Idyllic Latgalian country house with Black banya

Guest house Celmiņi is a secluded, country side property (6000m2) in Aglona, Latvia, featuring wooden house, large pond surrounded by more than one hundred plant species, ancient style Black banya and fascinating points of interest in neighborhood. Property is rented out to one party only. Located on the narrow strip of land between the lakes Cirišs and Egles, Aglona is famous in Latvia and beyond for its Basilica of Assumption - the most important catholic church in the country. The space Most guests prefer staying there for several days, relaxing and listening to sounds of nature, rejuvenating from city rush. Morning is especially beautiful with a cup of natural tea next to the pond with waterroses, during day guests may visit Aglona Basilica, or many other interesting sights in neighborhood, in evening they can experience something very unique - Black sauna ritual. The Latgalian house is more than 100 years old, but well maintained. You will experience a real country side relaxation with some modern amenities like wifi, cable TV, bathroom with premium towels, shampoo and shower gel from The Body Shop, and high water pressure. There are three separate bedrooms. Only pure linen bedding is offered to guests. House is heated with wood, there is stove and jotul. Each room is equipped with electric heater as well. There are many board games in house, books, a complete kitchen with spices, oil, coffee, drinkable water directly from a well and more . There is a piano and a guitar. The house is like a museum with variety of collections from past. There are many candles which can be lit up to make the stay more romantic. We offer full body massage, which is performed by a lady - therapist with 25 year experience. A very special experience is a Black sauna - such saunas are becoming very rare. We also offer various dining options. Recent review from one of our guests: "I have stayed in several places in Latvia that offer a banya/sauna in the nature and are done in a traditional authentic style. Having already big experience I must confess that Alvis and Ilze have done a phenomenal work with their Celmini property. It’s definitely a huge labor of love with great details and thoughtful touches everywhere making it a super high quality experience. Everything is in order in this place and there’s so much character: be it in vintage interior, the well-kept garden or a black banya. The land is very sizable and totally private. Even though it’s in a neighborhood - a lush perimeter greenery always made it feel as if we were deep deep in a countryside. The hosts have thought of everything and showed us around the house and property making us feel comfortable and properly accommodating. What makes it especially convenient is ability to order meals for dinner or breakfast leaving more time to relax, play or explore. Black banya in my opinion is a very special experience. Banya house that is sitting right next to a big beautiful pond with water lilies and green frogs is a truly magical place. Bathing in the evening or at night, with stars above you and total tranquility and peace around is priceless. Sleep was superb after that. There’s a big garden with many fruit trees, veggies and flowers and hosts graciously offered it all for us to enjoy. Two nights is a bare minimum to get a better feel of the place but more is best to really unwind, slow down the mind, visit Aglona’s basilika, swim in a lake or do a bigger hike. Ilze seems like a very knowledgeable woman in herbs and banya/sauna ritual and if you have minimal experience it would make for a key experience of the stay. This time we were on our own with banya but I love working with different masters and learning more from them about this beautiful ancient healing modality. This is a true gem of Latvia’s eco tourism. Thanks again for amazing time." Guest access Guests will be able to access all 6000m2 property. Guest house is rented out to a single party only, hosts are not staying in property. Other things to note There are many interesting sights in surroundings and information can be shared upon request: Lakes, museums, churches, walking trails are few examples.