Title – Name
Kinsterna Hotel
Scope / Sector / Industry
Accommodation
Country / Region
Greece, Peloponnese, Monemvasia
Why is it good practice?
Kinsterna Hotel is a model of good practice in rural tourism accommodation, as it operates in a way that successfully combines authenticity, sustainability and high aesthetics. Through ecological management practices and activities that are closely linked to the place, it highlights the local cultural heritage and supports the local economy. Avoiding mass tourism, it promotes a gentle and quality way of hospitality that respects both the natural environment and the cultural identity of the area. For all the above reasons, it is a good example of a balance between tradition, sustainability and authentic experience, actively contributing to the development of responsible tourism in the countryside.
How is it applied?
Kinsterna Hotel is located in Agios Stefanos, Laconia, near the medieval castle town of Monemvasia, amidst a green area with vineyards, olive groves and orange groves. It is housed in a 17th century mansion which was restored under the supervision of the competent Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities, utilizing traditional methods.
Today it has infrastructures that combine luxury and authenticity without hiding the mansion’s past. The hotel includes rooms, suites and villas with views of nature or the sea, two outdoor swimming pools (one with natural spring water), a spa area, restaurants with local gastronomy, a wine cellar, as well as areas for wellness treatments.
At the same time, the rich natural environment, biodiversity and the natural spring with running water on the estate create ideal conditions for maintaining its self-sufficiency and sustainability. Specifically, at the heart of the hotel’s estate is its vineyard, continuing the historical wine-making tradition of Monemvasia. With the aim of highlighting local varieties such as Kydonitsa, Assyrtiko and Monemvasia, the hotel revived the production of the famous wine “Monemvasia – Malvasia”, which was registered as a PDO in 2010. In addition, the Kinsterna estate hosts century-old olive trees and produces olive oil from the “Athinolia” variety, while citrus fruits, eucalyptus, aromatic plants and vegetables are cultivated with respect for nature and can be collected and tasted directly from the garden. At the same time, old trees from the 19th century are preserved, while the mild climate allows the cultivation of rarer plants such as bananas and lotuses. The plants of the estate inspire both the gastronomy and cocktails of the hotel as well as the organic cosmetics produced exclusively there.
It is important to note that all products produced on the estate (wine, jams, oil, olives, spoon sweets, honey, salt, soaps, etc.), in addition to their consumption within the hotel, are available as souvenirs, with the possibility of being sent to the visitor’s place.
The rich natural environment of the hotel and the wider area has led to the design and development of a variety of alternative activities for the visitor, which are briefly listed below:
- Boat trips
- Fishing experience with a “kaiki”
- Sailing excursions
- Horse riding
- Candle making
- Bread making
- Olive oil soap making
- Beekeeping demonstration in the hotel’s hives
- Honey tasting
- Honey harvesting and collection from the hotel’s hives
- Olive picking and olive oil production
- Olive oil tasting
- Grape harvesting and pressing
- Participation in the production of “tsipouro”
- Wine tasting
- Tour of the hotel’s vineyards
- Hiking in the surrounding area
- Cooking classes
- Cycling on the estate
- Guided tour of the mansion and gardens
- Barn visit
- Farm visit
- Garden tour
- Petanque/Groundball
- Visit to the estate’s organic mushroom growing room
- Outdoor ping pong and billiards
Another special activity offered is the adoption and planting of an olive tree sapling by the visitor, a symbolic gesture that further strengthens the ties between the guest and the mansion. The planting is accompanied by a 10-year adoption certificate and takes place on specially designed terraces on the estate. The staff cultivates the tree and informs the visitor every year about its growth, sending him a relevant photo, as well as a bottle of extra virgin olive oil and olives, if he wishes.
Furthermore, activities have been planned for children such as cycling, hiking, tree planting, olive picking and participation in the grape harvest, herb collecting, stargazing, horse rides and contact with the animals of the stable, while a library and a playground are also provided, as well as a babysitting service.
