The sixth largest island in Greece, and the largest within the Ionian, Kefalonia has the drama of Corfu’s cliffs, the attraction of Ithaca’s myths, and simply sufficient modernity to remain linked — if you happen to select to be. And, simply exterior Argostoli within the south, near the highest of a hill topped by the ruins of St George’s Castle, lies a set of villas constructed on the foundations of buildings ruined by the Great Kefalonia earthquake of 1953. Among them is Angel Pools Villa, a three-bedroomed villa run by Kefalonian Luxury 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. But 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 sort of thoughtfulness issues greater than any thread rely 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 present. 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 important area is open, stone-floored, and superbly spare. A hearth lounges in a single nook, although within the Summer 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—but it surely’s there if you need it.
Just a couple of 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 is a kitchen that makes you wish to cook 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 truth, 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 exterior.
Korres citrus shampoo, conditioner, physique gel and hand wash present a mild nod to Greek skincare, infusing the rooms with a contemporary, natural scent.
The amenities
Outside, the pool glistens beneath Kefalonian blue skies, flanked by sunbeds and seating areas that enable friends to unwind and virtually seemingly discourage any type of productiveness. There’s an out of doors bathe, drying rack, and sufficient shade and solar to go well with each inclination.
The soundtrack right here is just not curated on Spotify however gifted by nature: the occasional breeze by way of olive timber, a distant cockerel or the rhythmic chirping of bugs are all that you simply’ll hear. If you’re in search of noise, nightlife or neon lights, this isn’t your house. But if you happen to’re in search of peace and solitude, this villa delivers in spades.
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The location
The villa is positioned 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 homeowners of Kefalonian Luxury Villas.
Less than a kilometre away lies the Castle of Agios Georgios, a Sixteenth-century Venetian relic that stands as each smash 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 a number of the finest in Kefalonia.
Just exterior the fortress partitions, Kastro Cafe – an area family-run spot adorned in flowers – gives hearty breakfasts and an excellent heartier hospitality.
Dinner choices embody Il Borgo, a basic taverna with Greek favourites executed proper, and Olive Lounge, an upscale escape with beautiful panoramic views—guide prematurely and time it for sundown. All three are inside straightforward strolling distance of the villa.
A brief taxi trip 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.
Other 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. Perhaps not grand gestures however quiet ones that reveal care and a focus which maybe whisper louder than any luxurious.
The value
High 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 completely honest. Especially when you think about the priceless commodity it gives: peace.
The finest bit
The finest bit wasn’t the pool, although it was good. 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 possibility to overlook concerning the hustle and bustle of every day life again residence.
The closing verdict
There’s one thing transferring about staying in a house born of rubble and rebuilt with such grace. Angel Pools Villa stands as an impressive instance of considerate restoration, offering an unparalleled haven of tranquillity and luxury. Whether 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 put up is sponsored by Kefalonian Luxury Villas. Our journey was sponsored by AEGEAN Airlines.
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has labored within the journey business for greater than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED journal. In addition to different awards, the weblog has additionally been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.
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