Estate of Mind A rarefied all-villa resort on the Greek isle of Zakynthos encourages rest, relaxation and reflection - and, above all, privacy ...
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T R AV E L GREECE A bird’s-eye view of Royal Infinity villa and its generous private beach at Porto Zante D E PA R T U R E S Estate of Mind A rarefied all-villa resort on the Greek isle of Zakynthos encourages rest, SAKIS PAPADOPOULOS relaxation and reflection – and, above all, privacy of the highest order. by Anthony Grant 21 21_24_Q221_DEP_UK_02_T_GREECE.indd 21 27.05.21 15:58
GREECE An alfresco lounge at Villa Fanya, on the isle of Syros CA N A G R E E K I S L A N D get any dreamier than green-peaked, secret- Villas cove-studded Zakynthos? Perhaps not – and no place channels its to Book breezy essence like Porto Zante, a No accommodation style is more secluded family-run resort on the in tune with these privacy- island’s unspoilt north coast. Zante, prizing times than a private villa, and when it comes to Greek you should know, is the name the islands, sea views are the one Venetians gave to this island they indispensable attribute. The once christened “the flower of the panorama from aptly named Levant”. Those lucky enough to Santorini Sky (santorinisky.com) will dazzle: that’s because these See for yourself by booking have dropped anchor here for a a stay at the stunning Villa glamorous new villas are located spell will find a heaven-sent slice of at Pyrgos, one of the highest Mylo ( villamylo.com), Ionian Sea bliss with just a handful spots on the island. If you crave located just a two-minute of luxuriously appointed villas. the more classic close-up view drive from Mylopotas, the of the majestic volcanic caldera, island’s most famous ribbon Owner Yiannis Sotirakos’s singular of sand. With a car (hire one choose Vora Villas ( voravillas. passion for ensuring that each at the island’s charming small com), located in buzzy Imerovigli. guest’s experience is both carefree Here, Athens-based design port), you can easily drive and flawless is apparent not only firm K-Studio has infused three to Manganari, a trio of fine beaches at the southern end from what Porto Zante offers – villas carved into the cliffside of the island. If you want to be T R AV E L think private-beach access, a perfect with classic Cycladic minimalism and understated contemporary closer to the orbit of Mykonos bouquet of gastronomic restaurants or Athens, consider a sojourn touches, with vistas of the big and unforgettable sea excursions to blue from private verandas a on the southern shore of start – and what it conspicuously highlight. Twenty-two nautical Syros, where the Villa Fanya (whitekeyvillas.com) brings does not. Intrigued yet? After a miles away from Santorini is the overlooked island of Ios, where seafront extravagance to the challenging year and ahead of a next level with an expansive, (let it be whispered) the beaches highly anticipated summer season, cubic-style design, meticulous are more numerous – more than we got the scoop from Sotirakos via 40 – and generally better. landscaping and a gorgeous video call from Athens. infinity pool with unobstructed sea views. A pathway that leads to a secluded private cove and pebbly beach should seal the deal. And for a Greek hideaway experience with a more terrestrial flavour, turn to the rugged Mani Peninsula in the Peloponnese, home of Amani Villas ( amaniliving. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: PETRAKIS ALEXANDROS, NICK NIKOLAOU, CHRISTOS DRAZOS gr), a pair of new villas built with local stone, softened by sweeping views of the CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: LOUISA NIKOLAIDOU, GEORGE FAKAROS, STÅLE ERIKSEN Messinian bay. Terraces and private pools invite lingering, but Mani is full of quiet coves and untrammelled coastal locales, like Kardamyli to the north or Areopoli to the south, which you’ll want to inspect at a leisurely pace by car. – AG D E PA R T U R E S Above: the sunny terrace of a Vora villa in Santorini; right: the magnificent view from an infinity-pool deck at Villa Mylo in Ios 22 PLEASE CHECK THE LATEST GOVERNMENT ADVICE BEFORE BOOKING TRAVEL OR DEPARTING ON ANY TRIP 21_24_Q221_DEP_UK_02_T_GREECE.indd 22 27.05.21 15:58
