Stylish mountain retreat in former sanatorium, in remote Greek region of Arcadia

Manna / Magouliana / Peloponnese / Greece

If you say Greece most people would immediately think either of Athens with its old temples and museums or maybe even more common, some white-and-blue houses hanging on to some cliff of a sun-drenched island. But the thing is, Greece has more faces than this. One of those faces is one of dramatic mountains covered in thick fir forests where you can actually ski come Winter. It is in this part of Greece, where you’ll find this secluded destination hotel, MANNA.

Before MANNA became an hotel it was built to be a sanatorium, which dates back to 1929. It was named after Anna Mela, a local aristocrat who devoted her life to treating wounded soldiers and patients with tuberculosis, so she managed to attract some investors and that is how the Sanatorium of Mana could be built. With the discovery of the wonders of penicillin and the effects it had on tuberculosis, the sanatorium was forced to close down in 1938 and was left abandoned for many, many years.

Fast forward to 2013 when Stratis Batagias, decided to fulfill a lifelong dream and create his very own hotel. He managed to procure the building from the Greek government, but it was no easy feat. It took 9 years to fulfill the purchase before K-Studio and Monogon Office of Architecture could get to work with creating what was to become the beautiful MANNA Hotel.

When you approach the hotel, after some white-knuckle driving on winding mountain roads, the imposing grey lime stone building suddenly appears behind some tall trees.. You just pull the hand brake at the entrance and leave the car with the staff, who are dressed in the most beautiful local, traditional clothes, and then you can let the relaxation begin.

This 32-key hotel, which is adults-only, is designed with earthy, gentle tones. The main materials used are wood, marble, wool and linen which all add to a very soft, pleasant look. Once you have checked, there is plenty to do if you are an outdoorsy type. And if you are not, you will still be spoilt for choice. There is a gym, a small spa with sauna and an indoor pool. On the first floor there is a bar/lounge area where you can relax with a book in front of the fire place and on the ground floor is where you’ll find the restaurant serving delicious Greek classics with a twist.

And come evening, I advise you to sleep with the window open, letting that fresh mountain air in as you fall asleep to the soft rusting of the giant firs swaying in the breeze.

Welcome to Manna, located high up in the Greek mountains in the Arcadia region.

Some contemporary add ons to the old sanatorium, dating back to the beginning of the 20th century.

When you enter the hotel you are ushered into the lounge…

…where you are served a delicious welcome drink. A refreshing take on the the local Greek mountain tea.

All checked in and ready to head up to our room.

Such a beautiful touch to have the room numbers carved into the floor.

I love how the forest creates outside the becomes almost like an art piece, changing throughout the day depending on how the light falls.

All the details have been carefully considered. This is the information box.

The TV is cleverly hidden behind this wooden structure.

M is heading out to explore the hotel and the surroundings.

And just outside the gym is where you’ll find this free standing sauna.

This is my favorite photo from our stay at MANNA. So dramatic with the low hanging rain clouds.

Dinner at MANNA is something not to be missed. It is Greek classics with a twist, inspired by the cuisine of some of the neighboring mediterranean countries.

After dinner comes breakfast. And breakfast at MANNA is a hearty affair.

Leaving MANNA heading south toward the southern end of the Peloponnese. The drive takes you through some cute villages with amazing views of the valleys below.

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…are looking to have an usual Greek experience, far off the beaten path. If you like secluded mountain hotels with beautiful, classic design you are going to be happy as a larch at MANNA.

My favorite thing about this place…

…is the tranquil atmosphere. This is a hotel made for relaxation, located in the Greek mountains far away from the closest town. Calm, quiet and relaxing. Oh, I also have to mention the food. Greek classics inspired by their Mediterranean neighbors to the East.

What not to miss when staying here…

…is to sleep with the windows open. Nothing makes me sleep better than that chilly, fresh mountain air.

If you like this hotel you might also like:

Icaro / Alpe di Siusi, Italy

Saltus / San Gensius, Italy

AEON / Soprabolzano, Italy