If you've always wanted to take some time off in the middle of nature next to a small Greek village, you`re going to love Abeliona Retreat with its organic restaurant, lying peacefully in the mountainous heart of the Peloponnese.

Surrounded by chestnut trees in the village of Abelionas at an altitude of 833 meters, this wood and stone-built guesthouse will win you over with its traditional architecture, warm hospitality and exceptional cuisine.

An organic country feast

In addition to organic fruits and vegetables, the Abeliona Retreat kitchen uses free-range organic eggs right from its very own chicken coop. In fact, the retreat continues the free-range and organic traditions that this mountainous area has known and practiced for centuries. The Peloponnese, after all, is rich with nature's goodness, from the delicious oranges of nearby Lakonia to the famous Corinth raisins and Kalamata olives. You'll also be impressed by the extra-virgin organic olive oil and local aromatic herbs grown on the property that are all used in the Guesthouse's delicious dishes, served with organic wine from the region of course.

The concept of healthy, wholesome food starts at breakfast with organic honey, eggs, fruit and baked goodies, along with mouthwatering cheeses, homemade jams and savory pies. On the lunch and dinner menu are mouthwatering dishes such as pumpkin soup with sage and coriander, mint-feta pie, fried zucchini balls with walnut sauce, chicken or lamb with aromatic herbs, battered cod with garlic dip, and organic country omelet. You'll definitely want to end your meal with the syrupy orange cake or spiced walnut cake, along with some select mountain tea.

Crossroads of nature and history

Beyond the walls of the Abeliona Retreat, the whole mountainside is your garden, complete with hiking paths, picturesque villages and historic attractions. A short drive away is the historic site of Bassae with its unique Greek temple of Apollo Epicurius from the 5th century BC. Apollo was a healing god, and it's easy to see how the spirit of this place has a magical healing quality. Also close and from more recent times is the captivating village of Andritsena, one of Greece's most gorgeous with its traditional coffee houses, pastry shops, old stone mansions, cobblestone streets and famous spring in the main square.

In the meantime, outdoor lovers will embrace the area for all its adventure possibilities such as hiking, biking, mountain climbing and rafting, especially in the vicinity of the Neda River not far off. Day tours will take you to the famous site of Olympia and even to the beach of Kyparissi for a change of scenery.

Comfort for the soul

At the end of the day you'll be happy to return back to the charm of the Abeliona Retreat and its spacious yet cozy rooms. First-grade toiletries and slippers, as well as excellent bedding and a fireplace add to the comforts of this place. It's worth mentioning that Abeliona Retreat is really ideal to disconnect from work and city life, take a spiritual break and do some meaningful soul searching in a paradise-like environment. This is a unique retreat in many ways, one that will grow on you quickly.