BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas

Above the Black Sea near Balchik, BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas is built around golf, villa living and long views along Bulgaria’s coast. Its 18 hole Gary Player course was his first completed design in Eastern Europe, set across clifftop land where the sea is rarely out of sight. Days can begin on the natural turf practice range and finish on the clubhouse terrace, with a villa providing the space to settle in between rounds.

The par 72 course stretches to 7,200 yards from the back tees, though several teeing options make it workable for mixed groups. Broad fairways and generously sized greens give room to play, but the coastal wind has a strong say in club selection and approach shots. The first is a par 5 that gives longer hitters a chance of reaching in two if they find the fairway’s right side. At the other end of the round, the final hole is a lengthy par 3 requiring a composed finish. Practice is properly catered for, with a two sided range accommodating 60 players, three putting greens and two bunkers. The academy adds covered bays, a simulator and a short game area, with tuition available from PGA professional Krassi Panayotov.

Accommodation is in detached and semi-detached villas, including two bedroom options with two bathrooms and kitchens, plus larger Premium and Deluxe Private Villas for groups. Bell Tower Bistro, the Clubhouse Bistro and Clubhouse Gourmet Restaurant cover everything from an easy meal after golf to a more formal dinner. The clubhouse also has a tasting room and sea view terrace bar, while the fitness centre, infrared sauna, steam bath and relaxation zone offer a quieter spell away from the course. Varna International Airport is the nearest arrival point, around 40 minutes away, and Balchik’s harbour or Golden Sands make straightforward options for a day beyond the resort.