Enjoying Greek hospitality and amazing views at Patmos Eye * Patmos

Patmos Eye is a siren. I mean you have to try hard to part with it, even though you are on a gloriously seductive island.

Patmos island is a true “revelation” with lots of famous sites -most prominent of which is the Cave of the Apocalypse, where the Book of Revelation of the New Testament was written by John the Apostle- all waiting to be explored.  Nevertheless, Patmos Eye simply does its magic and you always end up glued to the veranda, hooked on the panoramic view which is a feast for the eyes and senses.

But let me start from the beginning. Patmos houses are nothing like the humble, whitewashed ones of the neighbouring Cycladic isles. They are for the most part majestic two-storey mansions, built with their unique architectural style, accompanied by long tradition and cultural history.

Such is the case with Patmos Eye, which is a clone of a typical Patmian house. Made in every conceivable way as close as possible to a local building by skilled craftsmen using traditional materials and building techniques.

Its owners, Freddy and Marietta, have placed Patmos Eye on a uniquely privileged spot in Skala, the port, overlooking half the island, the picturesque Chora and its legendary castle-like monastery.

The couple, after spending their vacations there for years, fell in love with the island and its treasures and decided to invest in it. Their investment was not only financial but one of time since they decided to spend half their life there, turning the Patmos Eye (and its 3 suites) into an ongoing lifetime project. Their effort and how much they care about what they do is obvious since their personal intervention is omnipresent throughout the Patmos Eye project which is soon to be extended. It is initially realized through the decorative touches and later on through the homelike hospitality.

Vacationing at Patmos Eye

Upon our arrival as a family at two o’clock AM, we were kindly transferred to our villa where we found a bottle with a calming herbal infusion in the fridge, homemade cookies and the sweetest handwritten notes with instructions for us to settle in.

Our tiredness from the long journey was relieved by the soft anatomic mattresses. The last thing I remember noticing before I fell into a deep sleep was the white four-poster bed with curtains and the traditional blue wooden shutters. It was the next day that we were able to fully realize the level of perfection in hospitality provided by Patmos Eye.

Breakfast was served in the back yard to take advantage of the morning coolness and among others, it included three types of freshly baked bread -sourdough, carob and whole grain- as well as homemade cakes and jams.

A tray with various kinds of nut butter, brownies and the eggs recipe of our preference was soon added on the table.

All served in the most elegant way, in colorful Pip Studio china and with handwritten tags. Μarietta would prove to be the most thoughtful and generous hostess, I have ever met, without exaggeration. Her vision is to spoil her guest from morning till night.

That’s why in the rear area of the villa, there is also a private hammam with aromatherapy, where you can relax after a day’s swim. She can also arrange for any guest to have an in-house massage treatment after the steam-bath session.

Island – chic decoration: Do it like Patmos Eye

At daylight, I was finally able to discover the flawless island-chic decoration of our villa.

Some of the details I loved: The dishrack in tomato-red hue contrasting with the blue shutters was one of the many photogenic spots of the house. The vintage monastery table, the colorful pillows, the vintage cupboard with the old books, the traditional ceramics bought in Scala. Patmian tradition is enhanced by colorful contemporary touches everywhere. As for the hammam area, it was yet another pleasant surprise. The colour palette changes, shifting towards olive green and spicy hues, the mood evoked is oriental and the attention is in the details like the mirror that was designed and made by Freddy himself.

And then you go out and you literally become the all-seeing Patmos Eye. Spacious, with a plunge infinity pool, the veranda overlooks the entire port, the nearby bays and Patmos Chora with the castle-like monastery.

Patmos Eye is all about a creative vision on luxurious hospitality without pretense.  Life at the villa or the suites is full of small moments that spark joy and work miracles on the soul. A private home away from home, as you gaze out towards an endless horizon and watch golden sunlight dance across the clear azure blue waters of the Aegean sea.