Kyrimai Hotel Yerolimin

Housed in a fully restored nineteenth century building complex, just off the southernmost tip of Mani, in rural Greece, Kyrimai Hotel combines traditional architecture with modern comfort.

Its rooms face Mani’s crystal-blue sea as well as its glorious landscape, while its one-of-a-kind menu embraces local elements that have stood the test of time, but with a modern twist. The complex that houses Kyrimai is elegantly built and restored according to the owners’ personal taste – but it also carries a long history.

Proudly standing on the port of Gerolimenas since the 1870s, the complex is rich in history, in archives and artifacts but also in the stories of the people that have stayed and worked in it through the decades. Visiting Kyrimai is like traversing its 140-year history.

Back to 1800
What is it that connects the island of Syros to Mani? Syros Industrial Museum and Gerolimenas? Gerolimenas and Marseilles? The answers can be found on a visit to Kyrimai Hotel, in the region of Mani.

It was there that, almost 150 years ago, Michael Katsimantis, a trader from Syros and Theodore Kyrimis, a trader and then serving mayor of Middle Mani, came up with an idea that would put Mani on the commercial map of what was then free Greece.

Maniot products were soon being shipped to and sold in the markets of Ermoupolis and Piraeus, while a variety of other products started finding their way to this, the southernmost tip of the Peloponnese.

Taking advantage of the development of trade that was going on throughout the region, Theodore Kyrimis soon started putting his powerful social position to good use, exporting the products of Mani to the whole of the Mediterranean. At one point, 70.000 live quail were being exported annually for consumption to Marseilles!

Fast forward to present
These days, the old store, the residence, the warehouse and the imposing tower have been restored and converted into a hotel run by the Kyrimis family. The name Kyrimai is derived from the Byzantine root of the Kyrimis surname, that is to say the biblical phrase “Kyrie imon” (our Lord).

The old wine storage room, with its impressive arch and antique safe, now forms the reception area. Next to it, the old wood storage room is home to numerous exhibits, mainly records and other documents as well as hundreds of old books, which were brought to light when these old buildings were cleared – a veritable treasure trove the perusal of which takes us back to the era of glory, commercial and otherwise, that Greece experienced in the late nineteenth century.

Meanwhile in the island of Syros, Michael Katsimantis’ old paint factory has been converted into an industrial museum under the aegis of Greece’s Ministry of Culture.

The buildings that now comprise Kyrimai hotel have been restored by the Kyrimis family with the utmost care and respect for tradition. The original materials, mainly stone and wood, have been used throughout and the whole process has been carried out in strict accordance with the architecture and measurements of the buildings.

The result is unique – a complex of stairways, arches and inner yards situated in an enviable position, on the edge the sea, with a breathtaking view of the natural Gerolimenas bay.

Sleep to the sound of the waves
As it has been built so close to the sea, Kyrimai offers its visitors a unique experience, in that they can be almost literally lulled by the waves that hit the shore right next to the hotel grounds.

The view of the crystal blue sea is a constant, while swimming in the Maniot sea is a joy you will not be likely to forget anytime soon. Its rooms combine traditional materials such as wood and stone, with modern, elegant furnishing, but also wonderful vistas of the surroundings.

Master Suite
Quite simply the best room in our historic hotel. Unique in every way, it has hosted a large number of both Greek and international personalities. It is ideal for couples that want to live a unique experience of the good life. The room seems to have been built right on the sea.

All its five large windows, as well as the small balcony that hangs just over the water, offer a unique view of the open sea and the breathtaking Cavo Grosso rock.

The bed seems to be hanging somewhere in the middle of the room, while the main area, with the luxurious sitting room and the fireplace, the wooden floors and the impressive roof, the top quality linen, the earthy colours, all add to the especially relaxing atmosphere.

Let the sounds of the sea take you somewhere far away. The size of the suite is 65 square metres, its indoor height is 6 metres and its distance from the sea is also 6 metres.

Loft Suite
The Loft suite is one of the most spacious rooms in our hotel, as it extends to an entire level of the building. The panoramic view from it’s little stone balcony can set your mind drifting. The room itself is very cosy, with luxurious furniture, a desk, a sofa and a dining table.

Its beautiful bathroom as well as its fireplace, the stone walls, the wooden floor and the wooden beams on the roof create an ambience of romance and relaxation.

The high-quality linen and fabrics in earthy colours add something unique to the place. The suite’s size is 40 square metres and its distance from the sea is 25 meters.

Junior Suite
The Junior Suite is a lovely, cosy room located at the highest spot of our hotel. The view is definitely its strong point, as the whole pelago spreads before it, along with the impressive Cavo Grosso rock.

Spacious independent room with wooden floors and ceiling , stone walls and a fireplace. Located at the highest level of the building is offering breathtaking view of the whole bay. A truly special room with a truly special ambience. Its size is 30 square meters and its distance from the sea is 30 meters.

Superior Sea View
Superior sea view are double rooms. All rooms share a large outer space/veranda with beautiful sea views and private sittings. They also share a veranda WiFi network. They are all comfortable and commodious.

Some of them come with Jacuzzi bathtubs, fireplaces for the cold winter days and DVD players. All share the same amenities as the two previous categories. All Superior rooms have been decorated with pastel colors.

The walls are made of stone while the floors and the ceilings are wooden. Two of our superior double rooms can host a third person while two other rooms can house up to four persons.

Premier
Premier double room is located around the hotel’s courtyard, in a complex of former warehouses that date back to the 19th century and that have been restored to house the six Classic double rooms plus the Premier one.

