Grand Forest Metsovo
Greece
Grand Forest Metsovo
Egnatia Motorway – Intersection 7A to Anilio,
Metsovo 44200, Epirus, Greece
www.grand-forest.gr
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
Grand Forest Metsovo
Shareholders
Privately owned
Date of Creation
December 2013
Hotel General Manager
Ellie Barmpagiannis
Hotel Positioning
Upper upscale boutique resort (5-star)
The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW)
Development Strategy
Grand Forest is set on the fringe of a black pine forest, on top of a secluded mountain, 10km from the village of Metsovo, and is a destination for conscious travelers who seek to connect with nature and their inner sense of wanderlust, as we welcome them to explore, savour, enjoy and relax.We care to elevate the ritual of uniting people with their surroundings, instill inclusion, and honor global human principles, © for the present and in time. Our commitment to ourselves, our guests and the community lies upon respect, transparency, integrity and genuineness.
Grand Forest Metsovo
History & Story
It took 20 years from the conception of the idea to its execution. The Grand Forest opened its doors in December of 2013 and it is a result of collective effort up till today. The design and construction achieved vigilant deliberation in order to certify the guests’ experience of the forest environment, reflecting nature through materials, patterns, and management styles that are sympathetic to the surrounding vernacular features.
2019, 2020 & 2021 Awarded as “World’s Leading Landmark Hotel” by World Travel Awards
Date Renovation
2020 – 2021 Soft renovation, redecoration, revamping of facilities
The creator: Vangelis Stylianides – 3sk Stylianides Architects.
The design is marked on the seven principles of the aesthetic experience of forests.
1) Visual Composition
2) A Sense of Place
3) The Experience of Nature, involving forest natural elements
4) Primitive Survival Instinct
5) Utility and Process, naturally comprising of stimulation of the senses
6) Intellectual Appeal, endorsing the provision of art
7) Spiritual Association, which suggests, subliminal aesthetic stimuli evokes an emotional response to people.
Main Strengths, Special Touch
A private mountaintop hideaway in Metsovo, one of northern Greece’s best-kept secrets.
A secluded mountain for adventure travelers and back-to-nature seekers.
Pure wilderness offering wild truffle hunting, mountain biking, hiking, horse riding, and canyoning in the summer, plus skiing in the winter.
For Cultural Custodians – a cultural heritage with UNESCO-listed Meteora monasteries and the beautiful Mediterranean coastline within a hour reach.
Location
The hotel is located on top of a private mountain on the footsteps of Pindus National Park. Established in 1966, Pindus National Park is considered one of the most important protected areas for the maintenance of mountainous biodiversity. It’s characterised by extensive forests of black pine and beech in the park’s lower and middle altitudes and Balkan pine at higher altitudes.
Metsovo, the jewel of Epirus, is a lively mountain town bursting with tradition, breathtaking nature and top-class wine. Metsovo is famous for its smoked cheese and has a number of bakeries that still run on wood-fired ovens.
Metsovo is one of the leading hiking destinations in Europe and the Grand Forest offers an amazing hiking experience. The “Ursa Trail” has been accredited as “Leading Quality Trail – Best of Europe” by the European Ramblers’ Association.
Keys sites / activities in the area
• Dragon stroll | hiking
Range over panoramic views of Aoos lake and discover the legend of the dragons and how the “dragon lake” was created at Flenga Peak.
Neigh it up| horseback riding
A tailored forest experience riding through the dramatic grand pine forest within our estate.
• Lake it easy| e-bike & SUP
Discover the gorgeous lake of Aoos’ springs with the mountain tops of Pindos unfolding around you, accompanied by Lefteris Fafalis, winter Olympics athlete and real resource person of the surrounding mountains. Hop on the paddle midway. Stand-up paddling, a combination of rowing and surfing, was inspired by fishermen who rode upright in their canoe.
• Daring ‘Deos’ | canyoning
Deos means awe and you’re sure to be awe struck after abseiling through enormous rock formations, giant caves and 30-meter-high waterfalls in this incredibly beautiful canyon. Canyoning is the ultimate outdoor activity for extreme sports enthusiasts, as it combines trekking through a wild landscape, swimming in the river and rappelling down in the waterfall.
• Natural high| e-mountain bike to the hidden pond
A mystical and raw nature experience. Enter the forest in unmapped roads, reach the top and witness the serene natural landscape with the hidden pond of ‘Tsouka Rosa’, the red peak in the Vlach language. Ride down through ‘Vakaratsa’, the miniature of Valia Calda national park.
• Valia calda| off-road jeep
In the point where Valia Calda begins, we face the beautiful lake of Aoos and Vovousa village in which flows the Aoos river. High peaks, steep slopes, unbelievable colors and a strong taste of the wilderness of Valia Caldas’s landscape are all combined in a magical alpine view. The ultimate tour for nature and photography lovers.
• Rare but true| wild truffle hunting
Meet Katerina Nola, the female “Indiana Jones” of Greece. Katerina’s dogs are skillfully trained to sniff out precious truffles. Enjoy a pleasant stroll in the beautiful countryside, with plenty of time to enjoy the views and watch the dogs at work. Sometimes it’s surprisingly easy, other times quite a challenge, but we stroll until we have enough truffles for a delicious and interactive cooking lunch by the wooden shelter by the river.
• Altitude wilderness| Verliga
The legendary mountainous lake Verliga in Lakmos mountain is located in the Alpine zone, at an elevation of 2.050m. The whole area and the view from this location are one-of-a-kind, one of the nicest alpine areas of South Europe.
