includes catacombs, walkways and stairs carved into the cliff high above ground level. On the way back, you could cool off in the water park at Golden Sands. The town of Varna is 18km away. You can visit the remains of the largest Roman thermal baths on the Balkan peninsula or, if you're feeling fit, climb the cathedral tower's 133 stairs to get views over the town. The newest local attraction is the fountain in Independence Square, which has water jets shooting 41m high. Computers control the 400 LED lights and 52 water pumps to create dramatic shows of water, light and sound.

The main buffet restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offers Bulgarian and international cuisine. You can snack on dishes like paella or paninis during the day or taste some regional specialties at the German pub.

The hotel runs a kids' club and there's a playground and games room. You can play table tennis and pool or get a workout at the gym.

The hotel has a large pool area. Next to the main pool with a children's pool, there is a swimming pool with three water slides. There is also a sports pool suitable for swimming. The hotel also has a separate pool area with children's pool for guests staying in The Level. Access to the pool in The Level has only the guests who booked The Level-rooms.

Rooms at Meli· Grand Hermitage all have a balcony and are air conditioned. They have a TV with satellite channels, Wi-Fi and a minibar.