Verina Astra

Luxury meets serenity in Sifnos.

It seems we have been getting lucky with accommodations lately but it can be argued that you make your own luck. In our case “luck” was the product of thorough research, which brought us to the unforgettable Verina Astra. We visited during our Sifnos trip, the second week of June (browse pictures from the trip here and read top restaurant reviews here and here).

The Hotel

Verina Astra is an exclusive, luxury boutique hotel built on a secluded hill, enveloped by endless sky and overlooking the Aegean sea. The site is peaceful and serene, drastically removed from the audiovisual stressors of urban life, ideal for getting away from it all. Effortless elegance is the key characteristic of the complex that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, emitting understated opulence. Its allure is at play 24/7: a festival of colours, textures and scents at day, mesmerising calmness and cosmic vibes at night, a prime stargazing spot.

Cassiopeia

The hotel consists of 16 suites, each of which is named after a constellation. We stayed at Cassiopeia. Located at the upper level of the estate and offering panoramic views together with a good degree of privacy, I am convinced it was Verina Astra’s star room. Since it appears all the suites are magnificent, I will settle with it being the best-suited to our needs.

One of the room’s most coveted features was its spacious private veranda. A sort of external living-room, complete with built-in sofas and comfortable deck chairs, it was our favourite hang-out at all times (but utterly unbeatable for a nightcap under the starry sky before retreating).

The Pool

There are no words: Verina Astra’s infinity pool is to die for. From its colour and pattern, faithfully replicating marine terrain, to the way it hangs over the actual sea and under the sky –a perpetual blend of blue shades– it is a sight for sore eyes. There is a selection of different kinds of loungers, seats and day beds, to suit different needs and moods, as well as immaculate public restrooms (complete with showers) to make life easier.

Location

Verina Astra is located at the Poulati area of Sifnos, approximately half an hour from the port. The site is as isolated from the rest of the world as it needs to be: no modern life intrusions whatsoever around, just you and cosmic magnificence in this wonderful haven of privacy.

The hotel sits above Poulati beach – a small, beautiful and wild set up, definitely worth seeing. A couple of disclaimers first: a) it is reached via a 15 minute rocky and uncomfortable, downhill (subsequently uphill) track and b) it is (much) more crowded than we would have liked / it can cater for. Despite looking forward to a swim there, we passed and settled for taking pictures instead (it is bound to be paradisiacal off-season though).

Eating & Drinking

Starting with breakfast, there is no all you can eat buffet. There is all you can eat à la carte though, as you can select what you want from an extensive catalogue of sophisticated and original dishes; everything is prepared on the spot for your personal pleasure. Snacks, tapas and drinks are served at the pool and proper meals at the adjacent restaurant. Or you can enjoy it all at the privacy of your suite by ordering room service.

We were sorry to miss (by just a few days) the opening of Bostani bar & restaurant – Verina’s new gastronomic proposal, offering creative interpretations of local, traditional dishes and ingredients. An autopsy of the almost-there premises was promising and what’s for sure is that diners will enjoy their food & drinks in a high end environment with dramatic views. This alone is reason to return.

Who with?

With your better half ideally. The hotel declares itself kid-friendly but in truth the analogy of couples versus families was: everyone to 1 (related note: couple with young son shouting “Marco Polo” 100 times back to back at the pool, destroying all the chilling couples’ zen, know that we will remember you). Equally, the analogy between couples and groups of friends was again everyone – 1.

Photographing

Nature and architecture blend to spectacular effect (architects and interior designers involved in the project kudos!). The grounds act as perfect backdrops for portraits and selfies guaranteed to impress (and most likely induce jealousy). That aside, the site is worth photographing to capture its breathtaking beauty and as the perfect example of natural/man-made integration that it is.

My Top 3

• Cassiopeia’s private terrace
• The unique pool
• Avocado cream poached eggs & divine pancakes from the breakfast menu

Return?

Try now for SS 2023 or risk lurking for a cancellation later.

Interested in visiting?

Find out more about it here

Enjoy more Verina Astra moments below ⇩.

All images © The Real Queen of Stuff (with select contributions from R(Kudos) )

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