Blue Seas villa Your home on the Peloponnese. A land of legends, literature and rugged beauty.
3
INTRODUCTION
4
ABOUT THE VILLA
7
THE VILLAGE
8 PAINTING SITES
10
THE PELOPONNESE
11
EXCURSIONS
15
CALENDAR OF AVAILABILITY
16
PACKAGES AND PRICING
18
ABOUT THE HOSTS
INFO@BLUESEASVILLA.COM
BLUESEASVILLA.COM
+1.305.215.0923
lead a retreat in a remote re gion named one of Lonely Planet’s
“Best Pl ace to Visit i n Europe.” — Lonely Planet
Blue Seas Villa provides immersive, educational and cultural experiences tailored to creatives who are looking to host workshop retreats and small group travel in Greece. We are located in Monemvasia, at the small seaside village of Plytra, better known as the Ancient town of Asopos. You can spend days painting and photographing our mountains, Blue Flag award-winning beach, neighboring islands, vineyards, olive groves, and 360° views of the Aegean Sea from Xili mountain. Come join us for a week and enjoy life at a Grecian pace. We’ll take care of the rest.
© George Panagakos
about The villa Your host, George Panagakos, and family, have owned this vacation property for over 100 years. There are 2 homes on the compound: the Villa, or “The Big House,” built by George’s father, Dr. Panos Panagakos and “The Cottage,” which was built by George’s grandparents in 1910. The Big House is the Doctor’s legacy to his family, while The Cottage is a charming, traditional Greek sea-side vacation home. Blue Seas Villa is a 5,600 Sq. Ft (520 m²), three-story home with 6 Bedrooms, 3 baths, and open, airy living spaces. The home also features a library, full-size kitchen, breakfast patio, two large recreation and studio workspaces, and expansive outdoor terraces with views of the Aegean Sea, Xili Mountain and Bay, and the ruins of Ancient Asopos.
Entrance and Dining areas
© George Panagakos
Instructor accommodations We host instructors and experts in The Cottage, a traditional village home with thick stone walls, high windows, and handmade wood doors and furniture, 2 beds and 1.5 baths. There is plenty of land around the home. Feel free to hold sessions where ever you see fit. There is a view and a different subject to paint everywhere you turn. NEAT FACT: The Cottage was the first in the area to get a modern commode! And, it still works well even after the Germans bombed it during the occupation in World War II.
For more photos of the villa, visit blueseasvilla.com.
Š George Panagakos
Library
Entrance of The Cottage
Villa Living Room
Guest Room
About our village Plytra is a charming sea-side village, and one of Greece’s best-kept destination secrets. In walking distance from the Villa, there are restaurants/taverns, a mini-mart with ample necessities, several beaches, and inspiring scenery. You might meet the neighbors, as sheep and goats also like making the occasional appearance in the yard. Modern-day Plytra is also the site of Ancient Asopos, whose founding period is pre-historic. It was a prosperous port city until 365 BC when a strong earthquake sank the town into Xili Bay. You can walk from the Villa down to the ruins via the back roads. On land, there are tombs, at least two bathhouses, reservoirs and mosaic floors made from locally excavated marble. Underwater, there is even more of the city which you can see by snorkeling. Once you visit us, it is easy to see why Greeks choose Plytra as their summer home.
Asopitan Beach in Plytra Š George Panagakos
Painting and photo graphy sites in the village
Type to enter textAbout Plytra
The Venetsanaki House - This picturesque structure on the edge of the bay was the first house built-in Plytra, and it was almost purchased by the Panagakos family! It is a favorite site among visitors and, has become a mascot of sorts, of the village. Local legend says that the house once hosted Theodoros Kolokotronis, the pre-eminent leader of the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire. This is a 10 minute walk from Blue Seas Villa.
The Dock — In the early morning, the local fishermen come in with their daily catch. These old wooden boats lined up along the dock and the colorful nets spread out drying in the sun make for a fascinating subject.
Ancient Asopos — The ruins contain tombs, at least two bathhouses, reservoirs and mosaic floors made from locally excavated marble. The view of the Aegean Sea with mountains in the distance is spectacular.
Asopitan Plaz - A spectacular Blue Flag award-winning beach with picture-book turquoise water. From here, you have a full view of Xili Mountain with classic Mediterranean structures lining the road. There is a beach club, a cafe that serves food and wonderful coffee, bathroom facilities, and umbrellas.
Paralia Plytra - This is the smaller beach central to the
village. It is next to a tavern, which serves up delicious food and where you can see many of the local characters having lunch or enjoying a frappĂŠ.
The Olive Groves - The unique character of olive trees has inspired works by Sargent, Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, and Dali. With trees as old as 1,000 years, just minutes from the Villa, you are sure to find inspiration and awe.
