Tainaron Blue Retreat

Legend has it that the entrance to the home of Hades, god of the underworld, could be found in a cave at Cape Tainaron, not far from Tainaron Blue Retreat. For a location associated with the underworld, this is a pretty idyllic spot: perfectly positioned at the southernmost point of the Greek mainland, undiscovered by the tourist crowds, boasting spectacular sea views to match any Aegean island (fittingly, it’s also said to have been home to a temple to Poseidon, god of the sea). Housed in a centuries-old tower that was designed to keep intruders out, the fully restored guesthouse now welcomes visitors from around the globe, but not too many of them — there are just three suites, one at the base of the tower, another in its upper section, and a third in the adjoining tower house.

This restoration wasn’t an easy undertaking, but it was done right. The guestrooms showcase stone walls, wooden balconies extruding from the stone façade, ladders that lead to in-suite lofts, and — because this is a 21st-century luxury hotel and no longer a 19th-century watchtower — an infinity pool with views you simply have to see to believe. Presumably invaders from the underworld are no longer the primary concern.

This region of Greece is known as Mani, and it’s made up of a number of small villages that include about 800 stone towers, known as xemonia, in the same imposing style as the Tainaron Blue Retreat. In a part of the world known for its cuisine, Mani stands out: It’s home to arguably the best olive oil in the world and, among other delicacies, salted pork known as siglino. Sample it all without leaving the hotel in the Tainaron Blue’s intimate, guests-only restaurant that serves authentic Maniot cuisine. Take your meals, including the complimentary breakfast, on the poolside patio or the tower’s veranda: either way, you’re guaranteed a view you won’t soon forget. If this is the underworld, well, it doesn’t sound so bad.

Please note: Tainaron Blue Retreat is a seasonal hotel and accepts reservations between May 1 and October 31.

How to get there: Tainaron Blue Retreat is 2.5 hours by car from Kalamata Airport via A71.