Manna, a Member of Design Hotels

After a hectic, child-filled 9-night Mediterranean cruise, my partner and I retreated to this serene mountain hotel — and we’re so glad we did. We had originally planned to stay at a beach resort south of Athens but changed plans last-minute for this Arcadian getaway. No regrets! The hotel is about 2.5 hours west of the Athens Piraeus cruise port (or the airport), most of it along a modern toll highway through the scenic Peloponnese Peninsula. The final stretch winds through small villages on a well-paved road. Just a few years old, the hotel is beautifully designed with warm woods and earthy tones. We had a forest-view room with a terrace — a perfect spot for morning coffee or evening wine. The room felt luxurious, with 11-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. With only 32 rooms, the atmosphere is intimate and tranquil. The breakfast buffet was exceptional, with à la carte options and terrace seating surrounded by forest. In the evenings, we enjoyed wine on the main terrace. In cooler months, there’s a cozy salon with a fireplace. The hotel must be magical in winter. We dined at the hotel on two nights. Reservations are required, likely just to help staff plan, as the restaurant is for guests only. Every dish we tried was excellent, and the service across the property was warm and professional. They also host a weekly late-night outdoor movie (10:30 pm), though we were too tired to join. We made time for a massage at the small spa (extra charge) and relaxed in the adjacent “cave pool” and outdoor sauna. The owner, who was onsite during our stay and joined us for a chat one evening, mentioned plans to add an outdoor pool — a great future upgrade. The atmosphere is calm and refined, supported by a no-kids-under-11 policy. We appreciated that, though one child present didn’t seem to meet the age requirement. We have no complaints. It was a wonderful stay, though we would recommend the hotel could promote the surrounding region a bit more for those unfamiliar with the area. One hesitation we had before booking was not knowing what there was to do during the day. They do offer a set of excursions in the area, but we prefer to explore independently. We found the impressive Kapsia Caves (about 40 minutes away, EUR 6 with a guide) and the charming village of Vytina just 15 minutes away, filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Though we had never been before, this region is our new favourite region of Greece. We'll be back!

The hotel stands out for its unique infrastructure and location. The cuisine at its restaurant is truly gourmet-level, offering a culinary experience that is a cut above the rest. Despite being a mountainous destination, the hotel is easily accessible and provided us with a refreshing escape from the summer heat. However, what truly impressed us was the management's exceptional handling of an unexpected car issue we faced. They took full responsibility for the related costs, even though they could have easily chosen not to. This level of service reflects the high standards the hotel maintains across the board, which I personally experienced firsthand.

All the good reviews you have read about this place are true. It's a truly exceptional experience to stay at MANNA. All of the staff are so helpful and kind, eager to ensure you have a lovely time. Tonia at the front desk was a standout, giving thoughtful recommendations. As was Ismini, who was such a professional on the dining patio. And the Wellness team is brilliant. I think it was the best massage of my life!