Fun Facts
The Grand Forest is marked in only 10,000 square meters in a total land area of 2 square kilometres. Its design and structure have been vigilantly deliberated to enhance guests’ experience of the forest environment, reflecting nature through materials, patterns, and management styles that are sympathetic to the surrounding vernacular features.
Children’s Corner
We warmly welcome children of all ages to their own special hideaway. Here, they are totally free to play, but for safety reasons access is restricted for certain ages in certain areas.
Children aged 1 to 5 will have a great time at our Kid’s Club, with ample toys to play with, drawing counters to get creative and board games for the whole family. The area is accessible 24/7 with parent supervision and for an additional cost, baby sitting can be arranged on request.
The outdoor pool (seasonal) is open to all children with adult supervision. The indoor heated pool is situated at the Spa, which is adults-only, yet in order to cater our younger guests who stay with us, the indoor heated pool is exceptionally accessible only between 10.00 – 12.00 and under adult supervision.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
• Number of suites: 62
• Number of rooms, (keys) in all: 62
• Junior Suite with Garden View
10 rooms 30m2 / 323ft2 Max Occupancy 2
Terrace overlooking the garden and side views of the forest | King size bed with high quality anatomic mattresses and soft blankets | Marble bathroom with bathtub and independent shower
• Suite with Mountain View
12 rooms 30m2 / 323ft2 Max Occupancy 2
Patio with a view to the surrounding mountains | King size bed with high quality anatomic mattresses and soft blankets | Marble bathroom with bathtub and independent shower
• Premium Suite with Mountain View
10 rooms 30m2 / 323ft2 Max Occupancy 2
• Private outdoor seating area with a view to the surrounding mountains | King size bed with high quality anatomic mattresses and soft blankets | Marble bathroom with bathtub and independent shower
• Superior Suite with Mountain View
12 rooms 35m2 / 377ft2 Max Occupancy 2
Large balcony with views of Pindos Mountains and points of interest | Private fireplace | King size bed with high quality anatomic mattresses and soft blankets | Marble bathroom with bathtub and independent shower
• Panorama Suite with Mountain View
12 rooms 35m2 / 377ft2 Max Occupancy 2
• Balcony with panoramic view of the imposing mountaintops of Pindos | Private fireplace | King size bed with high quality anatomic mattresses and soft blankets | Marble bathroom with bathtub and independent shower
• Grand Forest Suite with Metsovo View
6 rooms 70m2 / 754ft2 Max Occupancy 2 Adults & 2 Children OR 3 Adults
Private outside space with panoramic views of the landscape | Separate living room | Private fireplace | King size bed with high quality anatomic mattresses and soft blankets | Two marble bathroom with bathtub and independent shower | Bathroom equipment (hairdryer, magnifying mirror, designer toiletries)
Restaurants and Bars:
• Metsovo 1350m
à la carte restaurant, modern Greek cuisine
Experience modern local dishes and breathtaking views at our signature restaurant, Metsovo 1350m. Named after its altitude, Metsovo 1350m is a stand-alone exclusive attraction for our hotel guests.
• Lobby Bar
Light meals, snacks and beverages are served throughout the day in this inviting space. The feature beamed ceilings and immense central fireplace together with comfortable furnishings create a cosy, relaxed atmosphere, protected from wild weather and the cold.
• The Pines
The Pines private lounge and bar, operating only on request for private use, is an outstanding space centered around two distinctive fireplaces. This is the perfect backdrop for enjoying the “Good Life Experience” with exquisite malts.
The menus are carefully designed to reflect the region’s great gastronomical tradition and is based on fresh, local ingredients with a modern yet modest flair. The wine cellar is stocked with all the prominent local wines of the Averoff Winery, a vast selection of Greek and international wines and many specialised beverages.
Consultant Chef: Gikas Xenakis
Executive Chef: Vasilis Giannoulis
Wellness
• Aspen Spa
The Aspen tree, renowned for its smooth white bark and shimmering leaves, has a long-standing association with serenity and rejuvenation. When incorporated into a spa environment, it bestows a soothing ambiance, fostering inner healing and profound relaxation. The Swiss cosmetics company VALMONT designed all treatments with immediate, long-lasting results and with a scientific seal.
The spa operates daily from 10:00am to 21:00 (treatments are available from 13:00 to 21:00). Advance booking is recommended.
• Heated indoor pool
Free access for adults from 18:00 to 21:00. Guests below the age of 18, can enjoy the indoor pool only between 10:00 – 12:00 under adult supervision.
Private use can be booked between 12:00-17:30. Appointment is required.
• Outdoor infinity pool
Open from 10:00am to 20:00 (June – August)
Children must be always accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Fitness center
Grand Forest offers a modern gym complete with premium Cybex equipment. An experienced personal trainer can be arranged to provide you with the appropriate guidance and professional advice. Children are allowed under adult supervision only.
Open 24h
Corporate & Celebration Events
• E. Averoff Hall
350m2 / 3767ft2 Max Occupancy 100-200 pax (depends on seating arrangement)
Meetings, conferences, workshops
• THE PINES
Max Occupancy depends on event type
Private lounge, private dining, celebrations, meetings, workshops
Extra Notable Features
• Private mountain with a total land area of 2 square kilometres, including a private hiking trail in the forest
• Wild truffle hunting
• Tailored experiences*
All of our experiences are tailored to each individual guest – ensuring they’ll remember them for a lifetime. From skiing to wild truffle hunting, the surrounding landscape offers an array of activities for all four seasons.
Hotel and Restaurant Awards
2023:
• Greek Cuisine Restaurant Awards
• FNL Best Restaurant Awards
Number of employees
48