This family-run farm-hotel hybrid is more of a free-spirited
community than a traditional place to rest your head. Located in
the lesser-trodden region of Laconia, Eumelia (meaning “harmony”)
was one of the first Greek hotels to fly the flag for sustainable
living. Powered by geothermal resources and adhering to a system of
natural waste management, the accommodation comprises five
19th-century cottages set among thriving olive groves. Each room is
tastefully decorated and kitted out with an array of modern-day
luxuries – think earth-tone fabrics, rainforest-style showers and
soft towelling robes. With fruit and vegetable picking and
winemaking classes and tastings on the agenda, guests can expect to
get their hands dirty. Fancy learning a new skill? Sign up for the
in-house soap-crafting workshop, too.

It’s hard to believe that this serene oasis exists in the heart
of the Greek capital. Nestled just a stone’s throw
from the sun-kissed Vouliagmeni Bay, the elegant enclave that is
The Margi has been welcoming savvy travellers since 1960. Rooms are
sleek and stylish, with neutral hues and wood-panelled walls
creating a backdrop for abstract paintings. While the pool is
something to scream about, the real reason you’re here is for the
food. Since 2015, the property’s owners have been inviting guests
to dine in an intimate setting at the on-site organic farm. Menus
are carefully curated by head chef Panagiotis Giakalis, who crafts
his dishes around seasonal produce. Insider tip: find Giakalis’
best-loved recipes on the website – his cauliflower soup is our
current go-to.

Antiparos, aka the laid-back little sister of Paros, is starting
to turn heads for its go-slow vibe (even Tom Hanks has his own
minimalist villa here). The main draw of the isle for the founder
of the Rooster, Athanasia Comninos, was its unspoilt landscape –
think sheltered coves, windswept sand dunes and stretches of
rolling hills. It was after a decade of calling this island her
home away from home that Comninos opened this first-class wellness
destination. Located atop a hill overlooking Livadia Beach, 16
villas and a farmhouse are arranged across 30 acres of wild
terrain. Highlights include private plunge pools, outdoor showers,
hand-crafted furnishings and a stellar spa. Mornings are best spent
sipping breakfast juices made with freshly picked fruit, before
taking a gentle stroll along the pretty path down to the beach.

Verina Astra offers sixteen sea-facing rooms and a tranquil,
stone-lined infinity pool. The brainchild of energetic young couple
Miltos Salemis and Isidora Chandeli, this place sits in beautiful
harmony with its surroundings – picture fragrant gardens and vases
stuffed with wildflowers. Interiors are characterised by brushed
concrete, rattan pendant lights and bamboo ceilings. Wave goodbye
to the days of setting an alarm to reserve your favourite poolside
plot: all rooms come with their own private terrace, offering
king-sized daybeds and plenty of fat cushions. Come sunset,
in-house restaurant Bostani takes centre stage, with friendly staff
seasoning your dish at the table with freshly picked rosemary and
thyme. Breakfast highlights include plates piled high with
apricots, peaches, nectarines and cherries, which can be delivered
straight to your room.

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, making this a dream stay for those
looking to finesse their culinary skills. 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. Rooms are relatively basic but chic. We’re
talking rustic stone walls, metal trunks for bedside tables and a
bathroom stuffed with Olive Era wellness products. The result? A
proper rural recharge.

In the village of Aprovato, Mèlisses stands out (and not just
because of its two saltwater infinity pools and panoramic sea
views). Set in Allegra Pomilio’s family home, stone-faced buildings
are decked out with whitewashed walls and window frames are painted
in pastel blues – you’d be forgiven for assuming that this place
was part of the Mamma Mia! set. The kitchen in the main house is
where you’ll likely spend most of your stay, with guests gathering
around the huge wooden table and eating together. Prefer to go
solo? Pomilio will be happy to provide you with a picnic basket,
brimming with plenty of local specialities. This place books up
pretty quickly, so reserve ahead to avoid any disappointment. New
for 2022: pop-up dinners are next up on the Mèlisses menu, with
profits from the first date in the diary going to assist those
affected by the crisis in Ukraine.

In the Chania region, tucked behind prickly cacti and towering
palms, you’ll find Metohi Kindelis. You’ll enter through a floral
archway, before arriving at a cobbled courtyard where your
accommodation awaits – a 16th-century terracotta-coloured farmhouse
split into three guesthouses, each with its own private pool and
garden. Though, what makes this place so unique (besides its charm)
is the fact that the property remains home to the entire Kindeli
family. Field-to-plate feasting looks different here. While an
abundance of superb local produce is on offer at breakfast, the
fridge is only restocked based on request, meaning food waste is
kept to a minimum. The wine list is a highlight, featuring bottles
of reds and whites sourced from nearby vineyards.