Type of luxury escape, destination or month

Blog 9/16/2022

Luxury living at Santa Thekla Peninsula

  • Beach

    Beach

  • Celebrate

    Celebrate

  • Family

    Family

  • Villas

    Villas

Old hasn’t just met new at this luxurious mansion; they’ve become neighbours. Perched atop an ancient peninsula, the crumbling remains of a 17th-century monastery share Ionian Sea views with a 21-bedroom, Bond lair of a mansion. It really is quite the contrast, yet that is precisely the charm of Santa Thekla Peninsula. The champagne-coloured property prioritises its guests’ privacy and independence; it is accessed by a private terracotta road, although you could, of course, arrive via its helipad. It’s surrounded by 100 hectares of olive-tree-dotted gardens, with an outdoor events space and the aforementioned monastery adding further outdoor interest. Inside, spacious rooms come in multiples. 21 modern bedrooms are all clean lines and oak floors; three kitchens mean every culinary dream can be whipped up and granted; and two luxurious living rooms make relaxing second nature (make a beeline for the second level for floor-to-ceiling views of the village-speckled mountains).

It also delivers from a gastronomy perspective. A Michelin-standard private chef is on hand 24 hours a day to cook whatever you fancy using the finest local produce, including daily caught fresh fish and homegrown vegetables. If you prefer alfresco dining, there is a top-tier outdoor kitchen replete with state-of-the-art equipment, plus a small, smart alcove you can dine in.

For those who just want to relax, the property comes with a spa, sauna, and its very own hammam. A professional yoga instructor is also on call to deliver relaxing sessions, whether a sun salutation on the terrace or tranquil flow in the manicured gardens. 

That’s not to say your time here will be spent lying around. Basketball, tennis and volleyball courts are all freely available, as is a full-size football pitch. You can hone your skills at each with a private, professional tutor – or simply dive into two huge swimming pools, one of which is Olympic-sized and overlooks the enchanting Petani beach.

However, the true joy of Santa Thekla Peninsula is its simplest: relaxing on the terrace, champagne in hand, whilst the ancient Ionian Sea fizzes beneath you… Bliss.