GREECE Hotel Confidential There hasn’t always been much to crow about in terms of compelling places to stay in tiny Antiparos, but that’s about to change with the opening of The Rooster (theroosterantiparos. com), whose 17 houses, suites and villas breakfast with avgotaraxo (Greek all boast Aegean sea views. Subdued bottargo) with butter and lemon earth tones and discreet stylings with zest ... opa! Mykonos, of course, has wood and marble spell posh minimalism no shortage of world-class resorts in tune with the unspoilt setting. In but only a few get the indulgent- Santorini, the view of the volcanic eclectic combination right, and caldera is always the star of the show one that does is The Wild Hotel by and when you stay at the new OMMA Interni ( thewildhotel.com). Not Santorini ( ommasantorini.com) only is this luxe assemblage of 40 you won’t forget it: the 5,000sq m suites and villas ideally situated property is located in clifftop Imerovigli away from the fray above Kalafati about halfway between busy Fira beach, but there’s also a staircase and Oia. Opt for one of the villas with a to a small but separate private beach private pool and caldera view. New in – a rarity on the island. Finally, the Syros, patrician cousin to mischievous hospitality renaissance continues Mykonos nearby, is the Aristide Hotel apace in Crete with the addition of ( hotelaristide.com). There are just Numo Ierapetra (numoierapetra. nine suites, each an intriguing creative com), a beachfront resort on the Clockwise from top left: statement with designer furnishings island’s stunning south coast. Use the Levadia suite at Aristide Hotel on Syros; The Rooster’s and uplifting pops of colour set in a it as base to explore this rugged farmhouse aesthetic; intimate sumptuously refurbished neoclassical part of Crete and a place to luxuriate dining in the cave-like wine cellar mansion with quality artwork taking after an all-day excursion to nearby at OMMA Santorini pride of place. Morning repasts are a Chryssi island, an uninhabited nature revelation: think San Michali saganaki preserve with water that sparkles and tomato spoon sweet, champagne Caribbean blue. – AG CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: PETRAKIS ALEXANDROS, NICK NIKOLAOU, CHRISTOS DRAZOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: LOUISA NIKOLAIDOU, GEORGE FAKAROS, STÅLE ERIKSEN What is the vision behind yes. That’s also the concept. You have already dreaming of creating a hotel Porto Zante? the flexibility of ordering breakfast or an airline. Anyway, at the time, my Not to be seen! We pride ourselves whatever time of the day you want, father said, “let’s create a world-class on being the most private beach and you can enjoy it in the privacy villa property on the beachfront that resort in Europe. Our concept has of your villa or à la carte in the Club combines the services of a hotel with always been to stay away from the House restaurant. The moment you the private-villa experience”. We fell stress that one can sometimes feel sit down is the moment we squeeze in love with Zakynthos. We started in D E PA R T U R E S at a large-scale resort. It’s not for the fresh orange juice and bake the 2002 and created our first restaurant, everyone – for example, people who croissants or our famous pancakes. the Club House, in 2007. In the past want to be in the busy environment of Everything is homemade. two years, we have renovated and Mykonos with all the clubs – but it’s fine-tuned extensively. With so many ideal for single travellers, couples and How did you get started – and facilities – the Kids’ Club, gym, yoga families. We want to be able to offer how has the resort evolved since? retreat, two bars and two restaurants – the best we can for our guests in an Twenty years ago, after travelling in for just nine villas and 45 to 50 guests, environment that’s never commercial several parts of Greece and Europe, some people think we’re crazy! It’s a and very personal. There are no rules my father Giorgos and I felt that huge infrastructure, in terms of the for pre-ordering or pre-booking. You we couldn’t find a place where you level of facilities and services we offer, can decide whatever you want, the could really feel the privacy factor. but I think we’ve reached the level time you want it and we’ll just say As for me, from the age of five, I was that it’s a complete place with all the 23 21_24_Q221_DEP_UK_02_T_GREECE.indd 23 27.05.21 15:58