The Premier double room shares the same characteristics as the Classic ones, but comes with two extra sofa beds and can host up to four persons. The room is furnished with a double bed, an antique desk, an armchair, a flat screen TV, air conditioning, an electronic safe box, a mini bar and a hair dryer.

It has been carefully decorated with luxury furtniture and linen. The walls have been painted with earthy pastel colours, that give them a romantic touch.

It comes with ‘Cocomat’ pillows and mattresses, ‘Apivita’ cosmetic products, antique Italian floor tiles, stone walls and wooden ceilings. Although it has no sea view, it is located just a few metres away from both the pool and the sea.

Mani never tasted better
Our hotel’s menu is among the things that the Kyrimai team takes most pride in. Combining familiar, traditional tastes with a sense of innovation, our dishes aim to please the modern visitor, but also give him or her an authentic experience of Mani’s joys and culture.

Mani’s gastronomic history contains much more than one might think. There are still numerous aspects that are worth discovering and tasting.

Both the hillside and the seaside settlements, that had remained cut off from each other for years, developed their own special, autonomous gastronomic cultures, that effortlessly impress today’s visitor with their unexpectedly modern and unusual character.

That’s exactly the kind of character that we want to bring to light again. We believe that the only way to understand and appreciate the cuisine of such a special place is by following your instinct and your feelings. By discovering our own past we are able to offer new visitors culinary experiences unlike anything before.

Therefore, the Kyrimai chefs’ decision to readopt the Maniot sofra – the low, round table around which Maniot families used to prepare and eat their dinner – can only be the starting point of a continuing effort to bring out the region’s gastronomic uniqueness – so that Mani will taste better than ever.

Timeless Mani
The Kyrimai Hotel can be found just a few kilometers from the southernmost point of the Cape Tainaron, where the Ionian Sea meets the Aegean.

On the same latitude as southern Sicily and the straits of Gibraltar, it is a place of unusual beauty, with a unique cultural identity and its own, distinctive architectural style. While staying at Kyrimai, you can also visit some of these beautiful nearby destinations:

Sparta
You can visit the remains of the ancient city, such as the Acropolis and the theatre, but the modern city is also worth your time, what with sights such as its picturesque central square, the Archaeological museum, the Olive museum and the magnificent plain and mountains that spread around it.

Mystras
Visit the awe-inspiring ruins of an abandoned city that was built in the 13th century, on the east side of Mount Taiyetos.

Gytheion
A historic township and the foremost port of the Laconian gulf, known for its lighthouse as well as other historic sights. Tip: Enjoy a swim in Mavrovouni, then have some octopus and ouzo in Gytheion.

Monemvasia
A small township in the eastern Peloponnese, two hours drive from Kyriamai. It is famous for the beautiful byzantine castle that is built on an islet and that is still inhabited to its day. The stone castle is also known for its nightlife.

Kardamyli
A seaside village in Messinian Mani, renowned for its beautiful, verdant landscape, but also for its noteworthy architecture. An hour’s drive from Kyrimai – the route itself is unforgettable.

Neo Oitylo
A beautiful Maniot village, built on top of a hill, with a stunning view of the Limenio bay. Tip: swim at Karavostasi beach and try the fresh fish in one of its little taverns.

Diros Cave
The site actually consists of three different caves, 10km from the town of Gytheion. Within these caves runs a 1.6 km-long subterranean river, while the cave itself, with their stalagmites and stalactites and the stunning colors make for a unique experience.

Areopolis
A historic village in Eastern Mani, with a number of century-old churches and a bundle of wonderful traditional products. It is famous for being the starting point of the War of Independence, back in 1821.

Limeni
Areopolis’ harbor and home to the historic Mavromichalis family, whose famous tower can still be found there today. One of the most beautiful traditional villages of the region. Excellent for swimming and dining.

Vatheia
Quite possibly the most photographed of all Maniot villages, Vatheia is famous for its traditional architecture and the wonderful towers that stand in battle formation. The natural landscape that spreads around it is also awe-inspiring.

Marmari
One of Mani’s most beautiful seaside settlements, with great beaches and a charming natural landscape.

Porto Kagio
Mani’s southernmost natural port. Known since the age of Homer, it is a peaceful and picturesque spot, well worth visiting. Tip: take a swim, then try fish in the beautiful bay.

Tainaron / Paliros
Cape Tainaron, also known as Cavo Matapas, is the southernmost tip of continental Greece, known for its awesome beauty. In ancient times, it was said to be the site of the entrance to Hades. It was also the site of the eponymous sea battle of 1941.

Paliros is a picturesque village on the north side of the eponymous bay, just off the Tainaron cape. Tip: take a swim in the little inlet to the right of the ruined temple of Poseidon. Then try lunch at the local tavern.

Ano Boularioi – Peppo – Leontaki
Hiking along the famous paths that link these traditional villages is a unique experience.

Alika – Lagia – Kokkala – Nyfi – Kotronas
Get to know the traditional, picturesque side of Eastern Mani.

Stavri – Aghia Kyriaki
Walk along the traditional path to Tigani (Greek for frying-pan) point and enjoy the view from the top of the rock, close to the ruins of a Byzantine Church.

Kippoula – Charouda – Erimos
Kippoula is among Mani’s oldest settlements. Charouda is renowned for the paleo-christian temple of Sotiras (The Saviour) and the 11th century temple of Taxiarchis, with its unusual yet impressive architecture. Erimos is also known for its Byzantine church. All three settlements are charming and picturesque.

Almyros
Take a swim in the cool waters and relax in the cave to the right of the extraordinary pebbled beach.

Kambi
Here, you can swim in the picturesque little bay, with its fine coloured shingle.

Website: www.kyrimai.gr

Rooms: 22

Price: from 220 EUR per night