CNTraveller Europes best secret seaside hotels PELOPONNESE KYRIMAI, GEROLIMENAS PELOPONNESE, GREECE Finding Kyrimai is tricky, lying as it does at the end of a tiny road that winds down one of Peloponneses long fingers, past miniature Byzantine churches, gorges and wandering goats. But it is well worth the drive. A converted warehouse dating back to the 1870s, the hotel sits as close to the waters edge as is possible, with a central tower looking out to sea. The 22 bedrooms, all different, are spread out, some in the tower, others off an interior courtyard or clustered around a spiral stone staircase. Inside, all is silent and pared-back, with wooden beams, exposed stonework, and crisp grey and white linen on the beds. In the mornings, heavy shutters open to reveal a blast of cerulean sky and the rhythmic slap of the sea against the mossy green walls beneath. Terraces of honey-coloured stone are warmed by the sun and toasty underfoot. Breakfast is a feast of just-baked pastries, local honey and creamy yogurt, served beneath a shady pergola by the swimming pool. This is also the venue for lunch, with plates of just-fried calamari and smoked aubergine salad washed down with Asirtiko wine from nearby Monemvasia. The surrounding countryside has classical ruins and antiquities to explore, but no one will bat an eyelid if you spend the day by the pool, stirring only to cool down by leaping from the jetty into the sea. Distance to the water: Three steps. Travel time: Three-hour flight to Kalamata, then a 90-minute drive. Inside tip: The wonderful 11th-century church currently being restored in nearby Ochia is worth a visit. +30 273 305 4288; kyrimai.gr. Doubles from about £85. Continued >>
Posted on: Tue, 10 Jun 2014 10:05:18 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015