2 Best places to stay in Peloponnese

This dreamy 19th-century fortification has been beautifully restored into an exquisite 3-room micro-hotel.

Stone walls, low ceilings, stone staircases and tower rooms, giving that authentic castle flavour, complement luxury mod-cons and spellbinding, unobstructed sea and mountain views. An intimate restaurant serves superb Greek specialities using locally-sourced ingredients.

It’s only open from May to October.

In the shadow of the abandoned 13th-century town of Mystras, Greece’s answer to Pompeii, this ‘wellbeing destination spa hotel’ has been built around a centuries-old, honey-stoned mansion, which houses the resort’s top suites, the 4th-floor carved spa, the GAIA restaurant, a library and chill-out lounges. Atmospheric alleyways and landscaped courtyards link this hub to two new accommodation blocks, alongside a refectory-style restaurant and sun-trap terrace.

There are memorable (and strenuous) mountain hikes and day trips to ancient sites such as Olympia and Monemvasia but most guests never stray far from the striking contemporary spa complex, carved 25 metres into a private pine forest. Its four floors are home to a state-of-the-art gym, medical consultation rooms for full-body health checks and spa treatment rooms that offer a cathedral-like calm.

The stunning outdoor infinity pool looks across the wide open plain of Sparta, to mountain peaks far beyond. Take morning yoga on the deck, overlooking this UNESCO heritage landscape.