Mousiko Pandohio in Steni is one of the most famous winter resorts in Greece amid the most pristine forest regions on the foothills of the Mountain of Dirfys, the highest Mountain of Evia. The picturesque village of Steni is 30 kms from Chalkida.
Looking for a total cultural immersion on your next short outing not far from Athens? A genuinely unique art-filled stay experience awaits at the Mousiko Pandohio in Steni whose creative atmosphere doesn’t end once you have entered their artful heavy sliding door that gives a hint as to what this themed boutique hotel really has in store for its guests. The impressive artwork of the lobby starts to suggest how well this hotel knows how to work its themes. The place offers a unique environment imbued with art and music!
Mousiko Pandohio in Steni
Checking-in
We arrived and promptly checked in, a cosy place with sofas by the fireplace, warmly welcomed by the owner along with the keys to our Room 6 on the second floor.
There was a feeling of positive energy; the decor inside and out, details that highlight the quality of services offered here.
Mousiko Pandohio in Steni
Accommodations at Mousiko Pandohio in Steni
The unique music theme indeed carried on into the rooms, a few of which with luxury amenities and all rooms with metal sculptures depicting beautiful muses in musical poses.
We did not stay in one such suite, but ours was just as lovely with its own comforts. Having worked with an interior designer, the owner wanted the music theme to be not just the smartly decorated ground floor and sitting areas, but each and every room has a different artistic stimulus. The place not only inspires but also excites all senses of its guests.
Mousiko Pandohio in Steni
Guest Room options include 2 Room Suites, a Mini Suite, Quadruple, Triple, Double with fireplace, and Double. Materials used in the suites were meticulously chosen for style and sustainability, and the contemporary aesthetic effortlessly blends in with the familiar indulgences of a lovely boutique hotel.
The Mountain View
I had the privilege of selecting either a room overlooking the mountain with a more spacious bathroom or one overlooking the garden with a much smaller one.
Room 6 of the Mousiko Pandohio in Steni
The Double with fireplace number 6 room was our choice on the 2nd floor with a spacious outdoor patio. We really appreciated the plush bed with its artistic headboard of the unique sculpture musical motif and enjoyed a good night’s sleep.
The room’s fireplace could be the perfect antidote on cold winter nights with snow outside! An average in size space and although the interior was extremely contemporary, there is still a cosy and comfortable feeling to the room.
It offered a view over the grounds and the tiny side garden. The window door blocked out any noise, and we could easily hear the gurgling waters of the river flowing from the opposite side of the road and the twitting sounds of birds the whole day long when out by the patio.
The Bathroom
The bathroom was petite but impeccably clean and functional. The only downside, the wash basin and the base of the shower that was very tiny! Amenities including slippers, a hairdryer and toiletries were offered but no robes!
Breakfast at Mousiko Pandohio
Mousiko Pandohio in Steni provides guests with a fabulous breakfast. For us, it was a pleasant surprise and kind of personalized. Our table was nicely set by the owner who offered to prepare our omelette and Greek coffee, himself.
We had bread baked in the local wood-fired oven in the village, homemade cheese and spinach pies, orange and apricot marmalades, cake, fruit and fresh orange juice. What more to ask! Tassos Ioannides, the owner, made us feel so welcome and even offered to take our photos!
The host and owner of the Mousiko Pandohio in Steni, Tassos Ioannides is famous and well-known in Greece and Australia composer. Graduated at the Conservatorium of Melbourne “MELBA” specialized in guitar and done his post-graduate studies on film music composition at the New England University. Composed music for over a hundred productions including films, TV series etc. Received his first Film Music Award in 1994 in Australia for the movie “The Silver Brumby” starring Russel Crowe. More on his music studies and achievements on their website!
The story behind Mousiko Pandohio in Steni
The property was bought initially as a getaway for the family members. The warm welcome of the villagers, the serenity and beauty of the round area made the family more attached to the place and the estate itself. Friends would gather to share the joy of music during weekends, and thus the idea of turning the large house into a ‘musical lodge’ became a reality.
So very different from other hotels in the area, it has become a unique place for friends, acquaintances and friendly strangers to meet and share the joy of music during their stay.
The big surprise is on Saturday nights; the quality of music coming from the host and owner Tassos Ioannides presenting part of his productive music work. Imagine, candlelight ambience in front of the fireplace, an artistic aura, lips that speak and sing, contemplate questions, smiles, and what an opportunity to open the heart and exchange inner experiences!
Bottom Line
The simple elegance of this lovely boutique lodge won’t disappoint. If you are a fan of unique boutique hotels not far from Athens, this is undoubtedly the place for you to be. Thanks to the high quality of hospitality, I experienced at Mousiko Pandochio in Steni. I fell in love with this little village in Evia more. It’s an excellent place for couples wanting to escape and be close to nature. How I long to return in winter this time!
Disclaimer: I was a guest at the Mousiko Pandohio in Steni during this stay, but the opinions expressed in this article are, as always my own.
What do you think of the Mousiko Pandohio in Steni? Is it the type of hotel you’d love to stay? Have you already been here? Love to hear your thoughts!
