Kinstera - Monemvasia, Greece

Monemvasia - a former fortress town that comes with a rich history and story. It is unique among other ruined medieval cities in that it is entirely built on a rock that appears to be barren when seen from the mainland. This Gibraltar-like town located in the Peloponnese in Greece, is tied to the mainland by a single thread of causeway and holds treasures that are old even by Mediterranean standards, with town walls and several churches dating to the 12th century. The Kinsterna Hotel is a Byzantine mansion which has been meticulously restored with a great respect for its long history. Winner of numerous international distinctions and awards, Kinsterna today is a true paradise for nature lovers. Words alone cannot describe the peace and quiet, the clean air and the majestic atmosphere of the mansion and its estate – all with a view of the legendary castle-rock of Monemvasia. It is located just a few kilometres inland from the famous Monemvasia village. This luxury 5-star resort is a model of autonomy and sustainability, functioning harmoniously within a rich and lively natural environment. Kinsterna’s owners have revived the traditional agricultural practices and occupations of the estate, such as harvesting grapes, making olive oil, distilling tsipouro (a traditional Greek spirit), baking bread and producing soap - creating a working model of sustainability that lies at the heart of their goal to make the estate as self-sufficient as possible - as it was centuries ago. The fertile 25-acre estate contains centuries-old olive trees, mainly of the local “Athinolia” variety, numerous citrus trees and an orange grove producing the famous Monemvasia oranges. Kinsterna has a special, soothing energy and is a place I can’t wait to visit again.