Medieval Castle Suites reception building

Medieval Castle Suites reception building

Medieval Castle Suites reception building Stylish accommodation Example suite interior Most suites have access to a courtyard The suites have practical little kitchenette units Example suite interior The suites stand amidst Mesta's traffic free lanes

Medieval Castle Suites

Chios, Samos, Ikaria and Fourni › Chios › Mesta

A unique hotel offering stylish accommodation created from several restored houses in the superbly preserved medieval village of Mesta.

Travellers wishing to not just witness, but to immerse themselves in the unique culture and heritage of southern Chios could wish for no more fitting base than these delightful suites. For centuries, life in this part of the island has revolved around the cultivation of mastic trees, and the mastichohoria - the mastic villages - were built by the island's Genoese rulers between the 14th and 16th centuries for the sole purpose of protecting the highly prized mastic gum from pirate raids. Inconspicuously sited away from the coast, and designed like fortresses with a single entrance gate and a labyrinthine layout to confuse any eventual intruders, these villages are living history, and none is better preserved than the most south-westerly, Mesta.

Yet in spite of the commendable conservation efforts, Mesta is by no means merely an open-air museum, but a small yet vibrant community, where in recent years the village elders have been joined by young professionals and creative types, drawn here by the very special character of the place. And nowadays holidaymakers can enjoy the village's unique charm too, thanks to the restoration and conversion of several of the old village houses into surprisingly luxurious guest accommodation. The Medieval Castle Suite comprise 20 guestrooms, scattered across Mesta's narrow lanes, so that a holiday here really feels like being part of the village, not like staying in a hotel (but with the provision of hotel-style services and amenities, such as daily maid service, fluffy bathrobes and slippers and quality toiletries in the en-suite shower rooms. Inevitably, all the rooms vary in terms of size and layout, but all combine contemporary chic with respect for the historic fabric of the buildings, retaining original features such as vaulted stone ceilings, exposed supporting beams and pretty alcoves. The level of comfort, however, is thoroughly up to date, and the choice of fabrics and artworks, together with well-designed lighting, adds a very stylish twist to the accommodation.

Amongst the concessions to 21st-century comfort are air-conditioning, satellite TV, CD and DVD players, hairdryers, telephones with modem ports and free internet access. Each suite also has a kitchenette unit with a two-ring hob and a small fridge/mini-bar, and each has access to a courtyard sitting area, in some cases shared between two suites. All the rooms are within a couple of minutes' walk from the village square with its taverna and cafés, and from the reception building where you can get advice on the local area and arrange car or bicycle hire. Similarly close but just outside the original village walls is the charming breakfast room, where your choice of cooked or continental breakfast is included in your holiday cost.

Those simply wishing to potter around the village, explore the local countryside on foot, relax in the picturesque square and dine in the handful of tavernas, will not require their own transport, but those keen to explore the island or visit the nearby beaches should take advantage of our reduced car hire rates. Please note however, that cars are not allowed inside the village centre, so you will need to park a few minutes' walk away (this should also be born in mind when packing for your holiday, as your driver will need to drop you off at the main village gate).

For a taste of real village life in historic surroundings, yet with a touch of comfort and style, Medieval Castle Suites are highly recommended.

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