Perched on a hillside in a secluded corner of Spetses, a beguiling Greek island a short hop from Athens, Xenon Estate is ideal for those looking for peace and privacy in a sleek, self-catering set up. It's set in beautiful landscaped gardens complete with gnarled olive trees, sun-bleached pebbles, a fragrant herb garden and flower-covered pergolas. A glorious pool, with wooden decking and canvas loungers, provides a shared focal point.
Adjoined but completely autonomous, the 3 villas - with names derived from Greek mythology - blend traditional island architecture and boutique hotel design. You get fully equipped kitchens, sitting rooms, luxurious bathrooms with robes and Korres toiletries, and diligent attention from owners Alex and Elina, who spend summers here with their little girl.
And did we mention the panoramic views? Over pine trees and the rooftops of Dapia, you look across the startling blue of the Saronic Gulf to the jagged islands of Hydra and Dokos, and the mountainous outline of the Peloponnese Coast. Car-free Spetses has some lovely beaches, so explore the island by fishing boat or moped, then cool off in its largest pool.
Highs
- Stunning views over Spetses and the Saronic Gulf from your balcony or terrace
- The tranquil location and sense of seclusion, though you can mix with the (few) other guests around the pool if you are feeling sociable
- Spacious, well-designed and fully-equipped villas with 1-4 bedrooms, thus suiting everybody from couples to extended families
- Alex and Elina are helpful, hands-on owners; they (or their caretakers if they are in Athens) can arrange everything from a boat trip to a private chef
Lows
- It’s a 15-minute walk downhill to the centre of Spetses - and longer uphill; it can be costly getting a taxi both ways in the evening, and tiring dodging mopeds if you walk
- The island can be very quiet outside of weekends and high season
- There's a minimum stay of 4-7 nights (depending on season), and the estate is closed throughout the winter
Baby & toddler equipment
Baby-sitting
Kids meals
Activities on site
Activities nearby
Location
Xenon Estate is on the island of Spetses, one of the Saronic Islands.
By Air:
Fly into Athens (190km; 2-3 hours away by hydrofoil or ferry). Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving this airport.
From Athens Airport By Ferry
Take the airport bus or the train/metro or a taxi to Piraeus port (approx. 1 hour). From Piraeus, there are several daily hydrofoils and catamarans to Spetses, taking 2-3 hours, as well as occasional ferry boats taking at least twice as long (but much more stable in choppy seas).
From Athens Airport By Car or Taxi
Alternatively you can drive from Athens to Kosta (near Porto Heli) in the Peloponnese (2 hours) and then take a sea taxi to the island (5 minutes). The hotel can organise a taxi for the Athens-Kosta journey - see Rates - and meet you at the port. Or you can hire a car, but bear in mind that it will be left unused and unattended while your are on Spetses (private cars are not allowed on the island); if you want to hire a car see our car rental recommendations.
From Spetses Port to the Hotel
The hotel can arrange a taxi for you.
More on getting to Greece and getting around
Airports:
- Athens (El. Venizelos) 190.0 km ATH
Other:
- Beach 0.8 km
- Shops 0.4 km
- Restaurant 0.4 km
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