The Kinsterna Hotel - A hidden Gem in Greece

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In my long tourism career I had never been to Greece (apart from a stopover at ATH airport) – I was simply more attracted by Latin countries, also because I speak those languages (and Greek is a tough language to learn!). Last fall I finally changed this and what a great decision that was! If we hear the term „Greece“ today we may first think about Grexit, Tsipras, Varoufakis – but let`s forget about that and have a look at all the wonderful things this country is offering to its visitors!

The main reason for my trip was a site inspection at the Kinsterna Hotel***** on the Southern Peloponnese – and a perfect opportunity to combine this with Athens, one of the world`s most exciting capitals.

ON MY WAY TO PARADISE - the Kinsterna Hotel

Late arrival at Athens airport and yet a 3 hour drive ahead of me. It takes quite a while to leave the greater area of Athens before driving on the highway close to the sea, with the sun going down over the mountains in front of us – what a spectacular view! You pass by village signboards with famous names such as Sparta – I think I should read more about Greek history since my school days are ages away...! Anyway, after a drive through a few villages on the Peloponnese peninsula we finally reach our goal, the Kinsterna Hotel – that century old mansion which was turned into a luxury hideaway a few years ago. 7 km out of the medieval village of Monemvasia, in the middle of vineyards and olive groves , overlooking the Aegean Sea, I can just imagine how this will all look at daylight. Take a deep breath!!! My suite is the next highlight – two rooms, arches, high ceilings and cosy furniture with all amenities – this is my little refugium for the next few days. The Kinsterna Hotel - truly a hidden gem.

Ah – for those who intend to come with the whole family (or a couple of friends), you may consider a stay at the luxurious villas or residences with semi-private pool, garden, (one even has an outdoor jacuzzi!) – and a very fancy interior design!

GREEK BREAKFAST AND EASY LIVING

A gorgeous day in late October – more than 20 degrees C and a blue sky! Breakfast? Sure. And what a breakfast – a Greek one! Did you know that GREEK BREAKFAST is a trademark? Look at http://www.greekbreakfast.gr/en - just mouthwatering! I am starting the day on a terrace overlooking the vineyards and the sea – listening to the birds and completely relaxing my mind. Wow! A charming young lady called Anna (who speaks German on top!) is offering me homemade bread, honey, the famous Greek yoghourt with fresh fruits and a delicious coffee, just a perfect start for a real German breakfast aficionado like myself! Since I have some time left before my meeting with the hotel manager I decide to relax at the pool (which has the form of a river) and enjoy a refreshing swim just surrounded by nature.

Theo, the manager of the Kinsterna Hotel, explains the history of the hotel and shows me an album with pictures of all phases of the restructure – just amazing! What a great vision someone must have had to turn this historic mansion into a luxury hideaway that in the meantime has won many international awards – no surprise at all.

MONEMVASIA ROCKS

Ready for a boat trip? Lazarus, one of Kinsterna`s good souls (and I love his biblic name!), is one of these good-looking Greeks who certainly seduces the female (and maybe a few male) tourists from other countries! But more importantly, he is the best guide you can imagine. Lazarus shows me the production of olive oil (that smell makes me hungry...!) and takes me on a boat trip around the giant rock of Monemvasia – a huge hill sitting in the crystal clear Aegean Sea, housing a charming historic village! You don`t know where to look first – at the endless sea, the old wall around the village, the castle on top of the mountain or the lovely bay – boy, this is a place to embrace life and just be happy! Time to explore the village! Lazarus walks so fast that I feel like doing a personal training – with the pleasant side effect to learn a lot about his little kingdom. Imagine a medieval, very charming village with cafés (I need an espresso!!), little boutiques and restaurants – and the best: NO CARS! And there is always a sea view (well, almost) – I begin to feel like jumping into the blue water (which I did one day later – I was almost the only person in the sea!). - My lovely day ends with a relaxing massage in the spa of the Kinsterna Hotel. 

CULINARY DELIGHTS at the kinsterna hotel

You may expect quite a lot from a place where bread, olive oil, wine and other goodies are produced. And imagine to enjoy your delicious dinner in a patio surrounded by historic walls and complemented by an excellent service – what else can one ask for? LIFE IS GOOD.

I could just fill my stomach with the delicious homemade bread dipped into the local olive oil, with a glass (or two) of the excellent wine. But then I would miss the wonderful seafood prepared by the chef ... ! And dinner would not be complete without a tsipouras, the eau-de-vie which is likewise produced here. And the best: hotel guests can assist with the production of all the good stuff – lots of fun, lots to learn! – Thanks to all the wonderful staff at the Kinsterna Hotel for making my stay such a memorable one – I want to get back as soon as possible and then explore the beach of Elafonisos (they say it is one of the best in Greece!) – so I have at least one good excuse to come back;-).

For more information: www.kinsternahotel.gr

A FEW DAYS IN ATHENS

Time to say goodbye to Monemvasia – ready for the big city!

Athens is full of life – despite the crisis. Empty bars and restaurants? No way. Greeks love to go out and have fun. And lots to see during the day. Needless to mention that you have to climb the Acropolis hill, take photos of the Parthenon and enjoy the vista over the city (endless white buildings and the sea in the background). Make sure not to miss the neighbouring hills and to take photos oft he Acropolis from there! – Apart from strolls through the downtown area make sure to visit the Plaka, the city`s oldest district and the temple of Olympian Zeus, just to name a few. I simply don`t have enough time! - My personal highlight was an early evening stroll at the Marina Flisvos with many bars, cafés and shops – and a perfect place to watch the sunset over the bay! Sip a coffee or a drink at Due Cavalieri. And then you may wish to make your way to Petralona (by cab – pretty cheap in Athens!) and enjoy this trendy area with low budget restaurants, preferred by students and young people (and those who feel young...). Reminded me of Soho in London – well, sort of...! The places to eat out are too numerous to mention, just have a look at www.likealocalguide.com/athens/neighbourhood/petralona

I stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel – nothing spectacular but a decent five-star property with good transport connection to most sites.

And a few words about the locals – during my stay I always felt welcome and nicely treated and really enjoyed my stay. Athens made it to my list of favourite cities within Europe!

Jassas Andio, Athens - Good-bye and see you again soon!