Skinopi Lodge: Villa Levanda

Sensory Delights of Island Life

Facing Milos Bay and the endless blue Aegean, this holiday home in Greece offers the ultimate indoor-outdoor island experience, on a rugged cliff above the sea. Rising from the bluff in intersecting monolithic forms of stone, the home has a serene sense of belonging and Cycladic aesthetic that wouldn’t look out of place a thousand years ago. 

Modeled after the traditional fishermen’s houses, or Syrmatas, that still dot the island and the tiny village of Skinopi below, architects Kokkinou-Kourkoulas were inspired to accurately reflect the local culture with the plush comforts of modern life.

Part of a small complex of three eco-lodges that share a secluded stretch of the bluff, the villas can be reached down a dirt road and can be rented individually or together. Two of the villas are interconnected, but all have different orientation to secure privacy. They also have direct access to the sea and a private deck.

Minimalist and tactile, with floor-to-ceiling glass that open all the way out, you’ll want to throw open the doors and windows and drink in the sea breezes and enchanting views.

Set above the tiny fishing village of Skinopi with spectacular views of the Aegean and islands in the distance, this vacation home for rent in Greece was designed by Athens-based Kokkinou-Kourkoulas architects in subtle harmony with its rugged island landscape.   

Surrounded by olive trees and gardens of sage and thyme, the villa sits just above the water, offering mesmerizing views of the sea and boats passing by. The south facing home's all-in-one, open plan design features floor-to-ceiling glass and folding doors that open out to nature. 

Unwind in ultimate seclusion within the rugged stone and whitewashed walls of Cycladic cane, and a soothing palette of soft grey colors and pure linen draped furnishings. The clever outdoor kitchen is designed for al fresco cooking and dining with a table for two with indoor/outdoor showers for bathing under the stars.

The grounds were designed by landscape architect Ellie Pagalou with a subtle intervention that respects the native beauty. Relax to the sound of the sea, laze in the sun loungers and marvel at the sensory delights of island life. 

Additional features

Management is on call 24 hours a day. Breakfast basket delivered daily. Owners can arrange your transfers, car rentals, dinner reservations and private boat tours.  Wifi throughout, TV with DVD player with movie library on request, BOSE sound system, laundry facilities, Korres bath amenities. 

A 4x4 vehicle is recommended to get to the house via a dirt road. 

Around

One of the more overlooked islands in the Cycladic chain, Milos has nevertheless gone down in history as the founding site of the famous Venus de Milo now housed in the Louvre, and the fascinating ancient remains of civilization dating back thousands of years. 

Blasted out of the sea by a volcano, the principal crater forms one of the largest harbors in the Aegean at Adamas. The island has more than 70 beaches with many considered the best in the Aegean. Take a boat to get to the many secluded and inaccessible turquoise bays and caves at Kleftiko for an unparalelled experience.

Discover the remains of the ancient amphitheater that once held over 7,000 spectators, catacombs second only in historical significance to Rome's, and numerous hot springs praised by Hippocrates.

With a mining history dating back 11,000 years, there are haunting remnants from Obsidian, sulphur and mineral mining dotting the island. 

The port of Adamas is just a mile away on a dirt road with the nearby villages of Kilma, Plaka and Tripiti just a 10-minute drive.

The lovely pedestrian-only village of Plaka with labyrinthine cobbled streets, and its castle at the summit makes for a lazy day to wander, enjoy the tavernas, and admire the gorgeous views.

Location

Milos Island, Greece. Nearest airport: Milos (15 minutes)

Best time to visit

Year round