Aria Estate

Rooms

The 15 rooms and suites are spread across 3 stone buildings, arranged like an amphitheatre overlooking the sea. Flawless whitewashed walls give a calm, fresh feel while exposed stone and earthy tones add character and warmth. Décor is minimalist and successfully fuses sleek modern design (corner sofas, wicker moon chairs, carefully placed pebbles, candles and cacti) with more traditional features (huge beds, chunky wooden furniture, rustic wall alcoves and arches). Bathrooms have big walk-in showers and kitchenettes are equipped with a fridge, hot plate, Nespresso and crockery; useful for preparing snacks and drinks.

All suites have a private terrace with an outdoor shower. In our opinion, it's worth paying extra for a sea view room/suite for the uninterrupted ocean views and spectacular sunsets. Honeymooners will love the Romantic Double Room with its high eaves, cream walls and cosy fireplace - a really calm and meditative space. Or choose one of the suites with private Jacuzzi for maximum romance! If you're coming with friends or children, the Villa, Premium and Superior suites all have 2 bedrooms and a living/dining area; the villa also has a fully equipped kitchen and a Jacuzzi.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Bathrobes
• Coffee / tea making
• DVD player
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Safe box
• Toiletries
• TV
• WiFi

Eating

Multi-course breakfasts were a highlight of our stay. Each day brings a different but equally delicious sequence of seasonal produce and local treats. Expect fresh juice and coffee, creamy yoghurt (served sweet with fresh fruit and honey, or savoury with carrots and beetroot), cheese- or custard-filled pastries, perhaps a local pork sausage with orange peel, or rusks with olive tapenade and soft cottage cheese. And the best thing about it is the ever-changing view from the terrace of glinting seas and dramatic mountains.

It's a similar approach at dinner time, with a carefully curated menu of small but perfectly presented tasting dishes brought in unhurried bar style to your table. On cooler evenings you eat in the airy lounge, otherwise on the sunset-facing terrace. Dishes are inspired by local recipes with an unusual ingredient or twist. We particularly enjoyed giant lupin seeds and tiny cherry tomatoes, a juicy salad of orange segments and herby fennel roots, baby potatoes stuffed with anchovies and tarama cream; then baked pears in saffron syrup, and semolina halva with ice cream. There are also homemade cakes at tea time, and a good range of aperitifs and digestifs.

At least once in your stay, head down the hill to Limeni for fresh seafood right next to the sea. Fish are grilled over burning charcoals, best served with horta (boiled greens) and drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice. Look out for kakavia (traditional fish soup) or spaghetti with lobster in a rich tomato and garlic sauce. Mini-markets for groceries can be found in Areopoli (2km east).

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Coffee maker
• Restaurants nearby
• Room service

Activities

• Wander down to lovely Limeni (3km), a tiny seaside village tucked into a bay below the estate, for fresh fish and a dip off the rocks
  
• Visit historic Areopolis (2km) with its beautiful stone alleys, churches, shops and pretty central square
  
• Take a subterranean boat trip through the Diros Caves (3.5km) where stalagmites and stalactites are reflected in the water
  
• Explore the region’s medieval tower houses; hilltop Vathia (35km) has some of the best examples of these fortified structures
  
• Walk to the salt pans and ruined Frankish fortress at the tip of the windswept Tigani Peninsula
  
• Drive to the southern tip of mainland Greece, Cape Tenaro (40km); a path leads past the ruins of Poseidon’s Temple and hidden fragments of mosaic to the lighthouse
  
• Hike through olive and carob groves to frescoed Byzantine chapels - cliffside Panagia Odigitria near Stavri is a favourite of ours
  
• Ariá's spa offers a range of treatments, including Swedish fusion massage and facials, and an indoor pool

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Boat trips
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Museums / galleries
• Snorkelling
• Swimming
• Well being

Kids

All ages are welcome, though it’s more of a couples' retreat than a place for a family holiday. Having said that, it's ideal for older kids who are happy to relax, read a book, splash in the pool, and explore the region, and a great opportunity to experience authentic Greek culture and cuisine.

Best for:

Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

The best options for families are the Villa, Premium Suites or Superior Suites, which offer 2 separate bedrooms (one kingsize, one twin) and plenty of living space.

Distances:

• Airport: 1.5 hours
• Shops: 10 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

The hotel is just above the village of Limeni and below Areopoli, on the Mani peninsula of Greece's southern Peloponnese. It's 3.5 hours' drive from Athens or 1.5 hours from Kalamata.

By Air:
Kalamata airport is closest (90km / 1.5 hours); Athens is served by more airlines (328km / 3.5 hours, the first half on motorways, the second on good provincial roads).

Although the hotel offers airport transfers, we'd recommend you hire a car upon arrival as this will give you flexibility to explore the region. See our car-rental recommendations. You can park for free at the hotel.

Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.