Mani. Every time I visit Mani, I am enchanted by her wild beauty. A destination that has nothing to envy on our islands. Every time of the year, she manages to enchant you with the changes of the colors of her landscape that reminds me of a painting.In my journey to the beautiful parts of the city, I met many locals who teach me the secret places. Through their stories, I met Mani her customs .One of the locals ,captain in the profession, Nikos Karadoukas, invested in the picturesque village of Kotroni on the west side of Mani and the complex of his three luxurious villas, has managed to obtain high reviews from the very first month of operation! “I have been operating the stone luxury villas since July 10 (2023). It was very sudden. I didn’t have it in my plans. I was looking for a job on land and investing somewhere. So, speaking to a friend of mine who was a broker who had her buy me a store on an island, she told me that there was these villas at Mani. I didn’t even have that in mind.”
Stone Luxury Villas: The Name and the Philosophy
The name of the accommodation, as one can understand, combines the stone element that one finds in Mani with luxury. “Stone because generally down to Mani everything is stone and traditional, so I decided to call it, Stone Luxury Villas. The villas are stone-built and combine the luxurious accommodation with the traditional element of the surrounding area.”
Nikos Karadoukas, Maniatis in origin, aims, through his stay, to meet Mani. “I want to get to know the traditional, the stone, to come in contact with the wild beauty of Mani, along of course with the luxury that offers the accommodation. Where the villas are built, it is a very quiet place and combines mountain and sea. Ideal scenery for relaxation and tranquility”.
The philosophy is based on what we know, those of us who have stayed in the area, as “Mani’s hospitality”, which includes the care of the visitor, at all levels.
Stone Luxury Villas: Spaces and services
On the estate of 1500 square meters there are three identical villas of 100 square meters that can accommodate 2-6 people. In the area there is a swimming pool with sun beds, umbrellas, chairs and tables, while each villa has its own entrance, its own parking and its own barbecue.On the ground floor of each maisonette is the living room with a sofa that becomes a double bed, a fully equipped kitchen with all the necessary necessities one needs to cook and a wc. Upstairs, there are the two bedrooms and a large bathroom. “On the upper floor there are balconies that guests can enjoy the sunset, drinking their wine, while on the lower floor there is the patio terrace inside the trees.”
The decoration is minimal, while the colors inside the villas are earthy and fit harmoniously with stone and wood. In all places, free wi-fi is available, even on the outside of the pool. In each bedroom and in the living room there is an air conditioner, something you probably do not use, except in winter.
In the case of multi-day accommodation, the cleaning of the premises is available on extra charge. “Every day we provide a free cleaning crew for the pool and the garden.”
For those who book their holiday at Stone Luxury Villas the owner has a welcome box with products from the area. “Those who come for a long holiday will have the opportunity to try the famous glasses and drink a spicy wine. Of course in the kitchen there are for everyone coffees and waters.”
During the summer months, those who stay in the accommodation can enjoy their dive in the pool, in the tranquility offered generously by the mountain. Listening to the birdsong of the birds, they can read their favorite book under the umbrella, or drink their coffee in the morning in the nature.
And what is better after the bath, to eat your meal on the patio terrace that each villa has, baking whatever you want in the barbecue!
Yoga retreats
To Stone Luxury Villas because of its location is ideal for yoga teachers who organize excursions with their students.
“Here we can help them to create a completely harmonious experience that combines the best of both worlds: a shelter that inspires peace, wellness and transformation with a memorable journey to a wonderful destination. We will help them to organize an attractive yoga package with everything they need, daily cleaning service and amenities, up to scheduled”.
A Dream Wedding in Mani
Are you dreaming of a romantic summer wedding, a reception by the sea, or overlooking the sea? Stone Luxury Villas can be the idyllic place for this special day. “Summer in Greece is a wonderful time, enviable around the world, with the sea on our feet and with a stunning location that will host the couple’s wedding party”!
Pet friendly
Stone Luxury Villas will become the favorite accommodation of the hospitable since they can take their animal, either cat or dog, with them. “We are pet friendly, we love animals and we want their owners not to hesitate to bring them with them during their stay here.”
High reviews from visitors
So far, guests from every corner of the land have stayed in the accommodation. “It is true that so far, most of those who have stayed in Stone Luxury Villas are foreigners. They have come from England, Germany, Italy, France, Ireland and also Russia. They are mostly families and couples over 35. It is ideal for a family that wants to have a peaceful holiday in Mani”.
And it may be that Stone Luxury Villas opened its doors to the public on July 10 (2023), reviews from the very first month of its operation are very high. “Within a month, I have 4 stars in booking. The reviews focus on cleanliness, location and comfortable stay.”
Tourist attractions
The Stone Luxury Villas complex is located at a hub since the visitor can drive to the famous beaches of Messinia Mani on the one hand, and on the other hand see the wild beauty of the villages of Lakoniki Mani. “We are 2 km from Stoupa, where there is the beach of Kalogria, while at 5-6 km we meet Kardamyli, where near is the famous beach of Fonea. Of course for his bath if he does not want to go away, he can go to the beach of Pantazi, which is just 700 meters from the villas and is sandy and organized.”
On the side of Laconian Mani, he can visit the port, Oitylo, Gerolimenas, Mezappo, Areopolis, Katia and the caves of Diros. “The historic Areopolis is just 13km from the village, a route through traditional settlements, where you can enjoy your coffee and drink. It is worth trying the traditional pies, as well as other local products. The picturesque village of Gytheio is only 24 km from the village. On the route it is worth making a stop at the blue beaches “Agia Varvara” and “Kalamakia” in beautiful Skoutari. Both beaches have taverns on the sea with excellent sea appetizers.”
The area is considered the gateway to the mountaineering trails of exploration of the mountain, while at the edge of the village one can enjoy the unique view offered by the gorge of Vyros with its rich history. “Among the attractions worth seeing is the Military Museum of Kalamata and the Benakeio Archeological Museum, which are 47km away. from the villa’.
In case someone wants to enjoy the tranquility and relaxation within the accommodation, in the village there are everything. From shopping supermarkets to taverns and cafes. “In the village square there is a traditional cafe, where the famous “travixtes”of Mani are served”.
*The nearest airport is Kalamata International Airport, 58km from Stone Luxury Villas.