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 related — if you happen to select to be. And, simply outdoors Argostoli within the south, near the highest of a hill topped by the ruins of St George’s Citadel, 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 short lived kingdom.
Angela had very kindly organized our taxi from the airport, making our arrival seamless – the type of thoughtfulness issues greater than any thread depend ever might. No frantic GPS-pinning or incorrect turns—only a clean 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—because of thick stone partitions (some practically two ft deep) and quiet, environment friendly air-con.
The primary area is open, stone-floored, and superbly spare. A fire lounges in a single nook, although within the Summer time it’s extra ornamental than sensible. We by no means touched the TV—preferring as a substitute to eat out and revel in one another’s firm—however it’s there if you would like it.
Just some 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. This can be 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. The truth is, there’s no queueing for a post-exercise rinse as this property has at least 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
Outdoors, the pool glistens beneath Kefalonian blue skies, flanked by sunbeds and seating areas that enable visitors to unwind and nearly seemingly discourage any type of productiveness. There’s an outside bathe, drying rack, and sufficient shade and solar to swimsuit each inclination.
The soundtrack right here is just not curated on Spotify however gifted by nature: the occasional breeze via olive bushes, a distant cockerel or the rhythmic chirping of bugs are all that you simply’ll hear. In the event you’re on the lookout for noise, nightlife or neon lights, this isn’t your home. However if you happen to’re on the lookout for peace and solitude, this villa delivers in spades.
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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 Citadel of Agios Georgios, a Sixteenth-century Venetian relic that stands as each wreck and monument, guarding the area with crumbling grace. For simply €5, you possibly can stroll among the many ramparts and soak in views which might be amongst among the greatest in Kefalonia.
Simply outdoors the fort partitions, Kastro Cafe – a neighborhood family-run spot adorned in flowers – presents hearty breakfasts and a fair heartier hospitality.
Dinner choices embody Il Borgo, a traditional taverna with Greek favourites completed proper, and Olive Lounge, an upscale escape with beautiful panoramic views—e book upfront and time it for sundown. All three are inside straightforward 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 reveal care and a spotlight which maybe whisper louder than any luxurious.
The price
Excessive season charges hover at round £370 per evening, dipping to £270 in shoulder months. For a property of this calibre—with privateness, magnificence, and sufficient area for a household or group of mates— and on this location, it feels solely truthful. Particularly when you think about the priceless commodity it presents: peace.
One of the best bit
One of the best bit wasn’t the pool, although it was excellent. It wasn’t the view, although it stopped us in our tracks each day. It wasn’t even the villa itself, beautiful as it’s. It was the sensation of solitude, peace and rest – a chance to neglect concerning the hustle and bustle of each day life again dwelling.
The ultimate verdict
There’s one thing transferring 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 chill out, or actively discover the island, it’s a villa the place you possibly can actually unwind and embrace the serenity of Kefalonia.
Disclosure: This submit 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 trade 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 greatest journey blogs” and “greatest for luxurious” by The Telegraph.
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