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from Sleeper 99
Rose Murray
Having transformed an 800-year-old farmhouse in Italy’s Piedmont wine region into an escapist 12-bed retreat, the Director of These White Walls takes a fantasy break to a private Ionian island, where a forested haven awaits.
Where are you?
A private island in Greece’s Ionian Sea; it’s a forested haven with sandy beaches, hidden coves and crumbling ruins that cascade down the cliffside towards the turquoise waters.
How did you get there?
We wended our way there, mostly under sail on our Hallberg-Rassy, picking up a motley crew along the way.
Who is at the concierge desk on arrival?
A Wes Anderson-style Monsieur Gustave character for a dash of old-school service.
Who are you sharing your room with?
Officially, my partner. Unofficially, our Airedale pup, and at some point during our stay my coven of girlfriends come crashing in bringing a beautiful chaos.
Is there anything you would like waiting for you in your room?
A chilled bottle of Dom Perignon, a bowl of plump medjool dates, a pillow menu and a tonne of bath salts please.
NOTABLE HOSPITALITY PROJECTS Nordelaia, Italy; Hide, London www.thesewhitewalls.com
Describe the hotel, your room and the view...
The architecture is unfussy, comprising a cluster of classic low-rise, white-washed villas hidden between the trees, with shuttered windows that open out onto views of the water. Materials are earth-toned to blend seamlessly with the surroundings, while bright bougainvillea add bursts of colour all over the walls. Each object placed within the interior has been lovingly, locally crafted – I just wish I could take it all home with me.
Who designed it?
Carlo Scarpa and Eileen Gray got together and sketched their design out on a napkin.
What’s the restaurant and bar like?
It’s a humble taverna set back from the beach with a colourful, floral garden and tables that spill-out onto the sand. Our preferred spot is at the end of the jetty that juts out over the water – candle-lit by night, of course.
Who’s manning the stoves?
I cannot tell you his name, but the chef who masterfully made that sweet, tart green apple sorbet that tasted like heaven in a tiny restaurant in Lucca on our family trip to Tuscany when I was 18. The memory of that dish still makes me drool all these years later.
And what’s on the menu?
Local seasonal specialities, freshly-caught fish and a hot plate of Saganaki cheese drizzled with Greek honey.
Would you like something to drink with that?
I’ll go for a glass of local wine and ask the sommelier to surprise me.
What’s in the mini-bar for a night cap?
A naughty Negroni mix.
What’s on your nightstand at bedtime?
A bespoke scented candle that fills the room with a heady perfume to soothe me into a deep dreamy sleep whilst I listen to the waves lapping against the shore outside.
What’s your essential travel companion?
Pocket books of poetry are my favourite travel companion, a well-thumbed favourite being David Whyte’s Essentials. And some cashmere socks to put on whilst reading.
Would you like a newspaper or magazine in the morning?
A stack of newspapers stuffed with supplements that I can spread over the bed and spend the morning sprawled over.
What toiletries would you like to freshen-up?
A spritz of chilled High Vibes reiki mist, featuring rose, frankincense and Palo Santo.
Bath or power shower?
Both – a bath in the guestroom and an outdoor shower with a view.
Swimming pool, spa or gym?
The bottomless blue sea is all I need.
