When asked to describe our ideal vacation, few of us are likely to say, “Well, I’d like to be surrounded by tourists, eat some imported food, feel like just another guest among thousands…”
When we finally get to that long-awaited time off, we want it to be just ours. For the food to be fresh. The experience to feel personal. To feel connected to our immediate surroundings – and disconnected from our usual obligations. The truth, though, is that it’s not always easy to find unconventional holiday destinations by conventional means. Many smaller, boutique experiences don’t even advertise or pop up in searches, relying instead on word of mouth to build a more exclusive, dedicated fan base.
Luckily for us, YUME co-founder Marie stumbled upon the Coco-Mat Eco Residences in Serifos, Greece while living nearby. It checked all her sustainability, design and ideal holiday boxes, and then some – meaning all of us can now fall in love with their earth- and human-friendly concept, and start checking flights to Greece.
If you’re wondering about the name Coco-Mat (we were, too), the story is that in 1989, a small family in company in Athens began to produce a new type of mattress using only natural materials and no springs, and ensuring every bit was recyclable. That was (and is) the Coco-Mat. No chemicals, no plastic. It has since won awards and became something of a global sensation.
The family didn’t stop at mattresses. Instead, they grew the luxurious Coco-Mat experience into a travel concept that, like the mattresses, is personal, soothing, and takes care of the whole person.
In this case, the transformative setting is a sandy beach on Serifos. The place is a 1900s miners house reimagined according to the highest eco-friendly hospitality standards. Spacious two-story apartments offer stunning ocean views.
To give you a taste of just how personalized and thought-through each stay at the Serifos Eco Residence strives to be, here is their philosophy:
“Τhe COCO-MAT Eco Residences Serifos hotel follows the principles of real Greek hospitality and offers personalized services, adapted to each visitor’s needs and wishes. So, if you wish the residence to have a pantry fully equipped with fresh produce, allowing you the independence to cook your own meals throughout your stay, you only need to ask for it during the booking process. Same goes for our herbal bar: you can have one at your disposal at your residence. All drinks and refreshments may also be served at the lounging area on the beach, right by the sea or at the comfort of your room. You may also enjoy your breakfast in bed or live the unique experience of a gourmet dinner served under the stars and accompanied by the sound of the waves on the shore of Vagia beach.”
What makes this stunning Serifos spot an eco residence, and not just a hotel? The food, for one, is locally sourced and cooked by a woman who, according to Marie, “is magical and cooks fresh food using local ingredients and eggs from the local chickens every single day. It’s simple and absolutely delicious.”
All photos provided courtesy of Coco-Mat Eco Residences Serifos.
No Comments