Between sea and sky sit the six stone towers of Akrolithi Boutique Resort, overlooking a sweeping bay within the Mani Peninsula Greece. A heat welcome awaits you at this household run and eco-friendly boutique resort within the Peloponnese, the place you’ll be able to unwind on the terrace and drink within the views.
We used Akrolithi as a base for touring the beautiful Mani peninsula, with its mountainous landscapes, rocky shoreline and distinctive stone tower homes. (Learn extra about our Mani journey!)
Learn on for our evaluate and why you’ll want to keep at Akrolithi Boutique Resort.
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The story of Akrolithi Boutique Resort
Akrolithi’s pleasant proprietor Panagiota welcomed us into the resort’s casual reception and confirmed us to our suite in one of many six tower homes. She and husband Michalis began their hospitality enterprise with a visitor home simply up the street.
In 2004 because the enterprise turned established, they determined to develop and constructed the six towers that make up the boutique resort, the place we stayed. Whereas Panagiota manages the resort each day, Michalis constructed each visitor home and resort himself within the native model of the stone Maniot tower homes that characterise this area.
The identify Akrolithi means “fringe of the rock” and presents lovely views of the mountain vary that runs down the peninsula’s backbone, in addition to the Bay of Oitylo under. With 4 youngsters, who generally assist out within the college and college holidays, this actually is a household enterprise that’s run from the center, with numerous love and a focus to the small particulars of hospitality.
Our Suite at Akrolithi Boutique Resort
Ours was the Petrompeis suite, on the higher flooring of one of many towers, with fantastic views over the ocean. We thought it charming that every of the suites is known as after some side of conventional Mani life. Petrompeis commemorates the well-known Mani clan chief Petrompeis Mavromichalis, final Bey of the Mani and chief of the 1821 Greek Revolution of Independence.
The suites at Akrolithi are divided into two primary classes, in conventional stone “Tower homes” that every accommodate two suites. Junior Suites (5 suites) are on the bottom flooring with a shaded terrace on the entrance overlooking the bay. The marginally bigger Deluxe Suites (4 suites) are on the higher flooring, with a spacious outside terrace overlooking the ocean.
Our Deluxe suite felt elegant however homely, in restful shades of gray and brown, with basic model picket furnishings complementing the pure stone and picket ceiling. We loved having more room than the common resort room, with a sitting space providing couch and two chairs. There was a flat display screen TV, however we by no means turned it on – who desires to try this in Greece when there’s a lot magnificence outdoors your window?
Ornamental touches in our suite
We loved the ornamental touches such because the gilded vintage wardrobe entrance that had been put in on one wall and the unique art work by Greek artists.
Our extraordinarily comfy kingsize mattress had prime quality mattress linen and further covers in case we felt the chilly. Today I worth a superb evening’s sleep increasingly more. It’s one space the place a boutique resort like this appears to get it proper, over vacation flats the place such comforts are sometimes ignored, with smaller beds and fewer luxurious linen.
Loads of care and fervour had clearly gone into deciding on the person furnishings of the suite and the impact was each luxurious and cosy. Our solar entice of an outside terrace was a non-public place to chill out on the chairs or solar loungers, to catch the solar and benefit from the views over Oitylo Bay.
Our toilet at Akrolithi Boutique Resort
Within the compact toilet was a bathe and trendy fittings, softened with fairly patterned tiles in impartial shades and monogrammed towels. Toiletries are by Oliva del Mediterraneao, with a number of bathe gel, physique lotion, shampoo and conditioner, made with natural olive oil and fragrances of bergamot, orange blossom and eucalyptus.
We appreciated that there was additionally a refillable hand cleaning soap dispenser and particular person cleaning soap bar to scale back the quantity of plastic waste. Today we keep away from utilizing small bottles of individually packaged toiletries, however it’s a superb compromise to have them on supply in case we run out of our personal provides when travelling.
Location of Akrolithi Boutique Resort
To achieve Akrolithi Boutique Resort, drive 1.5 hours south from the gateway metropolis of Kalamata within the Peloponnese, Greece. The resort is positioned half manner down the western facet of the Mani peninsula, which suggests that you may drive in both route to seek out seashores or attention-grabbing locations to discover – learn extra about the whole lot to see within the Mani Peninsula!
Backed by the Taygetos mountains, Akrolithi’s towers are constructed on the hillside overlooking Oitylo Bay, with beautiful views from the bedrooms, terraces and restaurant.
The draw back of this hillside place is that you simply do want a automobile to drive all the way down to the seaside and nearest eating places, except you need a 20-30 minute stroll. There’s not a lot else near the resort, which provides it a peaceable environment, but entry from the primary street is nice and there’s simple parking on web site.
