La Maltese
A contemporary Greek villa offers spacious serenity.
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Sharephotos by: WIMCO.com
May 1, 2006
Mythology has it that God distributed all of the available soil in the world using a sieve. After creating the continents, he tossed the remaining stones over his shoulder to make Greece. Comprising more than 2,000 islands and bordering the Ionian, Mediterranean and Aegean seas, the country has long been a haven for sun worshippers. The island of Santorini, tucked within the Aegean Islands in the eastern region, is remarkable for its history and authentic Greek atmosphere. While islands like Mykonos are infamous for their nightlife and dense tourism, Santorini is renowned for some of the best sunsets in the world (viewable from its many peaks), along with its superb restaurants and local wine. Explorations of the sunny isle are most enjoyed when you can retire to a private villa at the end of each day.
An entrance to the villa, which was
originally built as a captain’s mansion. (Click image to enlarge)The older, more authentic residences of Santorini were built on hilltops overlooking the sea so pirate ships could be easily spotted. The more modern developments, often criticized for their lack of character, have been built seaside. Just 15 minutes from the beach, La Maltese Estate rests high above sea level and overlooks the quaint village of Imerovigli. Views from the 2,700 square feet of verandas extend to the picturesque beaches and the caldera—formed by a volcanic eruption in 1450 B.C. that blew out the island’s center (the same eruption that originated the legend of the lost continent of Atlantis). You can also witness the still-active volcano from many of the verandas.
The eight-bedroom villa (priced from $22,610 to $30,590 per week) accommodates up to 16 guests and is equipped with spa facilities, including an indoor Jacuzzi, hammam, sauna and jet showers, as well as treatment spaces for massages and facials, which can be arranged through Wimco, the property’s management company. “We’ve been doing this for 21 years, so we have a deep understanding of the rental business and know how to provide hotel-style amenities,” says Janis Gordon, vice president of marketing at Wimco, which added La Maltese Estate to its wide selection of rentals last year. “This is an especially unique property. Santorini is in high demand, and it is rare to find a villa of this size with so much privacy in a location like this.”
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In addition to booking the villa and offering 24-hour concierge service, Wimco can arrange everything from domestic help and child care to yacht charters and transportation, both to and from the island. “Arranging travel throughout the Greek islands can be a lot of work, but because we have firsthand knowledge, we can take care of everything,” explains Gordon. “But most people don’t worry too much about how to get home.”
Wimco
800.449.1553
www.wimco.com
