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The Manna Arcadia is situated in the tranquil hills of Ketti Valley, near Ooty. This charming retreat mixes rustic beauty with cozy comforts. It creates a warm and refreshing atmosphere. The hotel offers a relaxing atmosphere where you can enjoy tea, watch the mist billow over the hills, or spend quiet time by the fireplace.

This review will explain why this property is perfect for anyone wanting peace, calm, and stunning mountain views.

Overview

Fir trees, quiet trails, and the mountains of central Peloponnese in Greece surround Manna Arcadia. The owners chose this high-altitude setting because of its therapeutic properties. It opened as a soldiers' sanatorium in the 1920s.

After the advent of penicillin, the solitary lodge was abandoned. For many decades, it stayed the same. Then, a Greek businessman bought it. He worked with a team of archaeologists to carefully restore the building. They turned it into a luxurious hotel.

The property was designed for peace, nestled in nature, so only a few renovations were necessary. It has modern, light, and pale wood interiors. All rooms have king-sized beds, heated floors, eco-friendly bath products, and forest views. The majority of rooms also have private balconies. Besides, many suites include built-in furniture and wooden decks. A few even have copper baths.

The wellness center, which includes a sauna, hammam, and a yoga room heated by a fireplace, is also incredibly popular. Nearby, you can arrange for hiking, skiing, mushroom hunting, or horseback riding. Manna's all-day dining restaurant also offers creative Greek dishes made with local ingredients.

Location

Hotel Manna is located in Arcadia, a village where the forest has enveloped the middle of Greece's Peloponnese. The hotel sits at an altitude of 1,200 meters. It is also among the ancient virgin fir forests of Mount Mainalo.

Moreover, Kalamata Airport is about one hour away by car. Direct flights to the UK are only available seasonally. It is also possible to fly into Athens, a two-hour drive away. Both airports offer transfers.

Style & Character

A palette of earthy colors, such as mossy greens and other natural materials, creates 'healing interiors.' The artisans use chestnuts in custom furniture. Peloponnese marble goes into staircases. Smoothing stone results in terrazzo. Moreover, the expansive windows provide a stunning backdrop to the mountain scenery. The soft velvets, sheepskins, and wool in the bedrooms and living areas also add a luxurious touch.

Batayias is slowly adding decorative flourishes to Manna, much as one might do in a home. Artists from Athens created each artwork as they discussed Arcadia, a region tied to Greek mythology.

A clay bust of the goat-like god Pan, made by French sculptor Diane Alexander, sits on the large mantelpiece of the bar. According to legend, Pan roamed this paradise with his nymphs. Three 3 m-high drawings by Greek artist Nikos Kanoglu in the main hall enhance the space.

Service & Facilities

This is a great place to stay, especially in the winter months when it gets covered in snow. While enjoying tea, you can drift between the cave-like spa pool and the large fluffy chair by the fire.

There are also many other activities, such as hiking the Manailo Trail and visiting villages like Valtesiniko. You can also have a hearty meal cooked over an open fire at Taverna Josef.

Moreover, the hotel offers complimentary WiFi, bicycles for guests, a fitness center, and an outdoor yoga space. Rooms also have air conditioning, an espresso maker, a minibar, a smart TV, and heated flooring.

Background

The Manna Hotel has a long and fascinating history. It was built in 1913 as a tuberculosis sanatorium, as the mountain air was believed to be a cure. But when penicillin became available, these institutions became obsolete.

Stratis Battias owns the hotel. When he was five, he attended summer camps located about a half-mile away. He and his friends used flashlights to sneak into the building and tell ghost stories. However, in 2014, the building was finally up for auction due to the country's financial crisis. He bought it.

The project was completed in seven years, and the building reopened in 2023. Stratis has put a great deal of love into this property, and it shows everywhere.

Rooms

There are 32 rooms and suites, all with views. The Manna Suite is the best choice if you want a copper bathtub. All rooms also have outdoor areas. Mix up a drink from your minibar and take in the beautiful view.

Dining

Manna's ambrosia will give you eternal beauty, youth, and a satisfied appetite. Award-winning chef Athinagoras Kostakos has brought his culinary expertise to Manna. This mountain retreat serves tasty local dishes that blend tradition with a modern twist. They also prioritize zero waste and use seasonal ingredients.

Moreover, the stunning surroundings make the experience as enjoyable as the food. In addition to the breakfast served inside, coffees are roasted for Manna in a neighboring roastery.

As you'd expect, the wine cellar at this hotel is well-stocked. The hotel's bar also offers a wide selection of whiskies, malts, and other spirits. Some come from around the world, but local artisans have sourced others as well. Herbs from the Menalon Highlands and locally made honey enhance cocktails even further.

Spa & Wellness

The Manna Wellness Hub features a yoga deck, cave pool, lily pond, sauna, and hammam. It has two treatment rooms. One offers a two-hour Ursa Major ritual. There are also two massage rooms for warm and cold stone treatments.

Sustainability

The hotel also utilizes geothermal power to heat and cool, as well as a rainwater tank. Moreover, there is a charging station for electric vehicles and chemical-free cleaners. Additionally, there are refillable amenities and ingredients sourced from nearby organic farms.

Takeaway

Manna Arcadia is a tranquil retreat nestled in the heart of nature. It will be hard for you to forget. The warm atmosphere and valley views create a great place to relax. The cozy hospitality and friendly staff will also help you recharge and reconnect.

From soaking up the cool mountain breeze to enjoying a tranquil morning over coffee, each moment feels carefully planned. This property is a peaceful retreat where you can escape the noise and experience tranquility. It's the perfect place for those looking to unwind.