Father and son Grigoris and Denis Leontis have built a most prestigious hotel resort above Krios Bay, now in its fourth successful year of operation.
Paros Life readers may already be familiar with the location of the Hotel Paros Agnanti as one of the major venues for cultural events in recent years (with performances by the Camerata Polyzoides in 2005 and by mezzo-soprano and flutist Barrett Cobb, pianist Lloyd Arriola, and singers from the Aegean Center for the Fine Arts, and an exhibition by artist Maria Stini in 2004).
But perhaps some of the other unique facilities at Agnanti (which means “seen from afar”) are not yet so well known.
This meeting point of natural beauty, tradition and civilisation is in perfect harmony with the Cycladic landscape, respecting traditional architecture and the environment. The hotel is a source of hospitality, the good life, a natural, luxurious creation for those who seek privacy with a cosmopolitan touch. It is situated on a 20 acre plot with an unbroken view across the Bay of Paroikia to the main town, to the beach of Krios and to the endless blue Aegean.
Hundreds of rosebushes, bougainvillea, palm trees, olive trees, grapevines, and other fruit trees, shrubs and flowers, as well as a organic herb and vegetable patch, have converted a rocky piece of hillside into a garden paradise.
THE GOURMET RESTAURANT
The ultimate asset to the restaurant is this year’s young gourmet chef, the well-known and much appreciated Iannis Barbaris who will spoil you with his creative International and Greek cuisine.
Iannis has worked in a number of fine restaurants in Greece and other European countries and his catchphrase is “slow food”, which means that each meal is prepared with love and with great attention to detail. Though this might mean that you have to wait a little, be consoled... leisurely dining in the most elegant of surroundings is not much of a hardship and the wait will certainly be made worth your while!
All the ingredients used in Ianni’s kitchen are of the highest quality with fresh, organically-grown produce from the Agnanti’s own gardens or from local farmers. Selected rare and exotic spices from Asia and Africa are added to modified traditional Greek-based recipes, as well as to the chef’s own new creations: a feast for the eyes and the exquisite taste of the connoisseur palate will ensure your dining experience is uniquely sensual.
THE CONFERENCE CENTRE
The 250-seat conference centre “Athina” which will host this summer’s “Paros Classical Music Festival” (see programme below) offers the possibility to host business and scientific meetings, product presentations and a variety of cultural activities. The modern equipment and facilities include a stage for theatrical or musical performances, an excellent audio-visual system, internet and fax facilities, two translation booths, microphone console and speakers, overhead and slide projectors, special lighting effects for shows, a central air-conditioning unit, restrooms, a cafeteria and an exhibition area which will display the works of various artists during the season. The “Athina” centre will also host an international conference on “Modern Mathematical Methods in Science & Technology” from 7-9 September with speakers from around the world (see http://applied.math.uoa.gr/m3st.html for further information).
THE HOTEL
Four apartment complexes on the hills above the sea are joined together with 900m2 of common-use areas, with all amenities for guests: very large verandas, two swimming pools (with whirlpool, waterfall, a natural cave and pool bar), tennis and basketball courts, table tennis, a children’s playground, parking spaces, two lifts, a barbecue area and a private chapel – ideal for weddings and christenings – just about everything that could contribute to a unique holiday.
The spacious hotel lounge offers satellite TV and internet access as well as an insight into Greek history and culture through a collection of magnificent books. And in the grounds of the hotel, you can admire and enjoy thirteen marble and bronze sculptures of the renowned Paros-based artist Gyp Mills, which will be on display throughout the summer.
Extra care was given to the decoration of the rooms and suites, each in a different style, combining antiques with Cycladic elements and offering all the luxuries of the modern world, including a number of telescopes for star gazing at those incomparable Paros night skies! There are rooms accommodating the physically challenged with easy access to the lobby and restaurant, and a paved road to the beach is currently under construction for the convenience of guests.
Last, but by no means least, is the extraordinary effort by Mr Grigoris and Young Denis to ensure that each and every guest is received with warmth and hospitality. Everyone is treated with special attention and no-one leaves the hotel without a small souvenir gift.
The Agnanti needs to be experienced from close up as well as from afar! For more details about the Hotel Paros Agnanti see www.parosagnanti.gr or contact Mr Grigoris or Denis Leontis on tel/fax: 22840-25106-7, 23205-6.
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Samples of some beautiful wild flowers of this Greek Island.
Cooking recipes from Alice Meyer-Wallace's Cookbook.
Mary Godfrey's humourous illustrations of life in Paros Island.
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