Evaluate: Angel Swimming pools Villa, Kastro, Kefalonia, Greece

The sixth largest island in Greece, and the largest within the Ionian, Kefalonia has the drama of Corfu’s cliffs, the allure of Ithaca’s myths, and simply sufficient modernity to remain linked — should you select to be. And, simply outdoors Argostoli within the south, near the highest of a hill topped by the ruins of St George’s Fortress, lies a set of villas constructed on the foundations of buildings ruined by the Nice Kefalonia earthquake of 1953. Amongst them is Angel Swimming pools Villa, a three-bedroomed villa run by Kefalonian Luxurious Villas, the place we stayed for a couple of days earlier than chartering a yacht from the neighbouring island of Lefkada to the north.

The welcome

We arrived late — late sufficient that the horizon had lengthy since swallowed the solar and the island had hushed into moonlight. However Angela, the property’s namesake guardian angel (and proprietor), was ready on the gate. No fluster, no fuss — only a heat smile, interrupted solely by the noise of chirping crickets, and the keys to a brief kingdom.

Angela had very kindly organized our taxi from the airport, making our arrival seamless – the form of thoughtfulness issues greater than any thread depend ever might. No frantic GPS-pinning or flawed turns—only a easy transition from the airport to this tranquil escape.

The property

Coolness is the villa’s first quiet reward. Kefalonian summers are hot-blooded affairs, however step inside and also you’re embraced by nonetheless, cool air—due to thick stone partitions (some almost two ft deep) and quiet, environment friendly air con.

The primary house is open, stone-floored, and fantastically spare. A hearth lounges in a single nook, although within the Summer season it’s extra ornamental than sensible. We by no means touched the TV—preferring as an alternative to eat out and revel in one another’s firm—however it’s there if you would like it.

Only a few steps up is the eating space and kitchen: a triumph of tradition-meets-tech. Rustic ceiling beams and earthy tones body Miele home equipment, a DeLonghi espresso machine, built-in fridge-freezer, and each gadget from toaster to toasted sandwich maker. It is a kitchen that makes you need to prepare dinner, if it weren’t for 3 pretty tavernas inside strolling distance.

Angela defined that a lot of the villa was painstakingly rebuilt from the ruins of buildings misplaced within the 1953 earthquake that devastated a lot of Kefalonia.

Upstairs are three bedrooms—one double and two singles—every with its personal en suite bathe room. In reality, there’s no queueing for a post-exercise rinse as this property has a minimum of 5 showers regardless of being three bedrooms – with one tucked away simply off the kitchen and one other outdoors.

Korres citrus shampoo, conditioner, physique gel and hand wash present a delicate nod to Greek skincare, infusing the rooms with a contemporary, natural scent.

The services

Exterior, the pool glistens beneath Kefalonian blue skies, flanked by sunbeds and seating areas that enable company to unwind and nearly seemingly discourage any type of productiveness. There’s an outside bathe, drying rack, and sufficient shade and solar to go well with each inclination.

The soundtrack right here isn’t curated on Spotify however gifted by nature: the occasional breeze via olive timber, a distant cockerel or the rhythmic chirping of bugs are all that you just’ll hear. When you’re on the lookout for noise, nightlife or neon lights, this isn’t your house. However should you’re on the lookout for peace and solitude, this villa delivers in spades.

The placement

The villa is situated within the hillside village of Kastro, round 8 kilometres from Argostoli and simply steps from the hidden however fairly Greek Orthodox church of Agios Nikolaos, additionally lovingly restored by the house owners of Kefalonian Luxurious Villas.

Lower than a kilometre away lies the Fortress of Agios Georgios, a Sixteenth-century Venetian relic that stands as each break and monument, guarding the area with crumbling grace. For simply €5, you possibly can stroll among the many ramparts and soak in views which are amongst among the finest in Kefalonia.

Simply outdoors the citadel partitions, Kastro Cafe – an area family-run spot adorned in flowers – provides hearty breakfasts and a fair heartier hospitality.

Dinner choices embrace Il Borgo, a basic taverna with Greek favourites executed proper, and Olive Lounge, an upscale escape with gorgeous panoramic views—e book upfront and time it for sundown. All three are inside simple strolling distance of the villa.

A brief taxi journey lands you in Argostoli, the island’s compact capital, the place turtles collect by the fishing boats and the waterfront is good for a lazy wander or spontaneous gelato.

Different good touches

Small particulars linger: a seasalt and rose diffuser from Moheda that scents the villa with calm; and tea, espresso and chilled bottled water have been ready on arrival. Maybe not grand gestures however quiet ones that show care and a spotlight which maybe whisper louder than any luxurious.

The price

Excessive season charges hover at round £370 per night time, dipping to £270 in shoulder months. For a property of this calibre—with privateness, magnificence, and sufficient house for a household or group of mates— and on this location, it feels solely truthful. Particularly when you think about the priceless commodity it provides: peace.

The most effective bit

The most effective bit wasn’t the pool, although it was excellent. It wasn’t the view, although it stopped us in our tracks every day. It wasn’t even the villa itself, beautiful as it’s. It was the sensation of solitude, peace and leisure – a chance to overlook concerning the hustle and bustle of every day life again house.

The ultimate verdict

There’s one thing shifting about staying in a house born of rubble and rebuilt with such grace. Angel Swimming pools Villa stands as an impressive instance of considerate restoration, offering an unparalleled haven of tranquillity and luxury. Whether or not you select to remain and loosen up, or actively discover the island, it’s a villa the place you possibly can actually unwind and embrace the serenity of Kefalonia.

Disclosure: This publish is sponsored by Kefalonian Luxurious Villas. Our journey was sponsored by AEGEAN Airways.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxurious Journey Weblog and has labored within the journey business for greater than 30 years. He’s Winner of the Improvements in Journey ‘Finest Journey Influencer’ Award from WIRED journal. Along with different awards, the weblog has additionally been voted “one of many world’s finest journey blogs” and “finest for luxurious” by The Telegraph.