Experience the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation in a traditional village - a gem between three prefectures and chestnut forests
Just 2.5 hours from Athens, at the point where Arcadia, Messinia and Ilia meet, lies Abeliona, a small mountain village with stone-built houses, springs with running water and a magnificent chestnut forest embracing it.
There, in the pristine natural landscape, a unique haven of serenity and rejuvenation awaits you. Abeliona Retreat is the ideal place to escape the pace of the city, relax close to nature and rest your mind and body.
Perfectly in harmony with the surrounding landscape, Abeliona Retreat is built on a lush mountainside, like a natural extension of the mountain that hosts it. A graceful cluster of low-rise stone buildings, emblematic of a place where people and nature coexist in harmony.
The idyllic complex includes 22 spacious rooms, as well as charming indoor common areas and landscaped outdoor spaces ideal for relaxing, walking or reading.
Both the 13 junior suites and the 9 family suites are equipped with a fireplace and all modern comforts. Their interiors are adorned with antique furniture and beautiful fabrics in a traditional style, with subtle touches of 5-star luxury.
Here the day begins deliciously with a generous breakfast buffet and continues with a menu based on produce from local producers and traditional recipes. At Abeliona Retreat’s restaurant, a variety of local dishes is cooked daily, with options for vegetarians and health-conscious diners, as well as for those who prefer meat.
The warm and welcoming Lounge, on the ground floor of the main building, is the ideal place to unwind after a day full of activities and excursions in the area. Settle into its comfortable sofas and wide armchairs by the grand stone fireplace, enjoy your coffee or an herbal tea, play a board game with your friends or read a book from the library.
The serene, nature-surrounded environment makes Abeliona Retreat an ideal setting for yoga, meditation and other group healing activities, often organized in the specially designed Yurt.
Yurts are considered sacred spaces in many Asian regions, while the first written reference to them comes to us from ancient Greece and Herodotus.
Set on a quiet slope at the estate’s highest point, the Yurt is a large open-plan space (80 sq m) with a distinctive atmosphere and energy, ensuring an almost complete sense of seclusion. Right below it there is an open pavilion, the perfect spot for relaxation, as well as for open-air sessions when the weather allows.
Many surprises and opportunities for exploration and engaging outdoor activities await Abeliona Retreat’s guests. Put on your hiking boots and explore the waymarked hiking trails Apollo Trails, which are found throughout the area around Abeliona Retreat. A network with a total length of 26 km leads visitors along enchanting routes through the impressive chestnut forest and the surrounding stone-built villages.
Through the hotel’s new e-bike rental service, you can tour the cycling network of the Apollo Trails, as well as the wider area.
You can also go rafting on the Lousios and river trekking in the Neda gorge. The area is ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Abeliona, Messinia: A village untouched by time
Built at the notional crossroads of Arcadia, Ilia and Messinia, Abeliona is a traditional mountain village surrounded by chestnut forests and countless natural springs. The homeland of film director Theodoros Angelopoulos is a hidden «gem» for those seeking calm, complete relaxation and a bond with nature on their short and long getaways.
Cobbled lanes, old stone-built houses and the village square with the stone «Trani Vrysi» that has been designated a protected monument, conceal images, sounds and aromas from another era. The landscape, the calm and the tranquility will make you feel you have found your paradise.
The surrounding area is full of historical and natural attractions worth exploring. Visit the imposing Temple of Apollo Epicurius, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See up close the chapel of Agia Theodora (17 small and large trees grow on its roof). Discover the impressive Neda waterfalls, wander through the medieval town of Karytaina and walk the streets of Andritsaina. Take a trip to Ancient Olympia, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.
With Abeliona as your base you can discover something new every day and live authentic experiences that will be etched in your memory.
Information
Abeliona, Messinia
Tel. 26260 23991- 3, 6948375905
