Casa Cânda is the first example of social economy in Țara Hațegului and, possibly, even in Hunedoara County. Casa Cânda is a guesthouse located in the rural area near Hațegului, in the village of Sălașu de Sus, on the territory of the UNESCO International Geopark Țara Hațegului and very close to one of the main entrances to the Retezat National Park. It is an accommodation space arranged in rustic style, in a former traditional dwelling in the area, built at the beginning of the last century, which can accommodate 20 people. The guesthouse is composed of two buildings. The first building consists of two apartments, one on each level, and the second, a former barn, has two rooms with a double bed, two twin rooms and a triple room. The guesthouse is managed by the Retezat Tourism Association (ATR) – the management unit of the Țara Hațegului Ecotourism Destination, one of the few such destinations certified by the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Tourism. The building was purchased thanks to an interest-free loan granted by the Romanian – American Foundation (RAF). It is worth mentioning that the members of ATR have assumed the management of the guesthouse voluntarily, with valuable help from three employees from the local community. The profit obtained is reinvested in projects that support the development and promotion of ecotourism in the area. Many tell us that this is the place where they find themselves! Our philosophy is very simple: we treat our guests as we treat ourselves, that is, to the highest standards. At Casa Cânda you will find the ideal combination of relaxation, gastronomy (traditional recipes, prepared with local ingredients) and entertainment (because you will learn many stories and see how everything is connected). You can relax in the generous courtyard and garden full of flowers and greenery. The rustic touch of the place is perfected by the terrace and the summer kitchen. In short, at Casa Cânda we dream (and, sometimes, I hope we succeed) of offering our tourists more than accommodation and meals. Our desire is that those who arrive at this place live an unforgettable experience, eating with gusto local dishes, cooked with clean products, coming from the community, relaxing in a household that still preserves the architectural specificity of the area, discovering the million-year-old story that the Land of Hațeg offers, alongside the best tour guides, many of them trained by the Retezat Tourism Association itself.

How your stay helps rewilding efforts

Located in the heart of a vibrant rewilding landscape, we provide guests with immersive experiences that foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for wild nature. Local partnerships: We collaborate with local rewilding organizations, to promote responsible tourism that aligns with the ecological goals of the region. Sustainable operations: Our accommodation is designed to minimize ecological impact—using eco-friendly infrastructure, sourcing locally, and reducing waste—ensuring that our presence supports, rather than disrupts, the surrounding ecosystem. Community engagement: We support and involve local communities by promoting nature-based livelihoods, such as wildlife guiding and artisanal crafts, which provide an economic incentive to protect and celebrate wild nature. By hosting visitors who value nature and conservation, we help build a growing network of advocates for rewilding—turning every stay into a contribution toward a wilder, healthier landscape.