Hotel Snapshot
At 1,200 meters in the fir-lined mountains of Arcadia in the Peloponnese, Manna, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is Greece’s refined take on an alpine retreat. After a twisting mountain drive past stone villages and pine-covered hills, rounding the last corner left me awestruck. The hotel’s stone façade beckoned – commanding, welcoming, and hinting at its storied history. Built in the 1920s as a tuberculosis sanatorium, Manna’s been lovingly restored by owner Stratis Bayatas, who grew up in the area and dreamed of giving new life to the abandoned landmark. His vision was to honor the building’s legacy while creating a retreat for modern travelers. Inside, monastic stone walls meet velvet armchairs, rich woods, sculptural lines, and curated artworks. From the outside in, the space balances history and modern comfort, making it luxurious yet unpretentious, and I felt my pace slow immediately.
Design & Character
The restoration, led by K-Studio and Monogon Office of Architecture in Athens, gives Manna a quiet, confident charm. Moss-green velvet armchairs, oak furniture, and wool throws echo the forest beyond. Art such as a clay bust of Pan on the bar’s mantlepiece by Diane Alexandre enriches the interiors, while lighting by Eleftheria Deko adds sculptural flair as halos and shadows cleverly animate the stone walls. I especially loved the glass walkway linking two wings. Standing there at dawn, I watched mist curl through the firs and birds flit between branches – a clever design that pulled nature inside, leaving me suspended in the forest while sheltered by architecture.
The Rooms
Manna’s 32 rooms and suites blend raw stone and soaring ceilings with bronze, velvet and marble finishes. My suite had a soaking tub overlooking the fir forest, just begging me to relax and indulge every evening. Thoughtful personal touches included; shelves lined with novels such as Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis in both Greek and English, alongside Elytis’s poetry, a minibar stocked with boutique Greek wines such as Moschofilero from Troupis Winery and Kidonitsa from Monemvasia Winery, and herbal teas from Anassa Organics including mountain sage and wild mint – great to drink on my stone balcony as the sun slipped behind the mountains. Couples will adore the fireplace suites, while connecting rooms suit families or groups. Food & Drink At FTERA, the hotel restaurant, Chef Alexandros Tsiotinis reinterprets Arcadian cuisine: slow-roasted goat with fir jus, trahana with foraged greens and wild mushrooms in consommé. Almost everything is hyper-local – meat from mountain herders, cheese from nearby dairies, herbs and greens foraged in the region and honey from Arcadian beehives. Breakfasts of warm tsoureki, mountain honey and fresh eggs became my daily indulgence, while I loved my evenings under the stars by the firepit, drinking an aperitivo.
Wellness & Amenities
The Elatos Spa by Orloff draws therapies from the forest with pine-resin wraps, lavender and oregano massages, fir-aromatherapy oils, and chamomile facials. I loved floating in the cave-like pool before lazing in a hammock with a book. The boutique continues the spa’s ethos, stocking Greek wellness brands Korres, Apivita, and Zealots of Nature.
Location & Neighborhood
Manna’s setting makes exploring Arcadia effortless. Kapsia Cave (15 minutes) impresses with stalactites, Vytina village (10 minutes) charms with stone alleys and Lousios Gorge invites rugged hikes. Nearby monasteries and Dimitsana’s Open-Air Water Power Museum round out a perfect balance of culture and nature.
Fast Facts
Location: Arcadia, Peloponnese, Greece
Address: Korfoxylia, Magouliana, Arcadia, 22010, Greece
The vibe: A mountain retreat in Greece? Yes. Switch off, and simply watch the world go by.
Room Count: 32
Starting Rate: From about 206 USD per night.
Dining: Arcadian classics with a modern twist. It’s all about fresh and local here, and that’s part of its rural destination charm.
Amenities: Bar, restaurant, spa.
Closest airport: Kalamata International Airport