View from Papadianika, fifteen minutes from Plytra
the Peloponnese This is the where the Olympian gods played, where Spartans battled, and where the epic poet Homer found the inspiration for his tales, The Odyssey and The Iliad. The romance of country life comes alive in the Peloponnese. Kalamata olive groves line the mountainsides and citrus groves color the valleys. From quaint villages with immense character to grand celebrations of the olive harvest and Saint’s days, there is no doubt you will leave a part of your heart here. Add the award-winning beaches, the historic churches and castles, sun-filled days, warm and hospitable people, diverse topography, and you have the perfect place for an artistic and soul-fulfilling retreat.
Taygetos Mountain Peak
Spring waterfalls in Plytra countryside
© George Panagakos
Elafonisos - 40 min by car and a 10 minute ferry ride. We recommend you visit Elafonisos on an “off day.” Simos Beach has been included on lists of the World’s Best Beaches with its golden sands and dazzling turquoise waters. When you return after a long day at the beach, join us on the verandas in the evening for socializing over local wine, ouzo, mezé, and traditional Greek hospitality. To see the beauty of Elafonisos, click here.
Excursions Monemvasia - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, 30 minutes from Blue Seas Villa. After you walk through the archway of carved stone, you enter a magical, pedestrianonly medieval town best characterized by cobblestone streets, Venetian style mansions, multiple Byzantine churches, and the famed 12th century Agia Sophia Church. Dramatic lighting at Golden Hour washes the buildings in soft, warm light, turning the stones lavender, earning this fairy tale fortress the nickname “Violet City.” Monemvasia is the perfect place for late afternoon painting and photography sessions, leaving time for exploration in the morning, a hike to the summit to see Agia Sophia church and boutique shopping in the afternoon. Click here to see a video, courtesy of Visit Greece.
Typical passage ways of MonemvasiaI
© George Panagakos
Sparta and Mystras - A UNESCO World Heritage site. 1 hour and 30 minutes (+/-) from Blue Seas Villa.
On this early morning tour, we go to the city of Mystras, which sits on the steep slopes of Mount Taygetus, towering over the Laconian plain. The ruins transport you into the well-preserved remains of a city and castle where the last Byzantine Emperor was crowned. Moderate stair climbing leads you through endless archways, seven churches (one with a lovely garden and still occupied by nuns). After touring and creating, we go into Sparta for lunch and a one-hour tour of the Museum of the Olive and Olive Oil, or the Museum of Archeology. Watch this video for a better sense of its grandeur.
Geraki Village and Castle - Just 1 hour away from Plytra lies
what is known as “Little Mystras,” a medieval castle in the foothills of Parnonas Mountain. There is evidence of civilization here that dates as far back as 1800 BC. Geraki Castle is a gem that we would likely have to ourselves from 8 am until closing time at 3 pm. We can also paint the beautiful Assumption of the Virgin Church, built-in 1702. Click here to see images.
Gythio - We drive an hour east and head to the main port of
Ancient Sparta. It is a town rich in history, and the capitol of the Mani Peninsula. According to ancient Greek mythology, Heracles and Apollo were the founders of Gythio. Other legends tell of Helen of Sparta and Paris of Troy spending their first night together here. Our morning painting session is with beautiful fishing boats and sailboats lined up along the harbor.
Mystras, Pantanassa's Monastery Photo by Damien Entwistle, Flickr
Diros Cave - 1.5 hours by car. We journey south towards the Entrance to Hades for a trip to the underworld. Diros is ranked in the top 3 caves in the world with its unique stalagmites and stalactites. On this 40-minute boat tour, we go through passages and galleries with glimmering formations. Bring a bathing suit and take a dip at the white pebble beach, or simply get inspired to create a painting with the scenery. If time and weather allow, we will make a stop at the wreck, SS Dimitrios, a 67 meter (220 ft.) freight / modern pirate ship that rests on a beautiful stretch of sandy beach. You can also see the caves by clicking here.
SS Dimitrios
© George Panagakos
Nafplio
Located 2.5 hours from Blue Seas Villa and, one hour and forty minutes from Athens, Nafplio is considered to be one of the most romantic cities in Greece. Its beauty has to lead it to become the Mediterranean Yacht Show’s host city and port. As the perfect location for an overnight after your retreat with us, you’ll see that artistic opportunities abound on the Venetian streets of the Old Town, the boardwalk, and from the Palamidi Castle. Start at Syntagma Square and follow Megalos Dromos (the Great Road) to see Neo-classical buildings, cafés, and lush bougainvillea. You may also want to indulge in the excellent shopping opportunities here with local artisans and vendors.
availability Please note, we have a short gap between tours for property maintenance. Our lawn mowers have four legs, say “baaaahhhhhh,” and sometimes they don’t show up.
