Be Inspired.
Find out more about Calla Retreat and our journey to create a welcoming eco-friendly destination in Beautiful Bulgaria.
Our Dream Became Your Dream Escape.
About Calla Retreat
Read on to find out more about Calla Retreat….
Our eco-friendly sanctuary in rural Bulgaria that we have created with love, care, and a lot of hard work! We welcome guests for Yoga Retreats, Reiki Training Retreats, and relaxing eco friendly holidays.
Our philosophy is simple: create a nurturing environment where guests can rest, learn, and reconnect with nature. Clean mountain air, organic gardens, and starlit skies make Calla Retreat the perfect space for transformation and relaxation.
How Our Journey Began
In 2016, we left our corporate UK lives in search of a slower, more meaningful lifestyle. After exploring Europe, we discovered Vezenkovo, a charming Bulgarian village surrounded by forests and rivers.
In March 2017, we began restoring a rustic property with only two livable rooms. Every renovation brought us closer to our vision: a welcoming retreat for guests to relax and recharge.
Meet Kelly and Richard
Kelly is the co-founder of Calla Retreat and has been practising yoga since 2010, first coming to yoga as a counterbalance to a demanding corporate career in HR. What began as a way to manage stress and reconnect with her body gradually became a deeper personal practice.
In 2015, she completed her yoga teacher training in Goa, India, and began teaching one-to-one sessions alongside her corporate role. In 2018, Kelly made the decision to leave the corporate world and devote herself fully to teaching yoga and creating accessible, nourishing retreats.
Her teaching is rooted in Hatha Yoga, with influences from Iyengar yoga, using props to support safe alignment, build confidence, and work gently with injuries. Kelly has a particular passion for welcoming beginners and creating a relaxed, inclusive space where all bodies and abilities feel at ease.
With over 200 hours of certification gained while living and studying in India, her classes are calm, authentic and accessible. She trained in Indian Head Massage nine years ago, and in 2025 trained in sound healing; she now also offers crystal bowl sound baths. Guests are warmly invited to practise at their own pace, rest when needed, and simply enjoy the experience of being on the mat.
Richard is the co-founder of Calla Retreat, our in-house chef, and a Reiki Master Teacher. His spiritual journey began at 14, and at 19 he formally began training in Reiki, studying with several masters. Today he is a Reiki Master Teacher in both Usui and Angelic Reiki principles and delights in guiding others to discover and develop the self-healing power of Reiki. At Calla Retreat, Richard leads Reiki training retreats with warmth and clarity, creating a supportive environment where participants of all levels can deepen their practice. He is also skilled in leading guided meditations and cacao ceremonies, helping guests to connect with themselves and set meaningful intentions.
Having always been an excellent home cook, Richard has nurtured his culinary journey even further since opening Calla Retreat in 2018. He enjoys creating nourishing, vegetarian dishes inspired by flavours from around the world, using fresh, seasonal produce from the retreat gardens whenever possible. Each meal is crafted with care, designed to energise, comfort, and delight guests, enhancing their retreat experience and supporting wellbeing throughout their stay.
Together, we have built Calla Retreat with passion, creativity, and care. Every corner has been designed to offer comfort, peace, and inspiration.
What Makes Calla Retreat Special
Guests enjoy unique facilities, including:
A natural swimming pool filtered by plants
Natural & Organic ‘Faith in Nature’ branded toiletries provided for all guests.
Indoor and outdoor dining areas
Games room, books & magazines for guests pleasure
Hammocks, sunbeds, and shaded chill-out spaces
Organic gardens with fresh, homegrown produce
We are always evolving the retreat, adding thoughtful touches that make each visit memorable.
Looking Ahead
We look forward to welcoming you, sharing our story, and helping you create your own.
Whether you join us for a retreat or a peaceful getaway, Calla Retreat is a space where you can truly Be Inspired.
We are sure that you will love Calla Retreat and the surrounding area as much as we do!
Blessings from Kelly and Richard.