Breakfast at Akrolithi Boutique Resort
A leisurely breakfast in pretty environment is likely one of the methods we wish to deal with ourselves on vacation. At Akrolithi Boutique Resort they delight themselves on providing a “Conventional Greek Breakfast”, as a part of an initiative from the Hellenic Chamber of Accommodations, that showcases the very best of the area.
Along with the unfold of cereals, bread, recent fruit and chilly meats, you’ll be able to get pleasure from some native Mani specialties. Anticipate to style creamy Greek yoghurt drizzled with native honey, Kalamata olives to accompany native cheese and tomatoes, or typical Peloponnese pastries like diples (pastry rolls soaked in honey and nuts) and lalangia (loops of fried dough).
To drink there’s freshly squeezed orange juice from the orchards close to Gythio and glorious barista espresso. The breakfast buffet is specified by the bar space, with drinks made to order. Relying on the morning temperatures, we alternated between taking our breakfast within the glazed extension with views over the bay, or outdoors on the terrace the place we might benefit from the solar on our face.
Visitor areas at Akrolithi Boutique Resort
Whereas every of the suites has a spacious dwelling space and terrace, there are additionally another elements of the resort the place visitors can collect for a chat or a drink. Strolling into the reception appears like getting into a pal’s house – the environment relaxed and homely. Akrolithi’s decor is trendy and chic, with heat muted colors and rugs to melt the pure finishes of wooden and stone.
We have been checked in on the desk the place proprietor Panagiota is often discovered working, able to reply any questions you may need in regards to the space or organize any companies you want.
Past the reception is a comfortable space with in-built seating and fairly cushions, supreme to take a seat and skim or chat with pals. Adjoining that is the bar, the place breakfast is served and the place the staff can repair you a espresso or drink at any time, with wine or aperitifs within the night.
The primary restaurant space is in a glazed extension, a helpful area that permits visitors to benefit from the sunshine and views whereas sheltering from the cooler temperatures of spring and autumn. In summer season, the doorways and roof are joyfully opened, making this area a shady and sheltered extension of the terrace.
On sunny days (which is more often than not in Greece!) the terrace is a beautiful place to take a seat out for breakfast, drinks or lunch and soak up these fantastic views throughout the bay under the resort.
Eating choices at Akrolithi Boutique Resort
As a small boutique resort, Akrolithi doesn’t run a full scale restaurant kitchen, however as an alternative focusses on gentle meals, desserts and snacks all through the day. From their properly stocked bar, you’ll be able to order a espresso or drink at any time, accompanied by native desserts or different nibbles.
Whereas we stayed at Akrolithi we ordered from their night menu of pizzas and freshly ready salads, for a light-weight supper that meant we didn’t must drive down the hill to seek out different eating places. As we have been there in off-season, the menu was restricted, however the providing expands in excessive season to different house cooked dishes that showcase the delicacies and produce of the area.
Sustainability at Akrolithi Boutique Resort
We’re more and more making extra sustainable decisions once we journey, and like to remain in eco-friendly accommodations which have a sustainability accreditation.
One of many causes we have been drawn to Akrolithi Boutique Resort and Guesthouse is its dedication to sustainability. The eco-friendly practices we noticed or heard about at Akrolithi embrace;
- The resort has a “Inexperienced Key” accreditation, a scheme that meets internationally recognised excessive requirements of excellence in sustainable follow beneath the Basis of Environmental Training and World Sustainable Tourism Council
- Akrolithi Boutique Resort participates within the Greek Bike Pleasant Resort scheme, indicating a resort that gives services and recommendation for cyclists on the very best native biking routes. The resort has bikes that they will lend to visitors to discover the realm.
- There’s an 11 kw electrical automobile charging level on the resort, that can be utilized by visitors and by different travellers. The cost is thru the EV Loader App so can be utilized at any time with out the help of resort workers.
- The resort avoids using single use plastic, works to scale back meals waste and has water conservation measures in place corresponding to gray water recycling.
- Akrolithi additionally helps the regional financial system and showcases native Mani produce and dishes of their “Greek Breakfast” and different menu choices.
Extra suites at Akrolithi Boutique Resort
Every of the suites at Akrolithi Boutique Resort is individually designed, in elegant and comfy model, however with barely totally different color scheme and furnishings. The inspiration for the decor is taken from the identify of the room, which echoes features of conventional Mani life.
High tip: For the reason that types are fairly different, check out the Akrolithi web site earlier than you ebook, and request the suites that enchantment to you most.
Listed below are only a a number of the suites that we have been capable of see once we visited, however photographs of the others are on the resort web site.
