Preserving Nature, Culture, and a Way of Life
Sustainability at Zabola Estate

Environmental Stewardship

We are fortunate to be surrounded by one of Europe’s last truly wild landscapes. With that comes the duty to protect it.
• 500 hectares of private, protected nature: forests, wetlands, pastures, and wildlife corridors.
• Non-invasive bear watching experiences, developed in collaboration with conservation experts.
• Restored, not built: all guest accommodation is within repurposed historic buildings — preserving character while reducing footprint.
• Certified organic kitchen garden, supplying seasonal herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers to our restaurant.
• Waste-conscious operations: we avoid single-use plastics where possible, minimise packaging, and prioritise local sourcing to cut transport
emissions.
• Natural materials: restoration work uses local stone, reclaimed wood, and traditional joinery techniques.

“Guests often tell us that what they value most isn’t just the beauty of the landscape, but the feeling of belonging to something timeless.”

Cultural and Architectural Heritage

The estate has been part of our family for centuries. We live here, we work here, and we’ve made a commitment to restore Zabola not for commercial gain, but for continuity.
• Authentic restoration of historic manor houses, using regional styles and materials.
• Design philosophy rooted in simplicity, balance, and harmony with place.
• Local artisans and craftspeople are involved in every stage of development — from handmade ironwork to hand-woven textiles
• No branding, no imitation — just layers of real history and soul.

Community and Livelihoods

Zabola Estate is one of the region’s largest private employers, and we’re proud that most of our staff live in nearby villages.
• Long-term employment for local families — some have worked here for over a decade.
• Training and mentorship programmes for young people interested in hospitality and conservation.
• Food and supply partnerships with nearby farms, beekeepers, cheesemakers, and foragers.
• Creative residencies, cultural retreats, and local events that breathe life into rural Transylvanian culture.
We believe true luxury uplifts not just the guest — but the people and place that make it possible.

Looking Ahead

Sustainability isn’t a badge for us — it’s the backbone of everything we do. We are constantly working to improve: to learn, adapt, and deepen our impact. Our philosophy is closely aligned with the principles of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, and we are proud to support a more thoughtful, regenerative form of travel. Your stay directly supports our conservation efforts, our local economy, and our ongoing restoration projects. We are grateful that you’re part of it.