Located at the southernmost tip of the Mani peninsula, in the
picturesque village of Gerolimenas, 23-key Kyrimai is exactly what
we like our chilled-out, grown-up hideouts to look like. Viewed
from the azure Aegean waters, the converted 19th-century farmhouse
is backed by craggy cliffs, its grounds peppered with wild herbs
and pine trees. Inside, calming interiors are characterised by
metre-thick walls, dark wood and dry stone, with whitewashed and
wicker furniture lending a contemporary finish. The beauty of this
property is that it’s full of surprises. Wander down winding
staircases and weave through maze-like passageways, stumble upon
sun-bleached courtyards and dance along the private pier, before
snagging a sunny lounging spot. Food is very much a love letter to
the fertile land, with homemade dips, spinach-stuffed pies, local
meats and fish plucked straight from the ocean all served beneath
an airy, sea-facing pergola.

Calling all foodies: we’ve found your next culinary adventure.
From April to August, leading Greek chef Kostas Papastamatis
invites guests to learn the principles of local farming at Opora
Country Living’s eco-farm. Come alone or with your gang, but be
prepared to have your newfound skills put to the test during the
sampling extravaganza. Food aside, this is the sort of place that
makes you forget what life looks like beyond the property’s
boundaries – picture wide blue skies as far as the eye can see
accompanied by a live soundtrack of crickets chirping. Rooms come
with private terraces, handcrafted furnishings and bathrooms
brimming with organic wellness products courtesy of Olive Era.

Open since 2021, Meraviglia Slow Living was built from the
ground up using raw and recycled materials, resulting in an
eco-conscious hideout that will delight serenity-seekers. There are
seven sea-facing suites, each equipped with a private pool framed
by wild herb gardens and tall needle grasses. Bedrooms were
purposefully designed to make the most of natural light – picture
plush daybeds and wooden chairs streaked in beams of sunlight.
Interiors are the good kind of minimal, with cushioned headboards,
floors made from handcrafted mosaics and pendant lights. There is
no designated restaurant space as such, but there is an exceptional
food menu that will take you from brunch to dinner: think
feta-packed parcels and shrimp-stuffed risottos. If it’s live music
and dancing you’re after, visit the nearby city of Preveza.

Dexamenes Seaside Hotel is a piece of Peloponnese history. A
1920s winery converted into a minimalist coastal stay, with 34 old
wine tanks refashioned into ultra-luxe suites, design details such
as original pipework and rusting silos pay homage to the property’s
roots. Want to wake up to sweeping views across the Ionian Sea,
surrounded by the sands of Kourouta beach? Book a Wine Tank Suite.
Prefer your scenery green? There’s a Courtyard Suite with vineyard
vistas for that. We love the celebration of seasonal produce in the
restaurant, but there’s something extra-special about the
wine-tasting evenings. Held in collaboration with local artists,
events see live theatrical performances that make for a truly
immersive experience.

The castle town of Monemvasia tops our list for a slow-paced
Greek getaway, with its white-sand bays, old-school fish tavernas
and historical streetscape sprinkled with independent boutiques.
It’s one of the airy bedrooms at boutique Kinsterna Hotel that we
suggest you make your crashpad of choice – all stone walls,
upholstered armchairs, playful prints and bamboo ceilings. Rise
early and take a dip in the outdoor pool, powered by a freshwater
spring and perfectly scented by the surrounding citrus trees.
Otherwise, head for a session in the hammam, followed by a
treatment at the spa, where products are formulated from produce
harvested on the estate, from olive oil and honey to rosemary and
lemongrass. There are two restaurants and three bars to choose
from, but it’s the outdoor Linos Tavern we think you’ll like best.
The leafy set-up sees candle-strewn tables laden with salads,
breads, vegetables and meats cooked to perfection in a wood-fired
oven. Be warned: this foodie Eden is only open on Tuesdays and
Wednesdays.

They say that all good things take time, and so it’s only fair
that we forgive these guys for making us wait 20 years until we
could finally experience the Grand Forest Metsovo magic – that’s
how long it was in the making. Set atop a mountain on the fringes
of the dramatic Pindus National Park, the hotel is spread across
eight stone buildings, showcasing 62 design-driven suites, a
state-of-the-art spa, gym, boutique stocked with handmade jewellery
and stellar food and drinks menus. While we love the snug bedrooms,
it’s the team’s commitment to tailoring outdoor pursuits to each
guest’s needs that makes this place really stand out. Take your
pick from activities including wild truffle hunting, cross-country
skiing, off-road biking and canoeing.

Ekies All Senses Resort had a major makeover in 2017, and it’s
safe to say that we’ve been a little bit obsessed with it ever
since. The renovation project was headed up by London-based
Beetroot, which worked with eco-conscious materials to honour Greek
tradition while creating a contemporary set-up. The 76 pared-back
rooms and suites have been individually designed, featuring details
such as glass screens, wicker baskets, platform beds, cushion-clad
divans and courtyards kitted out with hammocks, private pools and
coastal views. Elsewhere, an award-winning restaurant serves up
dishes crafted from secret family recipes and signature cocktails
infused with ingredients freshly harvested from the on-site herb
garden. There’s also access to a roster of wellness activities, a
sizable outdoor pool and private beach.

Euphoria retreat came to life after its founder, Marina
Efraimoglou, used centuries-old healing therapies to aid her
recovery from a serious illness. Today, her destination spa
champions medicines that are said to balance the mind and body
while uplifting the soul. A handful of different retreats are
available: we’re plotting our visit around the Feel Alive Again
option – a four-day programme designed to combat burnout through
meditation, breathwork and journalling. Not your vibe? The hotel is
spacious enough for you to avoid seeing another guest for the
duration of your visit. You’ll find us flitting between our
dazzling boudoir and the verdant grounds, fuelling our body with
healthy Greek plates and regular dips in the pool.