Sicily, Italy
Villa Athena
Stunning temple views
The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is one of the world’s most impressive and important archaeological sites. Villa Athena is located within the UNESCO World Heritage site just 200m from the Temple of Concodia.
The temples are spread over 1,300 hectares of land, the remains of the ancient Akragas, founded in 582 BC and one of the largest Greek cities on the Mediterranean. With such a magnificent backdrop, the Villa Athena is one of the best locations to view these spectacular temples.
With just 27 rooms and suites, the hotel has an intimate feel and prides itself on its true sense of Sicilian hospitality. The 18th-century architecture has been lovingly preserved so the hotel maintains its charm while offers guests all the services and amenities associated with a luxury boutique hotel.
Rooms are decorated with a soft, neutral colour scheme and come with views out across the olive groves or of the temples themselves. Serving traditional Sicilian cuisine, the restaurant features a terrace, from which you can see the temples of Concorida and Juno. There is also an open-air bar for sunset drinks.
A spa is located in an ancient building used for storing wheat and olive and is built around a Greek cistern. Here, guests can relax and unwind in the perfumed showers, Jacuzzi or steam bath. There is also an outdoor pool and beautiful gardens to explore. As well as discovering the temples, it is well worth exploring the town of Agrigento itself with its pretty streets and churches.
Highlights
27 rooms and suites
Restaurant
Bar
Terrace
Outdoor pool
Spa
Trip Inspiration
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Places to combine Villa Athena with
Metsovo
Perched high on the slopes of the Pindus Mountain Range in Greece, at the gateway to Pindus National Park, Grand Forest Metsovo is a secluded sanctuary that invites you to immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, including mist-draped peaks, dense forests and the charming old town of Metsovo. The surrounding national park, a sanctuary of biodiversity, is home to Eurasian brown bears, wolves, wildcats, deer and the Balkan chamois. Over 80 species of birds, including the golden eagle, eastern imperial eagle and lanner falcon, soar above. Venture into the forest’s depths on guided hikes or simply soak in the view from the hotel’s panoramic terraces.
The suites at Grand Forest Metsovo are designed to blend seamlessly with the landscape, offering sumptuous interiors, warm wooden accents and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the ever-changing mountain vistas. Overlooking the vast mountain expanse, the restaurant Metsovo 1350m presents a contemporary interpretation of Epirus’ rich culinary traditions. Savour locally sourced ingredients transformed into exquisite dishes. Meanwhile, the lobby provides a more relaxed setting, where you can enjoy light meals, fine wines and expertly crafted cocktails beside the fireplace. The 24-hour gym features state-of-the-art Cybex equipment, ensuring an invigorating workout with spectacular views. Children will enjoy the kid’s club, a dedicated space filled with toys, creative play areas and board games.
For those seeking the ultimate in relaxation, the Aspen Spa is an invitation to reconnect with both body and mind. Inspired by the resilient Aspen tree, known for its smooth white bark and shimmering leaves, the spa embodies a philosophy of strength, renewal and harmony. In this tranquil space, indulge in rejuvenating treatments, unwind in the soothing indoor pool, or immerse yourself in the invigorating warmth of the sauna and Turkish bath. Beyond the spa, soak in the crisp mountain air while floating in the hotel’s stunning outdoor infinity pool, where the horizon stretches endlessly over the peaks. The indoor pool offers a more sheltered sanctuary, its warm waters reflecting the ethereal beauty of the mountains beyond.
Peloponnese
Located on the slopes of Mount Mainalos in the Peloponnese region, MANNA is a historic retreat infused with heritage and elegance. Originally built in 1929, this remarkable structure is a testament to both architectural beauty and a noble past. Founded by Anna Mela, an aristocrat devoted to philanthropy, it was originally a sanatorium. Anna dedicated her life and fortune to the care of wounded soldiers and tuberculosis patients, earning her the title of the ‘Soldier’s Mother’. Today, her enduring legacy is honoured in the very name MANNA, derived from ‘Mother Anna’, a tribute to her unwavering compassion and service.
The restoration of MANNA has been meticulously undertaken in collaboration with archaeologists, ensuring the integrity of its original architecture while seamlessly integrating contemporary elegance. The result is a sanctuary of sophisticated design, where high ceilings, refined furnishings and sustainable materials harmonise with the serene embrace of the ancient fir forest. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtaking views, while soft natural tones, warm wood and plush textures create an atmosphere of understated opulence.
MANNA’s wellness hub is a tribute to the therapeutic power of its surroundings, offering a curated journey of self-care. Experience the restorative warmth of the sauna and hammam, surrender to the tranquil depths of the ‘cave’ pool, or reconnect with your body and mind through yoga, either practiced beneath the towering fir trees or by a crackling indoor fireplace. The landscape beyond invites exploration and adventure– invigorating hikes along Greece’s most scenic trails, mountain biking through winding paths or even skiing at the nearby Mainalos Ski Resort.
The dining menu at MANNA reinterprets Greek and Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on ethical, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Breakfast showcases native ingredients and traditional recipes prepared with a light, wholesome touch, while the all-day menu celebrates the richness of Greek gastronomy, infused with international inspirations and contemporary techniques. Seasonality guides every creation, ensuring an ever-evolving menu that embraces a zero-waste philosophy, where each ingredient is thoughtfully utilised.
