Likos

Villa Likos is the newest villa on the spectacular Melissonia Estate near Nissaki. During the course of the painstaking and lengthy excavations involved in carving this striking property out of the limestone hillside, a huge stalactite was revealed. The locals named it Likos, the Greek name for a wolf and so the villa was named. Perfection is not achieved overnight and it has taken years to complete the transformation of this boulder-strewn site into the elegant villa and thoughtfully designed garden of today. Following the walkways and paths of the rose-pink stone that was revealed during the excavations, guests will discover for themselves that these gardens hold many secrets, from the intimacy of the Jacuzzi in its own pavilion to the peace and privacy of the outdoor sitting and sunbathing terraces. When the urge for some convivial company arises, there are two outdoor bars and a beautiful al fresco dining area under a wisteria-draped pergola, surrounded by a lawn. The lowest of the terraces is on the seafront with ladder access to the sea and a floating boat mooring and jetty for boarding boats. Perhaps the most beautiful feature of the gardens though, is the breathtaking swimming pool. Designed to resemble a natural rock pool, the 25 metre long freshwater infinity pool is free form, has an exposed rock face all along one side and is open to the incredible 180 degree view over the sea, with its seemingly boundless vista of islands and mainland, due south as far as the eye can see. The pool is 2.8m deep at its deepest point. Villa Likos occupies a stunning position, poised above the sparkling sea. The property has so much to offer its guests in the way of comfort and relaxation, but it has also some less obvious assets. Holiday books are likely to be cast aside in favour of watching passing yachts both classic and contemporary, large and small. All are following one of the great and historic trade routes of the Mediterranean, that which has linked Europe and Asia for thousands of years. It is not unusual to see dolphins in these clear waters, and even from time to time a Mediterranean whale. At night, it becomes apparent why Corfu is thought of as magical. With its uninterrupted view of the southern sky, and comparatively little light pollution, there are so many natural wonders to be observed. Each month the full moon casts its shimmering net across the sea. The Perseid meteor showers are annual visitors and every day ends with the afterglow of the setting sun and begins again with dawn over the Albanian mountains to the east.