Junior Suites at Akrolithi Boutique Resort
There are 5 Junior Suites of 28 m2 – all on the bottom flooring with terraces on the entrance and sea views.
Elia Suite
The suite is a homage to the traditional olive timber of Mani, with a standard wrought iron mattress and pure furnishings.
Elia means – the olive tree that may be a image of fertility, knowledge and prosperity, in Mani and throughout Greece.
Pelena Suite
A putting black and white scheme creates a contemporary, minimalist aesthetic, complemented by pure tones within the partitions and smooth rug.
Pelena means – the sq. fabric that was folded round a lunch of bread, cheese and olives, taken by the Maniots after they went to work within the fields.
Kazika Suite
A historically styled suite with leather-based padded headboard and darkish wooden basic furnishings, set towards the lighter partitions and fabric.
Kazika means – the tall crops with woody stem that develop within the countryside of Mani.
Deluxe Suites at Akrolithi Boutique Resort
There are 4 Deluxe Suites of 30 m2 – all on the primary flooring with terraces on the facet and sea views.
Maniatissa Suite
A romantic suite the place the smooth blue tones echo the ocean and sky outdoors the window.
Manitissa means – the difficulties of life skilled by the ladies of Mani, expressed of their funeral songs and day by day struggles, borne with delight and care for his or her households.
Limeni Suite
Delicate gray and brown tones harmonise with the stone partitions, whereas the aqua inexperienced ceramics and ornamental highlights are impressed by the glowing sea under.
Limeni means – the “stone harbour” simply across the subsequent bay, seat of the main Mavromichalis household, which is understood for its turquoise waters.
Vika Suite
That is the one Junior suite that has a jacuzzi on the terrace so that you can cool off and benefit from the view. With a 4 poster mattress, the decor is putting and a little bit bit particular, making this a romantic alternative for a honeymoon, birthday or anniversary celebration.
Vika means – a ceramic pot utilized by Maniots in day by day life to retailer meals corresponding to oil, wheat or water.
Visitor homes at Akrolithi Boutique Resort
Along with the suites like these we stayed in, Akrolithi has three visitor homes in a historically styled stone constructed tower home. The visitor homes are a little bit separate from the boutique resort however only a few minutes up the street, with the identical fantastic views over the bay.
Two of the studios are open plan with a kitchenette and can every accommodate two individuals. A 3rd is for 4 individuals and has a mezzanine with twin beds along with the double mattress, so could be appropriate for a household keep.
The visitor homes are a superb various for individuals who need self catering services, whereas benefitting from entry to the resort’s companies. Reserving the three visitor homes collectively for as much as 8 individuals, could be a superb choice for 3 {couples} or an prolonged household.
Issues to do close to Akrolithi Boutique Resort
The placement of Akrolithi Boutique Resort is right for visiting a number of the small seaside and hilltop cities round Oitylo bay and is a brief drive from lots of the Mani’s different points of interest. Inside the rapid space are the next issues to do.
Oitylo – stroll up the street behind the resort to the previous city of Oitylo, with its village cafe, church and slim lanes, for an genuine style of the Mani.
Neo Itilo – the sweeping bay just under the resort presents a pebble seaside for swimming and a number of other good eating places.
Kastro Kelephas – we drove up the hill from Neo Itilo to the massive ruined citadel on the hill, constructed by the Ottomans within the seventeenth century.
Limeni – simply across the headland from Neo Itilo is the picturesque bay of Limeni, with its stone tower homes. Right here you’ll discover a number of eating places and cafes serving native seafood, in addition to clear turquoise water for swimming.
Areopoli – The closest city of Areopoli is simply quarter-hour drive away, with a reasonably previous quarter in addition to important outlets and facilities. There are some meals outlets that specialize in native produce and delicacies.
Mountaineering – we noticed many marked mountaineering trails, particularly main as much as the quiet villages that sit within the foothills of the Taygetos mountains. The resort can advise on the very best strolling routes.
Biking – Akrolithi is a motorcycle pleasant resort, with bikes to lend to its visitors. The resort staff also can advise on biking routes by way of a number of the quieter villages close by, though observe that the terrain will be reasonably hilly.
Not too removed from Akrolithi Boutique Resort
When you have a automobile, it’s simple to make day journeys to different elements of the Mani peninsula
Caves of Diros – (25 minutes drive) A flooded cave complicated the place you’ll be able to take a 30 minute boat journey by way of the floodlit caverns with stalactites dripping from the ceiling.
