However, words truly fall short when it comes to describing this experience, which is reason enough to visit the beautiful and nearby Arcadia.
Let me start with the broader destination, the Mainalo in Arcadia, which is one of the most stunning places in Greece, located 190 km—just a two-hour drive on an easy road—from Athens. Its most well-known villages include Dimitsana, Stemnitsa, Lagadia, Alonistaina, Elati, and Magouliana, just a short distance from where Manna is located. From this base, one can easily visit all the villages, as they are approximately half an hour away, with the route through the forest being truly magical.
Manna itself is situated at an altitude of 1,200 metres and occupies a historic listed building of unique architecture, which has been declared a protected monument. Dating back to 1929, it is known as "The Sanatorium of Manna." The building was named after Anna Mela, sister of the Macedonian fighter Pavlos Mela, who was also its creator. Built by skilled stone masons from Lagadia during that era, with plans by architect Xenofon Angelidis, it is an emblematic structure with neoclassical influences that operated as a sanatorium until 1938.
The revival was undertaken by the designers and architects of K-STUDIO and the Monogon Office of Architecture. In collaboration with archaeologists and with respect for its original architecture and historical past, Manna has been reborn thanks to its current owner, Stratis Batagias, who spent his summers in Magouliana as a child. “Although it was dilapidated, I always felt there was positive energy surrounding the building. From that moment, the idea took hold that I wanted to bring this place back to life,” he says. Indeed, the energy of the place is remarkable from the moment visitors pass through the hotel’s entrance.
The stunning nature surrounding it undoubtedly adds to its appeal. There are lush green forests, walking trails, options for horseback riding or cycling, and a pond with water lilies where fabric sun loungers are set up. In the summer, an outdoor cinema is established next to it, alongside a fire pit with comfortable sofas. There’s also a river where anyone who wishes can go kayaking, and wonderfully former stray dogs find their home at Manna, receive names, and live happily in this paradise that serves as a sanctuary for all kinds of souls.
Upon arriving at the hotel, the first thing that struck me, aside from the impressive building itself, was the level of service. From the courteous Mr. Petros, who greeted us at the entrance in a stylish version of traditional tseligkas (owner of many sheep) attire and guided us to the reception and then to our room, providing us with all the information that would be useful for our stay, to the exceptionally polite lady who checked us in, everyone was impeccable. They were polite, smiling, discreet, ready to answer any questions and offer assistance to the best of their ability; most importantly, they were clearly delighted to be part of this amazing project. The significance placed on service becomes even clearer when you realise the hotel is fully staffed. There is a manager, marketing manager, F&B manager, and so on.
With its 32 rooms, the hotel operates under the standards of a large five-star establishment, and this is the secret to its success. Attention to every little detail is evident from the very first moment, from the mountain tea served with honey and ginger in enamel mugs during check-in, to the room amenities, all of which are organic. The slippers, which resembled felt, were made from recycled plastic bottles, while the wonderful soaps are crafted from wax and honey. The minibar is stocked with Greek products, and the laundry bag is made from old sheets, among other thoughtful touches. Overall, everything is designed to connect the guest with the natural environment in which they are situated.
The rooms are spacious and lofty, elegantly decorated in earthy tones and with sustainable materials, exuding a charm of the past combined with the utmost comfort of today. All rooms offer views of the forest surrounding the hotel and are equipped with air conditioning, satellite television, a safe, a minibar, room service, Wi-Fi, underfloor heating, and exceptionally comfortable beds.
The communal areas are bright, comfortable, and filled with inviting nooks around the large fireplaces. The expansive terraces offer stunning views of the hotel gardens and the forest. Every aspect, including activities, has been meticulously designed to help guests relax, unwind, and rejuvenate. It also provides the perfect backdrop for capturing memorable photos, as the entire hotel is a delight for Instagram enthusiasts.
Manna also features a spa inspired by the unique healing powers of the surrounding nature, offering a variety of interesting treatments for the face and body, sauna, hammam, a cave pool, yoga, and a gym.
Equally important to the overall experience is the culinary aspect. At Manna, I enjoyed one of the best breakfasts ever, with a small buffet that included different handmade pies every day, exceptional cheeses and cold cuts from the surrounding area, freshly baked breads and bagels, jams and honey from local producers, freshly squeezed juices, an irresistible apple pie, rice pudding with a velvety soft cream, various à la carte eggs, and a large XXL cappuccino that gave the first coffee of the day a whole new level of enjoyment!
Overall, everything we tried was delicious and thoughtfully prepared. From the all-day menu—where we sampled the club sandwich, which, along with the Bloody Mary, is the most reliable test for a hotel`s food and beverage quality—to the dinner, where we particularly enjoyed the lachanodolmades (stuffed cabbage rolls), yellow pumpkin croquettes with graviera and local feta, meatballs, fricassé mushrooms, and the skioufixta with short rib and graviera cream. The kitchen team, led by Athinagoras Kostakos, excels in their craft and completely justifies the FNL star they have earned. And as a final tip, if you visit, be sure to try the bougatsa, made à la minute and served warm, tempting, and utterly delicious.
We combined our visit to Manna with a stroll through the beautiful stone-built Lagadia, the village from which Pano`s family hails, and where his father`s childhood home is located—a house that has been designated a historic monument as it was the residence of his great-great-grandfather, Kanellos Deligianis, the financier of the Greek Revolution. Fun fact: we haven’t been able to enter the house for over 20 years, as during the few times we have made it there—including this visit—we invariably forget to bring the keys with us!
Next, we drove a few kilometres further for lunch at the FNL-starred taverna Zerzova, renowned for its exceptional local and comfort cuisine, as well as its rustic aesthetic that perfectly complements the area.
In conclusion, I want to say that having had the fortune to travel the world for work and usually stay in some of the best hotels globally under ideal conditions, I find it quite difficult to be impressed these days. Perhaps this is why my experience at Manna excited me so much. It is rare to find a hotel in a mountainous destination in our country that truly speaks to the heart and evokes nearly forgotten emotions in every corner. It is even rarer to see such a well-rounded concept, a day-to-day operation so expertly coordinated, and people who engage with it with such enthusiasm.
As we left, we scheduled a follow-up for September 26 for a three-day FNL event—such was our enjoyment that we couldn`t resist sharing this unique experience with our readers and friends—but I am sure we will return even sooner.
I believe that for two days in August, when the country will be sweltering in summer heatwaves and people will be crowding the islands and beaches, the refreshing coolness of Mainalo and the absolute tranquility of Manna will be a true balm. I am already dreaming of the evening when, seated on one of the fabric sun loungers by the lake, I will sip my drink with my boyfriend, gazing at the water lilies, and enjoying the dark beauty of the surrounding forest as night falls over the mountain.
Manna: Korfoxylia Magoulianon, 22010 Mountainous Arcadia
Phone: +30 2710 309009
Email: [email protected]
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