Hidden Retreats Kythera — Hotel in Municipality of Kythira

I enjoyed a fabulous week at the gorgeous Astarti Hidden Retreats in Kythira. ||My accommodation was extremely comfortable. The design is well considered with lots of natural light and is attractive. There’s plenty of space for one or two people. ||Best, I loved the views from everywhere. The spa was a welcome luxurious touch. A washing machine and courtyard for open air drying was fabulous after travelling for a month. The outdoor areas extend the space, take advantage of the great views and make you feel that you’re part of the environment. A king sized bed, kitchen, plenty of cupboard space and a safe made for a comfortable stay.||Breakfast can be served in your room or at an outdoor covered dining area. I chose the latter as it is closer to where the food is produced and easier for the staff and it also provides a beautiful alternative view. Breakfast can include freshly cooked omelette, scrambled or boiled egg, a local tasty cereal, fresh fruit and rich natural Greek yoghurt, bread and local condiments, small homemade savoury pastries, freshly squeezed orange juice and coffee.||The staff are attentive, friendly, kind and helpful. The owner was away when I visited. She left her beautiful place in the very capable hands of Natalia. Not only is Natalia calm, friendly and kind but she provides information about local events, the best beaches for the weather conditions, information about what interests you (eg walks, cooking classes, olive oil tasting), can suggest restaurants and was helpful in researching options when the weather looked like it may affect my onward flight (fortunately it didn’t). The owner’s mother is a great asset too - generous, inclusive, kind and fun.||I’d return in...

What a glorious place to stay! Hidden Retreats is an elegant refuge tucked neatly into the mountains on the North of the Island. From our terrace we could see the lighthouse at the very tip of the island and then look across the sea to Elaphonisos (a neighbouring island) and Neapoli (the port town from which you can catch the ferry). We saw beautiful sunrises and radient starry skies from our very own hot tub.

Penny is your ideal host. She is gracious, generous and gentle, knowing exactly when to offer advice and when to give space. We felt totally at home, if only our own home was as luxurious as this. Her suggestions for places to eat, shop and visit were always brilliant. Our stay would not have been the same without them.

Kythira is an island obsessed by the wind, with good reason. It moves around the island at whim and has a significant impact on your enjoyment of the various beaches. Penny will always keep this in mind when advising on possible excursions for the day. But more importantly, she has built Hidden Retreats with lifelong knowledge of the island. This impressive property is carved into the hilltop, with striking stone walls built out of the rock from which it has been excavated. Meaning, whichever retreat you are staying in, you will feel protected and sheltered from the wind. While also being fully immersed in nature.

It is in immaculate place to stay and we have made memories that will last a lifetime. I am already planning our...

The stay was perfect, very quiet and relaxing. The view from our apartment was astonishing and relaxing. Our host, Penny, was very warm, kind, helpful and the hospitality was abundant. The same goes for the rest of the crue. We had regularly restocked fridge supplies for our breakfast, an initial welcoming basket with local specialties, which lasted until the end of our stay, and everyday the personel instructed us on most appropriate beaches, restaurants and sightseeing based on the wind, the weather and our remaining days. The location is a bit distant, having to drive around 40-50' (30kms) to reach most beaches, but it didn't bother us at all, given all the other positives. The host even facilitated the charging of our plug-in-hybrid car by providing easy electrical socket access. I would definitely recommend and I would stay again at my next...