Amani Villas

Double Vision: Modern Mani Waterfront Villas

This pair of newly constructed stone outposts overlooking the Messenian Gulf in rugged Mani celebrates the rocky peninsula’s abundant stones yet stands as a surprisingly light, breezy and bright architectural tribute to the region’s wild, sun-kissed beauty.

Sharply angular structures softened by wide arcaded openings and double French doors, this pair of recently built waterfront villas showcases local stone, with cool crisp interiors by Interior Design Laboratorium. Sturdy and geometric, their exposed blonde sandstone surfaces are radiantly complemented by white-coated interior walls with minimal embellishment, and bone-to-beige stone floors that keep the mood breezy. Clean-lined furnishings, from white to the palest earth tones, maintain the crisp coastal look. Outdoor patios under the arcades and alongside the stone-surrounded pool feel regal and elegant, with easygoing seating and built-in bench sofas offering glittering sea views for miles.

AROUND

The Peloponnesian peninsula of Mani is a land of rugged outcroppings, geometric volumes, coarse textures and pastel earth tones. The region’s traditional stony landscape and landmark stone watchtowers are reflected in the design of the villas. Amani is located in West Mani in the village of Neochori, near the destination villages of Agios Nikolaos, Stoupi and Kardymili, with its 17th-century tower and Byzantine churches. Beaches are close by, the closest in Stoupa and Pantazis only five minutes’ drive, and others (Ritsa, Kalamitsi, and Katafygio) each about 10 minutes away. Inland mountain villages worth exploring include Pyrgos, Saidona, Milea, and Exochori, and the region offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and climbing.

Mani village is known for its tightly constructed, golden stone towers separated by narrow streets lined with prickly pear. The greater Mani region stretches from the Taygetus Mountains to mainland Europe’s southernmost point, Cape Tenaro, the gate of Hades according to Greek mythology. The Laconian and Messenian Gulfs are bordered by turquoise seas, and Mani’s coastline is jagged, undulating and wildly rugged. The region has long been home to individualists who match its stony landscape, and in earlier times, each Maniot family possessed its own observation tower to watch for pirates, invaders and local feuds. The breathtakingly bold village of Vatheia is built on a hill overlooking Cape Tenaro, a community of towers, stony ruins and traditional Maniot stronghold houses. The Caves of Diros, near the regional capital of Aeropolis, are made up of 15 kilometers of stalagmites and stalactites, and are a major draw within the region. For nightlife, head to Kalamata, and for wellness treatments (yoga, reiki, spa, shiatsu), the place is Agios Nikolaos.

LOCATION

Mani, Peloponnese, Greece. Nearest airport: Kalamata (55km)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: April to November