In the north of the Republic of Moldova, in the picturesque village of Ţaul in Donduşeni district, amidst gentle hills, orchards, and meadows, lies a place where time seems to flow more slowly, and the scent of fresh honey mixes with the tranquility of nature.
Here, “At Nea Ion,” an authentic corner of rural Moldova, has not only become a beloved destination for visitors, but also part of an international documentary aired on Netflix – “Flavours of Romania and the Republic of Moldova,” created by renowned British director Charlie Ottley, known for his series on the cultural and natural heritage of Eastern Europe.
A Simple, Yet Lively Place
“At Nea Ion” is more than a household – it’s a small universe dedicated to bees and the people who love them. Dozens of beehives align behind the house, and their buzzing creates a symphony of nature that never stops. Visitors can see how honey is extracted, taste authentic bee products, and learn stories about the meticulous work of bees and Moldovan beekeeping traditions.
The space, arranged with simplicity and care, reflects the host's spirit – Ion, the beekeeper who turned his passion into a way of life. Here, you won't find luxury, but warmth, good cheer, and respect for nature.
Why Charlie Ottley Chose “At Nea Ion”
Charlie Ottley, the British director who promoted Romania through the documentary “Flavours of Romania,” included the Republic of Moldova for the first time in an international production dedicated to the region's culture and tourism. The location in Ţaul was chosen precisely for its authenticity, the energy of the local people, and the landscape that combines history, nature, and everyday life.
In the film, “At Nea Ion” becomes a symbol of rural Moldova that lives by tradition but looks to the future, a space where hospitality is felt from the first greeting, and every jar of honey tells a story.
“When people see this episode on Netflix, they will discover that Moldova is not just about wines and beautiful villages, but about extraordinary people living in harmony with nature,” Ottley said in an interview.
Ţaul – A Village of History, Nature, and Art
The village of Ţaul is one of the most picturesque locations in the country's north, situated approximately 220 km from Chişinău. It is known for the Pommer Manor, an architectural monument of national importance, built in the early 20th century by the German engineer Rudolf Pommer. The manor, once the residence of a noble family, is surrounded by Ţaul Dendrological Park – the largest park in the Republic of Moldova, covering over 50 hectares with an impressive collection of tree and shrub species, some rare in Eastern Europe.
Besides the manor, Ţaul attracts tourists with hiking through forests, walks in the park, local traditions, and people’s hospitality. In recent years, the locality has become increasingly present in thematic tourist routes – from rural and ecological tourism to gastronomic experiences based on local products.
Moldova Presenting Itself to the World
The project through which the documentary was made is implemented by the National Association for Incoming and Domestic Tourism, with financial support from the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF) and Stella JS, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova. The initiative is also supported by Château Purcari, maib, the National Office of Vine and Wine, and the National Office of Tourism, all united by the common goal – to promote Moldova as an authentic, attractive tourist destination open to the world.
An Invitation to the Public
The documentary “Flavours of Romania and the Republic of Moldova” is now available on Netflix. Those who watch it can discover fairy-tale places, authentic people, and traditions that define Moldova's identity. Each view contributes to increasing the country's visibility on the international tourism scene, and the story of “At Nea Ion” becomes living proof that Moldova's beauty lies in simple things – in people, in traditions, and in their connection to the land.
Moldova has much to show the world. And the story from Ţaul can be a beginning.
Discover Moldova with #MOLDPRES: Lake Beleu, through lens of photojournalist Andrei Mardari
PHOTO GALLERY // Beleu Lake: where calm meets nature
PHOTO // Moldova captures audience at International Gastronomy Festival in Paris
Discover Moldova with #MOLDPRES: Cahul Land Museum – gateway to history, traditions of country's south
Discover Moldova with #MOLDPRES: Land of boundless vineyards, tradition, taste, unique autumn tourist experiences
Discover Moldova with #MOLDPRES: Constantin Stamati's mansion from Ocnita, journey into 19th century Moldova
Discover Moldova with #MOLDPRES: Goian – village where tradition meets nature and authentic tourism
Editor-in-Chief of National Geographic Polska explores Moldova
Discover Moldova with #MOLDPRES: Ivancea village, one of most picturesque and historically rich places
Discover Moldova with #MOLDPRES: GurmanIA Festival in Tarigrad, Drochia - deep roots, authentic flavors, vibrant traditions
Discover Moldova with #MOLDPRES: The Charm of Dniester – an ecotourism route connecting people with nature, local community
National programme Eco-Tourism Compass launched at Casa din Luncă in central Moldova village
Discover Moldova with #MOLDPRES: Stoianovca from Cantemir district - corner of Bulgarian authenticity, new emerging gastro-tourist route
Discover Moldova with #MOLDPRES: "SânzIEne Unghenene" on Delia Lake Island, a holiday uniting around traditions
Excellence in hospitality celebrated at first edition of Moldova Hospitality Awards
Children against War exhibition inaugurated at Embassy of Ukraine in Moldova
Volunteer firefighting post inaugurated in central Moldova settlement
PHOTO GALLERY // Moldovan capital kicks off winter holidays
Moldovan parliament's standing bureau approves agenda for upcoming plenary meetings
China invites Moldova to join 'fast train' of development; Chinese Ambassador says new advantageous opportunities open up
Moldova officially notifies Russia about denunciation of agreement on cultural centers
Moldovan PM, World Bank's team discuss priorities of cooperation
Former president of People's Assembly of Gagauzia autonomy faces long prison term; prosecutors demand sentence in power abuse, embezzlement case
Moldova, case study for EU in face of Kremlin's hybrid war; MEP says it is essential to learn from Moldova's experience
Moldovan parliament speaker, on working visit to USA, says Moldova advocates for Ukraine's territorial integrity, peace agreement due to serve justice to Ukrainian people
Over 200 local officials trained for environmental contravention procedures in 11 districts of Moldova
EU–Moldova: Parliamentary Committee calls for opening accession negotiations on three clusters
Moldovan Infrastructure Ministry completes preparations for new batch Europe is Close projects: 61 mayors already signed funding contracts
VIDEO // Deputy Prime Minister in interview with CNN: Moldova and Moldovans - true example of resilience. We stood firm against Russia's malign actions
Moldovan citizens in USA to have faster access to documents and consular services