Mission
Zubyria -- an oasis one hour from Kyiv -- is a gathering place for creative people from around the world to enjoy and discuss theater, film, art and culture (or just to relax), surrounded by the Ukrainian countryside and awash in local food, drink and friends.
Opened in September 2018, Zubyria has become a beloved quiet but invigorating retreat. The organization has grown from one location to four, and now includes guesthouses, a vineyard, historical 1907 cottage and more. We source as much of our food and labor locally and have our own small orchard, vegetable garden, fire-pit, large terrace for barbecues and outdoor dinners, and rustic barn. Some of the neighbors are friendly grandmas who will sell you fresh milk and horseradish, others are creative types who spend their time painting and firing pottery in their kilns.
Reserve and enjoy one of the “Five Most Unique Cottages in Ukraine.” While relaxing in the luxuriously renovated lodge, you can take a walk to the nearby river, wander in the forest, take a ride in our refurbished Soviet sidecar or 1958 Moskvitch, or take a bike or kayak to explore the area. Nearby there is an outdoor animal reserve, a large forest preserve (with the last wild European bison, or “Zubyr” in slavic languages), camping on a Manhattan-sized island in a tributary of the Desna river, visiting with locals and checking out their butter-making, flavored vodka brewing, and honey farming operations (and more); and in general just soaking up the atmosphere of a rustic Ukrainian village still humming with life.
Every autumn we host a small film festival and artists' retreat, where creative folks from around the world gather and enjoy films screened in the local theater, chats around a fire-pit, and excursions through the area. We hosted a 50th birthday party for the founder Chad Gracia, which gives a glimpse into the atmosphere in September 2019.
Our goal is to create an unforgettable destination for a small group of friends and colleagues to enjoy each others' company as well as the local nature and cozy cottage of Zubyria.