The Greek Villa’s portfolio offers the largest and most opulent collection of villas across Greece. One of these I recently had the pleasure of calling home for a handful of nights is Villa Dwell, a traditional but grand property that sleeps up to 16 people across eight bedrooms – just ten minutes along the coastline from Porto Heli or ‘Porto Cheli’.
The villa
A holiday destination on the southernmost mainland of Greece and a few hours’ drive south of the Greek capital of Athens, Porto Heli began as (and still is) the chic Greek Riviera for many wealthy Athenians. Reflecting this high-brow lifestyle is The Greek Villa’s collection of properties, many which are sleek and minimalistic. However, draped in bright bougainvillea and exposed stone, Villa Dwell is one of their more so refined villas that brings a touch of Tuscany to Greece with its grand but traditional stature centred around its bell or ‘Belvedere’ tower.
Villa Dwell reflects the glamorous Greek lifestyle that has made the once small fishing village a magnet of sophistication. An elegant Italian style villa, open ocean views of the deep blue sea are framed from within by its charming wooden shutters; whilst outside from its huge outdoor terrace space by mature olive groves, orange and lemon trees, a vineyard and herb garden.
Rooms
Villa Dwell is generous in every sense. This extends to its eight homely bedrooms tucked around each corner that spread themselves across the property, sleeping up to 16 people. Lined with elegant French doors that offer direct access to the outdoor terrace and pool includes the master bedroom, whilst adjacent is a pool house style room located on the other side of the terrace for the ultimate privacy.
Ideal for family groups are the two interconnecting family rooms. Tucked away downstairs, however not lacking in their own impressive vista, this dedicated family-friendly wing comes complete with its own kitchenette and offers direct access into the garden with sweeping views of the cove and ocean beyond. This widespread layout allows Villa Dwell’s guests to hide themselves away whilst coming together in the central communal areas including the grand living room and generous outdoor terrace and pool.
Food and drink
A generous variety of heavenly homemade Greek food and drink is available at your fingertips. Courtesy of the option for a private on-site chef who uses the villa’s surroundings to offer the ultimate gourmet Greek experience, fruit and herbs are sourced from its well cared for garden, whilst each morning fresh eggs come from the nearby chicken coop.
A team is on hand to ensure your palate is satisfied morning until night. During the heat the afternoon brings, recline on one of the sun beds alongside the baby blue saltwater pool whilst your butler keeps you refreshed with fruit, pastries and ice-cold rosé. As evening draws in, enjoy long moonlit dinners set to the soundtrack of the waves on the spacious terrace. The chef and villa manager will offer bottles of both red and white Greek wine served with local fish and the country’s famous salty cheeses such as feta or halloumi with grilled vegetables.
In a nutshell
Villa Dwell encapsulates the elegance of Italy reflected through its design, whilst dishing up the most delicious Greek flavours with generous hospitality. Nearby Porto Heli welcomes superyachts and beach clubs to its shoreline to create a cosmopolitan place where you can holiday among lavish locals. This includes global names such as Nikki Beach – the perfect spot ‘to be seen’ whilst enjoying the music, sparkling wine and sushi.
With the island of Spetses just a mile or two across the water, you can also choose to charter your own boat, or jump on the regular ferry from Porto Heli’s port for a day trip to a charming place that reflects Porto Heli’s elegance with Neoclassical architecture and Venetian mansions.
Villa Dwell is part of The Greek Villa’s collection, the county’s leading luxury rental agency that offer more than 400 properties across the most popular locations. Their concierge services include a variety of experiences. From a private chef, wine tasting, wellness activities or yacht charters to discover hidden beaches and isolated islands.
Factbox
Phone: +30 210 64 10 280
Website: thegreekvillas.com
