Yayaki

There are many reasons to be enchanted by the small Greek island of Spetses in the Saronic Gulf: The turquoise sea that contrasts with the lush green of the pine forests, the delicate aroma that often floats in the air on the “island of scents” thanks to the multitude of herbs, fig and citrus trees that grow here, the slower pace of life that still maintains a certain cosmopolitan flair or because it is (almost) car-free and only mopeds are allowed. But perhaps top of the list comes this small boutique hotel with fifteen individually decorated rooms, where every stay always feels too short, no matter how long it is you stay. Hannah and Karl Hindi, the lovely hosts with Lebanese-French and Greek-German roots, have fulfilled their personal dream here after a hectic life in London and Paris. Sustainable materials from the region, natural Mediterranean tones and minimalist interiors were used in the renovation of the two traditional buildings. The whitewashed houses with dark shutters opened their doors to guests in spring 2021. Staying here almost feels like spending your days in a summer retreat with friends. The atmosphere is casual and informal and it’s entirely possible to day-dream the entire day away. Mornings start with an indulgent breakfast of chia pudding, fig tart and fresh pancakes. Follow this up with a few hours by the spacious pool on perhaps the most comfortable outdoor loungers in the world and then drift over for a homemade hibiscus iced tea and a good read in the shade or a little yoga session. You can round things off in the evening with cheese and wine, preferably outside under the pergola. When asked “What did you do today?”, the blissful answer is: “We were busy with nothing, we were just being.” There’s really no better answer when you’re on vacation!

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• Each room has its own character. What they have in common is the tasteful combination of modern and traditional elements, vintage pieces, paintings by international artists and treasures from Athens’ flea markets.
• The vegetarian breakfast, served in the shade of the pergola, is homemade and made from organic, regional and seasonal produce.
• Hannah and Karl got married on Spetses, love their island and are committed to preserving its beauty. They pay particular attention to sustainability when developing the menu, decorating the rooms and selecting suppliers.
• Yayaki means something like “grandmother”. The owners wanted the hotel to recreate the feeling of comfort and welcome they felt when they visited the homes of their grandmothers. It works extremely well!
• The successful combination of a stylish luxury boutique hotel and the warm atmosphere of a family guesthouse
• Spending lazy hours in the lush pink and rose bougainvillea-filled courtyard with pool, a real rival to a day at your favorite beach
• The carefully selected details such as particularly cozy Cocomat mattresses made from natural materials and Olive Era care products made from organic Greek olive oil
• The fully equipped yoga studio with mats, straps and cushions. Courses such as Pilates, fitness, meditation and dance with professional trainers are also hosted in the simple and beautiful room. Treatments such as massages and acupuncture can also be booked.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The property is divided into two buildings: The main house, where most of the rooms and suites are located, and a smaller one with a library and open kitchen, where vegan cooking classes are held from time to time.
• Each room is equipped with air conditioning, desk, flat-screen TV, WiFi, kettle, fridge, bed linen, towels and bath towels.
• Children are welcome; baby beds can be provided on request.
• Do you have any special requests? Every effort is made to fulfill them. Yayaki offers a concierge service.
• The best way to explore the island is on foot, by horse-drawn carriage, bicycle or scooter. There’s plenty to discover: Beautiful beaches and hidden bays, the Bekiri stalactite grotto or the underwater temple of Apollon. We also recommend a tour on a traditional fishing boat!
• The hotel is within walking distance of the pretty harbor and the Bouboulina Museum, which tells the story of the island’s history.
• If you want to spend the day at the hotel, you can choose to eat from a small menu including Greek classics or Asian specialties such as dim sum or moshi, sweet rice cakes from Japan.
• Whether it’s a family reunion, wedding or birthday party, the hotel can also be booked in its entirety for events, accommodating 36 guests in total.
• The nearest airport is Athens, a good 200 kilometers away. The main ports from which ferries depart for Spetses are Piraeus and Porto Heli.
• The minimum stay is three nights.