GREECE Drift Away Be it island-hopping, anchoring in a secluded cove, or simply – and certainly – getting well away from it all, chartering a yacht offers an unsurpassed melange of fresh air and freedom. Try Edmiston (edmiston.com) for an array of sailing yachts, including the classically chic Sartori, with her 250-bottle wine cellar, and the rather more avant- Above: the sunset garde Rox Star, the epitome panorama from the deck of modern sailing cool with of Porto Zante’s two- elegant and unusual black sails. bedroom Royal Infinity Another purveyor with intimate villa; right: fresh lobster knowledge of the islands is risotto at Porte Zante Burgess (burgessyachts. com), whose stylish options in the Eastern Med this summer things we dreamt about, but without are highlighted by O’Ptasia, a the noise or congestion of a hotel. sumptuous 85m motor yacht T R AV E L with a wealth of wellness Personalised sevice is a priority at the facilities among its many resort. amenities, and the cutting-edge Cloudbreak, a 75m vessel built for adventure and equipped Can you recall any particularly with a full complement of water unusual guest request over the years? toys. Last but not least, Fraser Years ago, a guest was celebrating his Yachts (fraseryachts.com) also 23rd anniversary with his wife and specialises in Greek islands and boasts captains with the rest of his family. He wanted to notable expertise in the Ionian, celebrate during sunset with a private Dodecanese and Cyclades barbecue on the beach. The meal he and that’s why. There is much more islands. Luxe sailing aboard the requested included, among other to see beyond Navagio (the famous former racing yacht Ohana, a 49.7m beauty, is sure to turn options, 23 freshly caught lobsters “shipwreck beach”), and that’s why heads thanks to the striking and 23 bottles of vintage champagne. we have a selection of speedboats and grey hull, while a more intimate yachts for daily cruises all over the experience is available on Olga I, a 28m cruiser that boasts an That sparkling beachfront looks like island. In the south, there’s Marathonisi array of all-ages toys and a top pure nirvana. Does each villa have its island, home of the caretta caretta sea speed of 25 knots. own private stretch of sand? turtle and a National Marine Park and, – John McNamara Yes, every villa is located on the private of course, nearby, we have the island beachfront, slightly elevated eight of Kefalonia and ancient Olympia, to ten metres above the water level, too. Then there’s the natural beauty of which is a great advantage because the island itself: it’s so green and with no one can see your villa when they many spectacular beachfronts, and are swimming in the sea – you can be virgin areas untouched by tourists. totally incognito. Some of the villas have their own beach access with Finally, logistics aren’t very romantic, private stone terraces, almost like a but these days they are more D E PA R T U R E S FROM TOP: SAKIS PAPADOPOULOS (2), MARK SIMS small castle on the sand, with sunbeds important than ever. How do most or private bar. You can enjoy light people come to Porto Zante? meals or cocktails right by the beach During the summer, there are plenty all day. Private, candlelit dinners on of non-stop flights from several the beach are also very popular. European and UK airports directly to Dusk on deck of the Rox Star the island. A large percentage of our What’s the average length of stay? clients arrive by private jet. We also Around ten nights. offer a chauffeur service from Athens – the drive to Kyllini takes around That’s a lot! two-and-a-half hours, and from there There are plenty of excursions you we arrange a 30-minute speedboat. can do with the resort as your base, portozante.com 24 PLEASE CHECK THE LATEST GOVERNMENT ADVICE BEFORE BOOKING TRAVEL OR DEPARTING ON ANY TRIP 21_24_Q221_DEP_UK_02_T_GREECE.indd 24 27.05.21 15:58
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