2020 September September 1st to September 14th September 20th to September 30th
October October 4th to October 18th
November November 1st to November 14th
2021 End-of-April, all May, June, July, September, October, November.
Seasonal Notes The landscape can vary greatly in Greece during different seasons. In the spring, wildflowers fill the valleys and mountains. In summer, Greece is rugged and masculine, with hot, dry weather. Summer lasts through September, and in late October the Olive Harvest begins and lasts through November. Click here for more details on weather.
What’s included The below represents our standard 7 night | 8 day program. 10 and 14 day programs are also available. All food is locally sourced and meal variety is seasonally based. Lunch and dinners are catered with our tavern and chef. Transportation and Excursions: • Arrival and Departure transfer to and from Athens or Nafplio. • Transportation to excursions, with an English speaking local driver and guide. • Up to 3 painting excursions and 1 beach excursion to Elafonisos Island. • Museum entrance and permit fees for archeological sites. Meals: • A Welcome Orientation and a light Greek dinner of mezé and local wine in the evening. • Daily Greek breakfast: Coffee, herbal mountain tea, juice, village bread, pastries, local yogurt, local honey, fresh fruit and homemade jams, feta cheese, and a Greek-style egg dish. • Daily Lunch: We offer packed lunches for trips to remote locations, tavern lunches on excursions and buffet lunch at the Villa. • Most Dinners. • A mid-week Social at the Villa with mezé and local wine. • A traditional Greek, 5-course, family-style dinner and wine on your departure night. • Fresh fruit and healthy snacks throughout at the Villa.
Accommodations We are a mostly “unplugged” property. There is Wifi available to connect to the outside world, but there are no TV’s in the house. Room appointments are simple and spacious, with new mattresses and soft sheets, and full climate control. Each room has outdoor access.
Shared Bedroom with 2 single beds | “Titika’s Room” This is a larger room, with plenty of space to move around comfortably. It is on the wing of the Villa, with direct terrace access.
Private Bedrooms | “Mitros’ Room” and “Anya’s Room” Both have queen sized beds and direct access to the terrace. The windows face the mountain, and when the door’s window is open, you have the Aegean Sea and wonderful cross breezes.
Private Bedroom with Shared Balcony | “Giorgo’s Room” This room has beautiful, large windows and it’s own fire place. It shares a large balcony with views of Xili Bay and the Aegean Sea.
Private Balcony Bedroom | “Dimitra’s Room” A large room located on the upper floor, the balcony faces Xili Bay.
Private Balcony Bedroom | “Panos’ Room” This is everyones favorite room, with access to 2 balconies. The smaller, private balcony faces the mountain and has views of the Aegean Sea. The shared balcony used to connect to Panos’ former office and faces Xili Bay.
FOR ACCOMMODATION PHOTOS VISIT BLUESEASVILLA.COM OR EMAIL US WITH QUESTIONS.
George Panagakos
About your Hosts
Violeta de la Serna
George grew up with summers in Plytra when the “Old House” was the only house. Those were the days when it took eight or ten hours to drive from Athens through the mountains, with nary a paved road in sight.
Violeta was bitten by the art and wanderlust bug at a young age. She studied Art History and Art Critique in Florence, Italy and has sold art in NY, Asia, Europe, and Australia.
George developed a career in commercial and Fine Art photography after minoring in Art with a concentration in Photography. He studied under the world-renowned Arno Minkkinen at the University of Massachusetts. For a time in his life, he also attended Eastern Orthodox Seminary, exploring the possibility of becoming a priest.
Upon her move back to the U.S. in 2012, she had the fortunate opportunity of working with both PleinAir Magazine and Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine. During that time, she had the privilege of working with, and learning from, many incredible artists who host workshops and run art schools around the world.
He is passionate about people, history, food, architecture, nature, the sea, the “student's mind" approach to life, and all things Greek.
When George was trying to get Violeta to fall in love, he took her to the Villa and they traveled the Peloponnese for a couple of weeks. It worked, she fell in love with painting all over again- and with George.
George is also an award-winning photographer and your guide on your excursions. He loves to drive in the mountains, make photographs, and show off the wonders of Greece.
She’ll be your co-host, concierge, and coordinator. In her spare time, she might join you or watch you paint, so she may learn a new technique or two.
“We look forward to sharing our passion for the region, the tradition of Greek hospitality, and the magic of the Peloponnese with you.” – G & V RESERVE TODAY AT BLUESEASVILLA.COM INFO@BLUESEASVILLA.COM 305.215.0923
617.818.4110
Blue Seas villa
RESERVE TODAY AT BLUESEASVILLA.COM INFO@BLUESEASVILLA.COM 305.215.0923
617.818.4110
