When you think of Greece, your mind might wander to the islands—sandy beaches, whitewashed buildings, and sunsets over the sea.
But Greece is also deeply mountainous, green, and mythical—and it’s here, in the fir-covered peaks of Arcadia in the Peloponnese, that you’ll find MANNA, a new kind of luxury. One that’s deeply rooted in nature, history, and soul.
MANNA Arcadia isn’t just a boutique hotel—it’s a beautifully restored 1920s sanatorium that has been reimagined as a mountain retreat dedicated to wellness, reconnection, and slow living. And after spending just one night there, I can honestly say: it’s one of the most breathtakingly peaceful places I’ve ever experienced.
A Stay Where History Meets Design
From the moment you arrive, there’s a sense that this place is different. Nestled at 1,200 metres in a pristine fir forest, MANNA sits on the bones of a historic building once used to treat tuberculosis patients in the early 20th century. The original structure has been lovingly restored with extraordinary attention to detail, thanks to the vision of its owner, Stratis Batagias, and the talented team at K-Studio.
Here you notice every texture and finish—chestnut wood panels, grey limestone, mosaic floors, iron-framed windows. The interiors strike a rare balance: elegant but comfortable, modern but full of character. There are only 32 rooms (six of them suites), each designed with bespoke furnishings, curated artwork, and calming views of the forest.
The impact of MANNA Arcadia hasn’t gone unnoticed. Its blend of soulful design, architectural sensitivity, and immersive natural beauty has earned it global acclaim, including recognition as one of the top two hotels in the world at the AHEAD Global Awards, along with prestigious honours for its interior design, historic restoration, and atmospheric lighting from bodies like the Créateurs Design Awards, Archello, the MUSE Awards, and the Grail Awards. These accolades reflect not only the extraordinary care poured into its revival, but also the originality and emotional resonance the retreat offers each guest who passes through its doors.
The air is clean and crisp, scented with pine, and you get the sense that time really does slow down here.
A Soulful Approach to Wellness
While it’s easy to relax just by being here, MANNA takes wellness in Greece seriously. Downstairs, a serene spa space includes a cave-style pool, saunas (indoor and outdoor), and treatment rooms that feel like sanctuaries.
The hotel also offers outdoor yoga, guided treks along the Lousios River, and even truffle hunting experiences. I chose the horseback riding excursion through Elati’s forest, which felt like stepping into a dream.
This is not your typical spa resort. It’s something far more grounding—rooted in the land, in Arcadian philosophy, and in a slower, more thoughtful rhythm of life.
Food Worth the Journey
The hotel’s restaurant is reason enough to visit. Led by renowned Greek chef Athinagoras Kostakos, the menu focuses on farm-to-table dining, showcasing the best of Arcadian produce: handmade pastas, local meats, regional cheeses, and olive oil from nearby groves.
Dinner was exceptional, but breakfast was the kind of spread that lingers in your memory — a generous selection of fresh fruit, homemade pastries, rustic breads, local honey, and velvety Greek yogurt. Every bite felt deeply rooted in the region, crafted with care and bursting with natural flavor.
A Hidden Part of Greece Waiting to Be Discovered
Arcadia is often referred to as Greece’s “earthly paradise,” and it’s not hard to see why. From Byzantine monasteries carved into cliffs to stone-paved mountain villages like Magouliana and Dimitsana, the region feels untouched and mythical. There’s rafting, hiking, bee-harvesting, even skiing in winter—and all of it within easy reach of MANNA.
Best of all, this luxury retreat in Arcadia is just a two-hour drive from Athens and one hour from Kalamata, making it surprisingly accessible for a weekend break or part of a longer mainland itinerary.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Community
MANNA is more than just beautiful—it’s also thoughtful. The hotel uses geothermal energy, bans single-use plastics, sources ingredients from local organic farms, and even outfits rooms with slippers made from recycled plastic bottles. A full 85% of the team are from the surrounding area, and the property actively supports local heritage projects.
It’s the kind of place where luxury doesn’t come at the expense of the planet—or the local community.
Greece will always be known for its beaches—but places like MANNA Arcadia show that there’s magic in the mountains too. This wellness-focused, design-driven mountain hotel in Greece offers something rare: a true sense of stillness, authenticity, and escape.
Whether you’re craving rest, romance, or reconnection, MANNA will meet you where you are—and elevate the experience.
If you’d like your accommodation to be featured in Greek City Times, email me at Charlie@greekcitytimes.com