Regarding the hotel’s culinary services, locality is the cornerstone of the guest experience. Specifically, the menus are based on seasonality and raw materials, offering flavors of Mediterranean cuisine that are highlighted through traditional and modern cooking techniques. A special place is occupied by the “Greek Breakfast”, with traditional products and delicacies of Laconia and seasonal products of the estate.
Furthermore, the hotel also operates an Antique Shop, in which old materials and objects of the owners are preserved and exhibited, which were collected during the restoration of the mansion and reflect the diverse cultural influences of Monemvasia.
In addition to the rich tourist experience that the visitor can have during his stay at the Kinsterna Hotel, it is important to mention the great importance that has been given to its operation in order to align it with the principles of sustainable development. The following actions in this direction are indicative:
Supporting biodiversity
The hotel estate hosts over 250 species of plants, including rare and endemic ones, constituting a living biodiversity refuge that has been characterized as “Nature’s El Dorado”. Organic farming practices and careful land management are a priority for the estate. At the same time, in collaboration with the Municipality of Monemvasia, it has participated in the preservation of the old paths of the area, offering visitors hiking and cultural experiences.
Efforts to achieve a zero carbon footprint
Kinsterna Hotel takes a holistic approach to sustainability, with a major initiative being the 2024 photovoltaic park that fully covers the energy needs of the estate from 100% renewable sources, reducing CO2 emissions by 429,000 kg per year. Surplus energy is offered free of charge to local bodies and vulnerable groups, strengthening ties with the community. The hotel has also eliminated the use of fossil fuels on its premises and offers free charging stations for electric vehicles, promoting eco-friendly travel.
Supporting the local community
Kinsterna Hotel actively supports the local community through partnerships, donations and sustainable practices. Specifically, over 60% of the hotel’s products come from local producers, such as cheese and smoked trout, strengthening the local economy. The facilities are also open to locals, while cooperation with local suppliers is sought to promote ecological methods. Furthermore, part of the production from the estate’s gardens is donated to local charities and food banks, contributing to local prosperity.
Developing environmental responsibility
At Kinsterna Hotel, sustainability is a basic principle of its operation, with organic crops that care for the land and nature. The hotel’s efforts have been recognized with Greek Tourism Awards for its contribution to four of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Special care is given to wildlife, such as the swallows that nest on the estate, with feeders, waterers and protection of their nests. During the tours, their role in the ecosystem is highlighted, enhancing environmental awareness.
For all of the above reasons, the Kinsterna Hotel is a good example of countryside accommodation that respects the local community, the environment and the authenticity of the place.
Where is it applied?
Kinsterna Hotel is adressed to travelers who need an authentic, luxurious accommodation experience with an emphasis on nature and tranquility. At the same time, it attracts guests who appreciate the ecological philosophy and choose accommodations with respect for the environment.
When did it applied?
Kinsterna Hotel officially opened in 2010.
Results
Kinsterna Hotel has been distinguished with numerous awards internationally and in Greece. Indicatively, the following are mentioned:
- 2 Michelin Hotel Keys for “excellent accommodation”
- Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Awards in 2023 and 2024
- Sustainable Development Goals (UN) – Gold level for actions in at least 9 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals
- Greece’s Best Restaurants Awards 2022
- Top Notch 2021 (Tripadvisor)
- Greek Hospitality Awards 2020
- Hotels Combined Recognition of Excellence 2019 with a score of 9.9/10
- Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality & Lifestyle Awards 2019 – SignumVirtutis Distinction
- Tripadvisor Excellence from 2013 to 2019
- Luxury Boutique Hotel of the Year 2017 (Luxury Travel Guide Awards)
- Green Key eco-label for sustainability practices
- Conde Nast Traveller – Hot List 2011 & Greek Reader’s Choice 2010 (most popular mansion)
- European Hotel Design Awards – nominated in 2010
- Luxlife Magazine 2023 – Most Tranquil Country Hotel in Peloponnese, Leaders in Luxury It has also been published in prestigious publications and websites such as: Monocle Handbook (2025), The Guardian (2024 & 2021), Lonely Planet (2023), Evening Standard (2023).
Other information
The official website of Kinsterna Hotel is: https://www.kinsternahotel.gr/el/
