Bulgaria: On Course For Golfing Greatness

Sofia, Bulgaria - Considered to be one of the greatest emerging markets for worldwide property investors, Bulgaria is already a hotspot for skiing and sunbathing. Now, thanks to the massive pulling power of top quality golf courses, Bulgaria is on track to become a golfing phenomenon too. With global golf tourism worth over £10 billion, Bulgaria is bound to become a huge success - with a range of pursuits both on and off the course...1. Big hitters, big names!Bulgaria is fast becoming first choice for many UK holidaymakers taking summer or skiing holidays, and now it looks set to become a mini-paradise for golfers too, as developers invest heavily in building a number of prestigious signature golf courses in the country. Soon, Bulgaria will be home to one of Europe's top golf courses, in the form of Thracian Cliffs Golf and Spa Resort, which boasts an 18-hole Gary Player Signature golf course.The course forms the core of the luxury mixed-use development and is located on 164-hectares of wild, scenic Black Sea coast terrain, spanning 4.5 kilometres of coastline and bestowing a truly exhilarating golfing experience with stunning sea views. Being the first on site, Mr. Player had the privilege of situating the fairways along the edge of the land while the real estate had to take the back row overlooking the greens and the sea. The Golf Clubhouse will offer extravagant golfer facilities, including restaurants, a Long Bar with fireplaces and terraces overlooking the 18th Green and the sea, a gym and indoor and outdoor swimming pools with stunning views. Alongside Mr. Gary Player, several other big names are behind the boom in golf in Bulgaria - Ian Woosnam has designed three golf courses; Bankso golf course, the Ian Woosnam golf course and the Pirin Pine course and legend Jack Nicklaus is behind the Ibar Golf Club & Spa - his first project in southeast Europe. 2. The legendary nineteeth holeBulgaria's all important Nineteeth Hole is buzzing - the capital Sofia boasts a bustling nightlife scene with numerous bars, clubs, live venues and "mehani" - traditional Bulgarian taverns. The restaurant scene in Sofia is also emerging as a culinary force within Eastern Europe. You can enjoy a relaxing night out too - a pint of beer will only set you back around 50 pence!3. A fair-weather destination - all year round!Bulgaria boasts more than 2,500 hours of sunshine each year, with more than 300 during July and August alone. During the summer months, temperatures range from a balmy 23 to 30 degrees Celsius and you won't have to edge slowly into the sea - the water will be warm and inviting. The availability of reasonably priced direct flights to Bulgaria has made it easy for forward-thinking travellers to make the most of the country. Low-cost airlines fly 365 days a year to Sofia, Varna and Bourgas from many other European locations.4. Royal and Ancient?The game of golf may date back to the 12th Century, but you won't be able to pass that off as the only bit of ‘history' you enjoy in Bulgaria - not when there's so much else on offer.For thirteen centuries, the land of Orpheus and Spartacus has sparked Thracian treasures and burial tombs, magnificent frescos and ancient applied arts. Along the coast lie the Aladzha rock monastery, the historic architecture of Nessebar and old Thracian Tombs. Bulgaria also boasts the most ancient copper mines in Europe, which date back to the 5th millennium BC and architecture from the late Bronze Age.5. Feeling below par?Pulled a muscle on the golf course or just feeling a little green? Soothe those aches away at one of the many thermal pools and spas dotted around the country, boasting mineral-rich waters with relaxation and healing benefits. The Chedi Spa at Thracian Cliffs would be the best place to recover your inner harmony. Notes to editors: The Chedi Hotel will comprise 60 suites and will have all of the facilities, amenities and services you would expect from a luxury boutique resort. This Chedi hotel will manage The Chedi Suites, The Chedi Club Suites, The Chedi Residences and the extravagant Chedi Villas, each on its own secluded 2500 m² plot.Once completed, Thracian Cliffs Golf and Spa Resort will be set apart from other resorts in Europe due to its architecture and interior design which will reflect contemporary Asian style.