Kardamyli – (50 minutes drive) A captivating village with actions corresponding to mountaineering, biking and kayaking on supply. There are some glorious eating places, trendy outlets and the Patrick and Joan Leigh Fermor home to go to.
Vathia (50 minutes drive) – an deserted hilltop village of conventional Mani Tower Homes, that you may wander by way of.
Learn my article about all of the issues to do in Mani and the locations we visited.
Who will get pleasure from staying at Akrolithi Boutique Resort?
- As we visited early within the season, the resort was quiet once we stayed. Nonetheless we gathered from the proprietor that the resort attracts a variety of European and different nationalities, together with British, German, French and likewise Greek visitors.
- We expect that Akroliti is finest suited to {couples} of all ages, particularly these on the lookout for a quiet location and enjoyable keep. There’s one luxurious suite with an outside jacuzzi that might be pretty for honeymooners who wish to utterly unwind and benefit from the peaceable location.
- Many visitors keep a couple of nights and like us use the resort as a base for touring the Mani peninsula. Others are concerned with strolling and biking, with loads of alternatives within the Mani, as Akrolithi is a “Bike Pleasant” resort, with bikes to lend visitors.
- The resort will even enchantment to those that want to make sustainable decisions after they journey, since Akrolithi Boutique Resort is a Inexperienced Key accredited resort with a powerful dedication to finest sustainable practices.
Good to know
- To get essentially the most of a keep at Akrolithi Boutique Resort you do want a rent automobile, as it will in any other case be troublesome to see all of the attention-grabbing locations within the Mani peninsula. The exception could possibly be if you wish to mix leisure with biking or mountaineering within the space, by which case a taxi switch could possibly be organized by the resort from Kalamata or different areas within the Mani. Whereas there are buses, they aren’t very common and don’t cowl all elements of the Mani.
- There is no such thing as a swimming pool at Akrolithi Boutique Resort, however the seaside is a brief drive or 30 minute stroll down the hill.
- We don’t assume that the format of the 1 bed room suites is very conducive to household holidays though one of many visitor homes can accommodate 4 individuals. The enjoyable ambiance of the resort does not likely supply a location or environment that might hold youthful youngsters entertained.
Ebook your keep at Akrolithi Boutique Resort and Guesthouse
Go to the Akrolithi Resort web site and ebook your keep direct from their web site (in addition they have a late presents web page). To debate your necessities or for final minute enquiries you’ll be able to contact the resort by electronic mail on [email protected] or +30 27330 53112. Tackle: Karavostasi, Neon Itilo, Mani Peninsula, 23062, Peloponnese, Greece.
When you choose to make use of a resort reserving web site, take a look at the resort on Reserving.com, Expedia or Accommodations.com
Learn how to get to Akrolithi Boutique Resort
Kalamata is the closest metropolis to Akrolithi Boutique Resort and the gateway metropolis for the Mani Peninsula and southern Peloponnese. Right here you’ll discover the closest worldwide airport to the Mani, with direct flights from the UK and lots of different cities in Europe.
As a result of a brand new quick toll street by way of the Peloponnese, it’s additionally doable to achieve Kalamata from Athens in beneath 3 hours. When you plan to reach and depart by way of Athens, you’ll be able to simply rent a automobile there and drive to Kalamata, then on to the resort.
An alternative choice is to take the bus from Athens Kifissos bus station to Kalamata, with many departures throughout the day together with the specific bus which takes round 3hrs 15 minutes. Info is on the market on the KTEL Messinias web site and value is round €22 a technique. From Kalamata you can rent a automobile and drive into the Mani peninsula and Akrolithi Resort.
It’s doable to take a ferry from the Ionian Island of Zakynthos to Kyllini and from there it’s simply over 2hrs drive to achieve Kalamata.
Learn Subsequent
Uncover extra in our article: Mani Peninsula Journey Information – the Wild Peloponnese, about all of the locations we visited on this journey.
Extra articles to examine Greece
A information to the Pelion Greece – from the mountains to the ocean!
Visiting the Acropolis in Athens – right here’s what it’s essential know
Mamma Mia movie areas in Greece – Skopolos, Skiathos and Pelion
Map of Mani Peninsula exhibiting locations to go to
To see the opposite locations we visited on this journey, take a look at my map of the Mani Peninsula, Greece or click on on the map under. It’s also possible to learn my article: Mani Journey Information – issues to do within the Mani Peninsula Greece
Plan your journey to the Peloponnese in Greece
For extra info on visiting the Peloponnese go to the official Legendary Peloponnese official tourism web site.
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Heather’s keep at Akrolithi Boutique Resort was hosted* by the resort
* Extra data on my insurance policies web page
This text is initially revealed at Heatheronhertravels.com
