As you bump down the steep track, it’s clear you’re heading towards a place that few visitors reach. Below you, there’s a teeny fishing village where a handful of whitewashed shacks with brightly painted doors line the shore; around you, a dramatic landscape of jagged, red cliffs is blanketed in wild plants; ahead of you, an astounding 180-degree view of the shimmering Aegean unfolds. No wonder the rich and famous come here to hide from the world.
These hideaways are the brainchild of Nausika Giorgiadou, a savvy Greek hotelier who set out to create an exclusive retreat without compromising the pristine beauty of this rugged landscape. Her immaculate villas are on a cliff edge overlooking Milos Bay. Constructed from local stone and glass, they blend seamlessly into their wild surroundings. Step inside, and the view takes your breath away. Each has a wall of glass that frames a spectacular vista of wild herb gardens and olive trees, backed by glittering sea. Everything – bed, sofa, veranda - is carefully positioned to make the most of that view, and the décor is glossy and minimalist, all clean lines, greys and whites so as not to distract. Steps lead down to a private dock. Aside from a passing boat, there’s not a speck of civilisation in sight. An architectural masterpiece, and pure escapism at its very best.
Highs
- The sense of absolute seclusion and privacy - ideal for couples or honeymooners
- Those views! Each villa gazes out towards an untouched wilderness of wild plants, olive trees and the Aegean
- The inside-outside feel thanks to outdoor kitchens, outdoor showers and an entire wall of floor-to-ceiling glass doors that fold back
- Watching the mesmerising sunsets from the villas' private verandas
- The island of Milos is an untouched gem, home to ancient ruins, protected nature reserves and over 70 beaches, many of which are inaccessible by road; these villas have a private boat for exploring
Lows
- Full pre-payment required at the time of booking. There's also a security deposit (refundable if no damages incurred) taken on arrival, and an end-of-stay cleaning fee
- The 1km track leading to the villas is steep, bumpy and unlit. We'd advise hiring a 4x4
- There isn’t anything going on in the area, and no pool, though you can swim in the sea below the villas. You'll need to drive out for restaurants, bars and shops (10 mins)
- The kitchens don't have ovens or barbecues for cooking dinners, but there is a hob
Best time to go
The property is open from mid May to mid October, which coincides with ferry schedules to and from the island. Any month during this time would be lovely. We think May would be a particularly pleasant month to visit, when the landscape is covered in wildflowers and temperatures aren't too blistering (plus rates are lower). September will bring warmer seas and fewer crowds.
Our top tips
Pick up a detailed map of the island when you arrive in Adamas (our GPS wasn't good enough), and stock up on self-catering supplies for your first dinner and breakfast.