A boutique Wellness Retreat in a Byzantine mansion
Unwind and relax and engage your body and mind in a meticulously restored Byzantine mansion, a true paradise for nature lovers, with privileged views of the legendary castle-rock of Monemvasia and the endless Aegean blue.
Monemvasia, the “Gibraltar of the East”.
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Monemvasia is a small, historic town in the southeastern Peloponnese, best known for the medieval fortress on the “Rock of Monemvasia”, a small island connected to the mainland town by a 400-metre causeway. The surviving buildings and defensive structures of the fortress include impressive ramparts, gates and numerous small Byzantine churches.
Monemvasia’s name comes from two Greek words: “Mone” (“single”, “only”) and “emvasis” (“entrance”), in other words: “a place with only one entrance” – further highlighting its defensive advantages. Because it resembles a smaller version of the Rock of Gibraltar, Monemvasia’s nickname is “Gibraltar of the East”.
A paradise for nature lovers with unparalleled views
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You will spend relaxed wellness moments in a meticulously restored Byzantine mansion, a true paradise for nature lovers, with privileged views of the legendary castle-rock of Monemvasia and the endless Aegean blue.
The fertile 22-acre estate contains centuries-old olive trees, mainly of the local “Athinolia” variety, numerous citrus trees and an orange grove producing the famous Monemvasia oranges. Fruit-bearing trees have been a feature of the estate since the early 19th century, and whenever individual trees die they are replaced by traditional native varieties.
There are also impressive stands of ancient eucalyptus trees and towering cypresses, vegetable gardens and beds of flowers and aromatic herbs. Across from the manor house on 5 acres of gentle sloping land lie the venue's private vineyards featuring native Greek varietals such as Kidonitsa, Assyrtiko, Agiorgitiko and Monemvasia.
Relax in natural spring-fed waters
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Our venue is Monemvasia’s only 5-star Hotel mansion featuring pools filled with natural spring water. The impressive pool and its private relaxation areas among fragrant orange trees are exclusively for the use of our adult visitors.
There is really nothing to compare with the sense of peace and relaxation you have while enjoying a cocktail beneath the clear blue sky, in an estate of flowering gardens backed by verdant hills and with the endless expanse of the Aegean Sea before you.
Choose your own piece of paradise
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Get ready to discover a genuine experience of hospitality that combines antique charm with the comforts of modernity. The mansion’s rooms and suites are captivating in their history and magnificence.
Every room is different and unique, with individualized layout, design, styling and decoration. All the rooms and suites, however, share certain common characteristics, such as traditional hand-made embroideries on the walls, custom headboards and lamps, and all come equipped with modern comforts.
While preserving the original structure of the building, architects and designers made every effort to assure that most of the rooms enjoyed a view of the sea. For strictly structural and architectural reasons, there are a few cases where sea-views were not possible, mostly when a room’s original window openings were narrow gun-slots or embrasures – designed for the manor’s defense – and were thus preserved and retained.
Pamper your body and soul
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A Mediterranean adventure would not be complete without a spa experience and treatment that uses pure natural local ingredients, such as olive oil, honey and grape extracts. Fresh aromatic plants and herbs from the gardens, such as rosemary, peppermint, lemongrass and chamomile, play a major role in a series of specially formulated treatments.
The real secret of the Spa’s magic and mystique lies in the wonderful water which flows throughout the Spa and gives life to the mansion and its estate as well. The indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, the Rhassoul and Water-Paradise cabins as well as the traditional Ottoman Hamam all promise moments of deep relaxation and well-being, while an exfoliating massage with olive oil and rosemary in the Spa’s private outdoor booth or specially designed double cabin, provides a true taste of paradise for couples.
Enjoy authentic creations and home-cooked treats
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Enjoy the delicious local specialties prepared by the chef and his team and taste the high level of the estate’s creative Greek - Mediterranean cuisine. All the local fruits, herbs and vegetables which flourish in the gardens or nearby fields are combined in ingenious ways to enrich the restaurant’s dishes and desserts.
The venue's fertile soil and abundant fresh water provide its kitchen with fresh organic seasonal produce, such as vegetables, fruit and aromatic herbs. Additionally, the estate’s olive groves produce extra-virgin olive oil and table olives of the highest quality, while local cheese and fresh, free-range meat come straight from the village.
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When you add to this bounty aromatic herbs which grow just a few steps from the kitchen, such as peppermint, sage, rosemary and thyme, you have the makings of a real feast any time of the day. The cooperation with select local farmers and fishermen guarantees the quality and freshness of the basic ingredients used and allows the chef to highlight the culinary tastes and traditions of the area.
Discover the wines of Greece​
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Let the aroma and sweet euphoria of wine take you through a unique wine route in one of the world’s oldest grapevine plantations, as we taste top-class Greek wines and learn more about modern Greek winemaking.
Indulge in exciting adventures
The venue's owners have revived the traditional agricultural practices and occupations of the estate, such as: harvesting grapes, making olive oil, distilling tsipouro (traditional Greek spirits), baking bread and producing soap – creating a working model of sustainability that lies at the heart of their goal to make the estate as autonomous and self-sufficient as possible.
You will have the chance to take part in activities such as horse riding, cycling, bread-baking and soap making, while you will enjoy a tour at the venue, which will take you back in time to explore the unique building and learn more about its previous owners and the amazing restoration that brought it back to life.
Balance your body and mind
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Our daily yoga practices will bring harmony to your body, mind and emotional state. Your teacher is an experienced yoga instructor who will make sure that the practice is accessible to everyone and can be applied on and off the mat.
Everyone who longs to relax is welcome
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This is an ideal opportunity for everybody who wants to
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have an unprecedented stay at a meticulously restored Byzantine mansion
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enjoy great food and wine
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get in touch with yoga
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eliminate stress and relax
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return to their daily lives rejuvenated
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The retreat is designed for experienced practitioners or newcomers to yoga, as we modify our yoga sessions according to each individual's abilities and needs.
What’s in the bag
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4 nights - 5 day accommodation
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Transfer from/to the airport
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Daily yoga practices
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Yoga equipment
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Horse riding & cycling
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Baking country bread
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Organic soap making
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Guided tours at the estate and gardens
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Breakfast buffet
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4 dinners
See you in Monemvasia