Meteora Harmony Guesthouse
DETOX IN PARADISE
perfect for a wellness inspired, detox trip in the rocky paradise of Meteora
“With steep rocks, sensational God-fearing, wild mushrooms and jaw-dropping views that grace a thousand postcards, Meteora sure makes a big impression, but there are rewards for those who venture off-radar. Beyond the monasteries and tourist hordes lies a magical mix of Greek and Asian culture — something you’ll see in surprise and an improving vacation scene & consuming ethics. ”
No one vacations in Meteora to get sustainable. A new holistic vacation package changes that.
The state of Meteora Harmony Guesthouse is dominated by barefoot luxury, sprawling ‘oms’, and making sustainable strides in Greece's tourism industry as a plastic-free accommodation also offering locally-sourced meals (on request).
How you can turn your own vacation in Meteora into a source for good and at the same time immerse yourself in eco-friendliness?
Meteora Harmony Guesthouse is addressed duly on millennial-minded travelers who will choose it for its Instagram-worthy elements but also any responsible travelers who want to opt for an accommodation dedicated to sustainability.
Formerly known as Holy Mustache, Dimitrios Kyriakoulis, and his now wife and partner, Katerina Gounari, underwent through major reformations before opening this guesthouse. Himslef, a previous vintage clothing maverick, now is asking tourists to join the family in a spiritual journey like-no-other during their stay. It’s a hand-on way of learning what exists behind the rocks and the monks, while he whisks guests from the bustling churches to the tranquil hiking routes of Meteora, which translates roughtly to “affection for the land,” as an adventure that’s the complete opposite of a day climbing the famous monasteries. Visitors are encouraged to also explore herbs and plants grown in the most seldom-visited parts of this region. This adventure can be turned into an authentic, locally-sourced food experience (alo prior to prearrangement). A true farm-to-table tasting and a home-cooked vegan meal made by lovely Katerina (we particularly cannot forget the taste of the lentil bolognese and the vegan halva we had). The aforementioned experiences are optional and open likewise to AirBnB guests and the public; however reservations are required for specific dates.
capture that modern (es)sense of Meteora
Meteora has never exactly been thought of as a cool destination. But Kalambaka — the tourist epicenter of Meteora’s most populous spot — is getting a much-needed dose of style.
Unlike its famous high-end (and much pricier) neighbors, e.g Zagorohoria, Meteora’s appeal lies in its newcomers’ hyper-local ethos. To that end, Meteora Hermony Guesthouse infuses the ethics of vegetarianism along with similar architectural and interior elements placed throughout the property; a setting that will draw in more than just AirBnB guests for the husband-and-wife and their baby daughter, Iris. What gives the project the most cred, though, is the collaboration with some of the most respected local artists and makers, all pulled together with an appropriately non-touristy theme.
“With a literally rocking view under the monasteries of Meteora, Harmony is resembling a Nat Geo television screen permanently tuned to nature wonders, a constant feeling of exhilaration. ”
Best for vegans
For more intel: Meteora Harmony Guesthouse
Here’s an off-strip take on accommodation in which rooms behold balmy interiors and lots of thoughtful touches include from plastic-free on-site experiences to yoga and massage classes.
Rooms: doubles from 65EUR.
THE LOCATION
Meteora Harmony Guesthouse is roughly a half-mile walk from the center of Kalambaka and it’s a point of pride — and a definite plus — is that lays under the holy rocks of Meteora, a mere 10-minute walk away from secret hiking paths. Meanwhile, the location feels like being a local in a relatively chilled-out neighborhood. Also, there is a park and a playground just on the other side of the road.
THE LAYOUT
The rooms are spread over a spacious ground floor, feeling at once vintage and modern. Pops of pastel color brighten a sophisticated palette of neutrals and reclaimed white, while evocative accents include Dalai Lama paraphernalia and stress-free catchers. Also incorporated into the intimate, chic design are locally based furniture-makers and artists, while the owners even have an alternate water offering for their much-appreciated guests, water jugs straight from the well, saying “no thanks” to single-use plastics for all-room amenities and on-site dining!
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER?
The upcoming year-round venture and a surefire winner for the lodge residents.
IF ONLY …
…we could relocate the house a bit off-the-grid. But it does bring that tellingly cool vibe to centrally-located and for that, we are more than grateful.
BOTTOM LINE
Act like an authentic hipster — they exist here too, we swear — at a price that doesn’t break the bank.
________ + ________ = ________
Health + Imagination = Love
