The Rooster – Antiparos, Greece
The Rooster is an unusual, but seductive mix of rustic simplicity and cool sophistication. In the heart of the Cyclades, on the rural island of Antiparos, it sits in thirty acres of rugged landscape, sloping down to the crescent beach of Livadia. This is a destination for those after unadulterated escapism. It is an oasis, where the architecture blends into the landscape, artfully disguising the luxury inside, oozing a sense of calm and harmony.
Guests stay in one of a collection of private houses, set far apart from the others, with views over the hills and the Aegean, looked after by a dedicated team of enthusiastic and incredibly helpful staff. Reconnect with your surroundings and nature, and return home sun-kissed and happy.
At A Glance
Why We Love It:
For its privacy & calming atmosphere.Style:
Rugged minimalism.Location:
On the quiet west coast of Antiparos built within a 30-acre land of hills, old local homes, rocks & sand dunes.Rooms:
16 houses & a standalone farmhouse.Swimming:
Private pools at the houses & a communal spa pool.Children:
Children are welcome with babysitting services available on request.Open From:
All year round.rooms
Dotted around the rocky landscape, some on the hill and others closer to the beach, sixteen private houses offer guests peaceful sanctuary. They all have large and airy open plan living areas that open out directly onto wide terraces and views out to sea. They’re all built out of local stone and are just one storey, thus leaving the landscape seemingly untouched. Each one has a private pool and gardens full of native plants, outdoor showers and shady terraces.
The interiors are sleek and sophisticated – polished concrete walls and floors, with wood and raffia detail, whilst the exteriors embrace the wild surroundings.
Up by the farm, set away from all the other houses, is the Farmhouse, an exceptionally styled three-bedroomed retreat, with ample outdoor space for lounging and dining, and a private pool. It’s surrounded by The Rooster’s vegetable garden and guests staying here get the chance to spend time with the farmer and the chefs, exploring the flavours and picking ingredients for their own kitchen. You also have the option of a private chef here.
food
Each and every ingredient either comes from local fishermen and farmers, or The Rooster’s own organic gardens and farm, where fruit and vegetables are picked daily. Dining here is all about reconnecting with nature and enjoying the Mediterranean culinary lifestyle. The restaurant, with its intimate interior and fairy-light festooned terrace, serves exceptional dishes and flavours, where the chef pairs food in unlikely but delicious ways. Breakfasts are an indulgence, and light snacks can be ordered all day.
Before dinner, watch the sun go down over the Aegean, and listen to the cicadas, with a glass of something chilled, at the bar.
activities
The unspoiled and barely touched island of Antiparos is steeped in history and is well worth exploring. You’ll find many a quiet beach – all far from the madding crowd and perfect for spending a morning or afternoon. Around the harbour, there are tavernas and boutiques, but the main beauty here is the peace and wide open spaces. Paddleboard, kayak or windsurf around the bay and spend the afternoon by your private pool and a book.
The Rooster has a sanctuary of a Spa, the evocatively named House of Healing, with a bewildering amount of fabulous treatments and therapies – so if you’re not relaxed when you go in, you definitely will be when you come out.
family
Tucked far away from other guests, families enjoy vast swathes of space and freedom. It’s a short (and easy) walk to the beach for a swim and a picnic and each house has its own pool. There are no TVs in the houses – this is a place to be outside with nature, with none of the trappings of modern life.
sustainability
From blending in with the landscape, to its organic farm, nature is at The Rooster’s core. With produce coming from the farm or from local suppliers, the carbon footprint is minimal. The Rooster also uses eco-friendly products.
Location
Antiparos, Greece
On the quiet west coast of Antiparos built within a 30-acre land of hills, old local homes, rocks & sand dunes. A ten-minute ferry ride from its sister island Paros, in the southern Aegean.