Kyrimai
The Kyrimai Hotel is located in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, famed for its Byzantine churches, charming fishing villages and rugged landscapes.
The hotel has just 22 bedrooms and suites, built in what was once a 19th century customs house and associated buildings built right on the water's edge. Needless to say no two rooms are alike but all are stylishly done up with exposed stonework on show and eclectic antique furniture and working fireplaces throughout.
Breakfasts are served on the decking overlooking the sea, and the restaurant - in the old customs warehouse - is overseen by Michelin-starred chef Yiannis Baxevanis, who celebrates and updates classical Greek dishes such as shrimp risotto sagnaki with feta cheese and basil.
The hotel is in the lovely Mani region of the Peloponnese, and within easy reach of several pretty villages and medieval towers and churches. The hotel is also near the southern tip of the Tainaro peninsula, where the Ionian Sea meets the Aegean.
Why We Love It
A favourite with celebrities, Kyrimai's Master Suite is pure romance, with windows on three walls overlooking the sea, a Jacuzzi and a four-poster bed raised on a platform in the eaves.
Villa Vager
Lying in the foothills of Mount Mainalon and surrounded by the striking natural beauty of the Peloponnese, is the family-run boutique Villa Vager hotel. Found in the traditional Greek village of Levidi, this charming, stone-clad villa has been renovated from crumbling 19th century ruins.
Each spacious room features a living room and a private balcony or terrace, overlooking the magnificent Mount Mainalon and the surrounding pine trees. Superior rooms can accommodate four guests, while Honeymoon Suites have room for five people, making these spaces ideal for families or groups of friends.
Visitors can enjoy a delicious home-made breakfast, featuring a range of Peloponnese produce, to give them energy for a day of exploring. Breakfast include fresh juices, seasonal fruit and vegetables, and local honey from Mainalo. In warm weather, Greek coffee is served in the hotel's backyard, while during the winter; guests can sip drinks by the cosy fireplace.
The mountainous region of Arcadia offers an array of activities for visitors to enjoy, from private cookery lessons to hiking trails in the surrounding hills. Culture vultures can take day-trips to ancient sites including Epidaurus and Olympia or visit the nearby villages of Tripoli and Vitina. Those wishing to travel further afield can venture to the historic capital of Athens or instead, visitors can tour local vineyards and learn about the region's grape-growing heritage. Make time to relax in Villa Vager's open-air hydropool spa and to recline on your private balcony or terrace.
Why We Love It
The owner offers guests tailor-made quad bike tours around the beautiful Peloponnese region, stopping at whichever sites capture their interest.
Camvillia Resort
Camvillia Resort is a five star boutique hotel in the south-west region of Messenia that offers unobstructed views of the Messenian Gulf, perfect for families and friends alike.
47 minimalistic rooms and suites are spread out across ten double-story stone houses (in keeping with the local architecture) and all have a neutral décor, think creams and earth colours. The Executive Double rooms have private terraces to appreciate the sea views whilst the Private Suites boast their own pool.
At Aelia restaurant guests can enjoy dining on traditional Greek breakfasts come sunrise, light lunches under the midday sun and Mediterranean cuisine come sunset and each dish uses fresh produce from the Messinia region (try 'sfela', the famous local cheese).
Facilities include a main outdoor pool which blends seamlessly into the Gulf, an indoor heated pool, all-day bar, gym and sauna. If you ever tire of wandering the olive grove gardens and lazing by the pool then the historic town of Koroni sits only a stone's throw away. For the water babies, head down to Peroulia beach, approximately a 15 minute walk away, and enjoy an array of water sports including kayaking and canoeing.
Why We Love It
Enjoy a refreshing cocktail aside the pool and admire the spectacular views. It's so simply satisfying.
