Assessment: 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 appeal of Ithaca’s myths, and simply sufficient modernity to remain related — for those who select to be. And, simply exterior Argostoli within the south, near the highest of a hill topped by the ruins of St George’s Fort, lies a group 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 sort of thoughtfulness issues greater than any thread depend ever may. No frantic GPS-pinning or fallacious turns—only a easy 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 primary house is open, stone-floored, and superbly 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 a substitute to eat out and revel in one another’s firm—but it surely’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 wish 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 exterior.

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

The amenities

Outdoors, the pool glistens beneath Kefalonian blue skies, flanked by sunbeds and seating areas that permit visitors to unwind and virtually 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 just isn’t curated on Spotify however gifted by nature: the occasional breeze by way of olive bushes, a distant cockerel or the rhythmic chirping of bugs are all that you just’ll hear. If you happen to’re in search of noise, nightlife or neon lights, this isn’t your house. However for those who’re in search of 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 homeowners of Kefalonian Luxurious Villas.

Lower than a kilometre away lies the Fort 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 may stroll among the many ramparts and soak in views which can be amongst a few of the greatest in Kefalonia.

Simply exterior the fort partitions, Kastro Cafe – an area family-run spot adorned in flowers – gives hearty breakfasts and a good heartier hospitality.

Dinner choices embody Il Borgo, a traditional taverna with Greek favourites carried out proper, and Olive Lounge, an upscale escape with gorgeous panoramic views—e-book prematurely 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 right 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 had been ready on arrival. Maybe not grand gestures however quiet ones that display care and a spotlight which maybe whisper louder than any luxurious.

The fee

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

The perfect bit

The perfect bit wasn’t the pool, although it was good. It wasn’t the view, although it stopped us in our tracks day by day. It wasn’t even the villa itself, beautiful as it’s. It was the sensation of solitude, peace and leisure – a possibility to neglect in regards to the hustle and bustle of day by day life again residence.

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 may actually unwind and embrace the serenity of Kefalonia.

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