The Offbeat Goat Collection
Verina Astra
Sifnos, Greece
A splurge-worthy cluster of Cycladic-chic villas nestled on a hilltop overlooking the Aegean
Built in traditional Cycladic style, Verina Astra’s stone villas are unique and rich in natural materials and textures: thatched cane roofs, exposed stone, brushed concrete, distressed wood, and flagstone floors. Rooms are all about understated elegance in muted palettes of oatmeal, soft grays, creamy whites, and copper greens.
Décor consists of bleached wood ladders draped in soft Turkish towels, upcycled driftwood light fixtures, handpicked lavender, and locally-made pottery. Each cubed villa is surrounded by flagstone terraces lined with lavender, thyme, wild grasses, and lovely thatched awnings perfect for afternoon chilling — unpretentious luxury at its best.
“Enjoy our delicious dishes prepared with seasonal, fresh ingredients, primarily supplied by local producers. Successfully blending ancestral traditions with a fresh approach to the Mediterranean cuisine, our cooking will never cease to surprise you.”
—Verina Astra
the look.
Rooms are delightfully understated and pared-back, blending whitewashed walls, clean lines, and a sprinkle of homey accents. Light-filled interiors are thoughtfully designed with muted earthy hues and all things natural. Plush beds draped in crisp white linens and smothered in pillows look out onto private verandahs overlooking the sparkling Aegean. Sleek bathrooms are styled with brushed concrete, exposed stone, and modern fixtures. Thoughtful touches like handpicked lavender, natural woven baskets, hand-painted ceramics, organic soaps, and scented candles bring a delightful local touch to the space.
the experience.
local life
Visit the two charming towns of Artemonas and Apollonia. Be sure to check out the small family-run sweet shop in Artemonas called Theodorou’s Sweet Shop (don’t miss the amydalota, a heavenly almond cookie rolled in sugar).
access to good eats
Delight in farm-to-table breakfasts of freshly baked loaves of bread, creamy yogurts, and fresh fruits on your own private verandah. There are also plenty of delightful restaurants nearby. For an intimate dinner, try the inner courtyard of Cafe Mosaico (a family-run ouzeri in Artemonis). Other recommendations include Manolis Restaurant (near Vathi), Drakakis Cafe (an old-time cafe in Apollonia), Exambela (a beachy taverna), or Botzi 93 (a charming late-night bar in Apollonia).
trails
Venture down one of the many goat trails connecting the hotel with the surrounding villages.
chill time
Lounge poolside with spectacular views of the Aegean.
Eco-design
Verina Astra was built using locally sourced stones and materials.
Community-driven
A strong supporter of local artists and artisans on the island of Sifnos.
Culinary sustainability
Organically grown produce and ingredients are sourced from their private garden or locally sourced from the island. Seasonal only. All meats are sourced from local farms on the island.
Waste, water, and energy management
Verina is committed to limiting its use of plastic, encourages its guests to use canvas bags, and ensures all bath products are in refillable bottles. The hotel also harvests rainwater in tanks.
the impact.
at a glance.
$$-$$$
good to know
16 rooms (including 11 suites). Children > 8 are welcome. Operates from Apr 26 to Oct 31.
location
Poulati (just a short seaside walk to the Kastro and less than a mile from the town of Artemonas).
*Photos courtesy of: Verina Astra Hotel
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