Staying in a Historic Hotel
Kyrimai hotel Mani is an eleganty restored property dating back to 1870. It is set in a countryside setting in Mani on the coast of Gerolimenas. It offers a historic atmosphere, creative Greek and International cuisine and country-chic rooms with antique furniture. The Kyrimai Hotel-Mani lies a few kilometres from the southernmost point of the Tainaro peninsula, where the Ionian Sea meets the Aegean.
Kyrimai hotel is not just another boutique hotel. It is a spot hard to beat. I came across it while searching the list of the distinguished Greek historic hotels. It runs venues to the highest standards and it is a Greek gem that deservedly is on the list. Kyrimai Hotel in is easily spotted as we approach Gerolimenas –the small port in the region of Mani. We are almost here …and it is so captivating! Perched right on the waterside in a secluded and unspoiled area untouched by mass tourism. I am anxious to walk in and start exploring it.
Kyrimai Hotel – Mani Gerolimenas
Architecture
We are greeted warmly and the lady at the reception arranges that our luggage is sent up to the suite.
Ground floor interior of Kyrimai opposite the restaurant!
The typical architecture of the area does not allow for big windows and not many rooms have a full sea view, but there are plenty of verandas and terraces to make up for it. The interior of the reception, the small museum-like room and sitting room on the other side are decorated in a superb way that combine the tradition and history of the place so cleverly, that match splendidly with its contemporary comforts and discreet luxury.
Not long after our arrival I join Alexandros Kyrimis, the owner at the restaurant’s lounge. He welcomes me and as we sip our afternoon Turkish coffee I am fascinated with the story behind his narration. During our stay the staff and management make us feel part of the family with their genuine hospitality. Staff are accommodating, covering every request.
The Story behind Kirimai in short
It was almost 130 years back when a merchant from Syros – and Theodore Kyrimis also a merchant and mayor of Mesa Mani area, did their best to give a boost to the whole area and put it on the commercial map of what was considered to be Greek territory back then. Very soon, boats kept coming and going from the small port of Gerolimenas pilled-up of local products from the region of Mani. Not long afterwards Mani was known internationally.
Room
We made it up to our beautiful room. We have the Junior Loft Suite at the highest point that overlooks the pool and the open sea whose interior has the Wow factor! Our king size bed is superb, with Coco Mat linen fabrics. Hard leaving the bed in the morning!
Rooms and suites are so elegant and tastefully appointed in country chic styling that beg for long afternoon siestas. They are designed to stay cool in summer and warm in winter due to the tick stone-walls of the local architecture.
The stone walls, the wooden ceiling and floor, the corner fire place create the most romantic and cozy atmosphere. We feel as if we are in an old manor house.
Owing to the fact that Kyrimai is a listed building with steep steps on many levels, the hotel has no access for guests with disabilities and the hotel’s rooms and facilities are more designed for couples and not that much for families.
Facilities like robes, a hair dryer, slippers, a safe, pool towels, a mini bar, a flat TV are provided. A complimentary bottle of red wine from the management was a treat and it was highly appreciated.
Bathroom
The bathroom has a small window and a Jacuzzi bath-tab. Toiletries are the Apvita brand –favorite of many ladies and quite popular in Greece.
Breakfast
Normally breakfast is taken at the terrace next to the pool with the sounds of the water lapping against the rocky coast below. It is served right to the table, different every day and the variety is rich. It includes homemade pies, breads and cookies, cakes, variety of homemade jams, omelettes, cheese and ham, coffee and the freshest ever orange juice, enough to fill you up for hours. The way breakfast is presented in a huge crystal or porcelain platter makes a difference.
In the capacity of a food critic, I had the opportunity to try several dishes from the menu, many more that you can see here. Talking of taste, the food is of Michelin Star standard. Besides the creative presentation and top notch service, the dishes we had were exquisite.
Restaurant
We dined here on both nights and enjoyed the tasty culinary creations of the cuisine. Under the supervision and guidance of Michelin starred Chef Yianni Baksevani the restaurant has been highly upgraded. Traditional Greek dishes are presented in a modern innovative twist.
Everything we had was of excellent quality, presentation and taste. The Caramelized Aubergine below was one of my favourite.
The terrace by the water is the perfect setting for romantic candlelit dinners under the stars and this is where we chose to have ours. Guests can also dine in the dining room which is just as beautiful and romantic as outdoors. The somelier with expertise knowledge will advice you how to choose the right pairing wine from the long wine list.
I tried Baklava with fresh & dry fruit & vanilla ice cream but it was too sweet for my taste, contrary to my husband who loved it. We also tried the Cream cheese flavored with mint & jam, but we preferred more the Meringues with warm fruit salad and ice cream.
Guests should have in mind that service in the restaurant can be a bit slow, however the food is definitely worth the wait.
Pool & Beach
There is nothing more enchanting and inviting than getting up from bed and going straight down the beach either for a swim or letting the energy of the surroundings overwhelm your soul and mind with positive thoughts, while gazing at the breathtaking surroundings.
No matter how I longed to stay more in bed I could not resist the inviting crystal waters. The shore is rocky but I prefer this kind of beaches to sandy ones with crowds. We spent most of the time outdoors in the water and by the jetty which is replete with loungers for easy access to the sea.
Verdict
Overall, I must say that considering all of the Kirimai Hotel features we enjoyed our stay. A luxurious property in Many Gerolimenas and simple at the same time. The service, the quality of food, the suite and location make this a fantastic choice to stay. If you plan to explore the round area, be sure to book more days so as to have enough time to enjoy the tranquillity and atmosphere of the Kyrimai hotel and at the same time do your exploring more relaxed.
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Disclaimer: I was a guest at the Kyrimai Hotel – Mani during this stay, but the opinions expressed in this article are, as always my own.
Thank you for the great feedback Popi.
Reading your review was as if I was there myself.
I registered to receive updates.
Thanks for the compliment Larry!
Always when writing I have in mind what a traveler would expect from me, counting in the pros and cons if there are any.
Reviews are quite extended to give the real picture and I leave it up to the reader to decide if they could make it their choice or not.