We recently vacationed on Hydra in the spectacular Kriezis Mansion for the second time this summer. We were with our three young children (2, 6, 9) and our friends who have one child (9). The vacation home was one of our highlights during our time on Hydra. I have been to Hydra over 15 times in my life, and this home definitely makes your time on Hydra an extra special one. With the perfect size pool, spectacular grand piano, and more than enough room for everyone, the time you spend in the home is perfectly relaxing. Situated on the quiet side of the hill near Kamini, every window has a spectacular view, both looking out at the beautiful blue sea and back at the jeweled hillside. Your sunset is something to look forward to every day. A refreshing dip in the pool is the perfect way to end your hike up the stairs to get to the house. Every morning you are greeted by the magnificent Elena, who will have your breakfast prepared on the outside veranda overlooking the beautiful sea. Elena is such a delight and she can help you arrange dinner reservations water taxis, etc. We will be returning to this magical home on the beauty of Hydra time and again.

This is a very special house situated above the port of Hydra and Kamini . We were welcomed at the harbour and taken up interesting and beautiful cobbled lane ways to the most magnificent villa which was to be home for the next week. The pre arrival shopping service meant that there were cold drinks and lunch on our arrival and the biggest decision that was made was who was going to take which room. All six were amazing. (even better than the pictures). Everything was spotless and perfect, but homely. The three adults wandered around this amazing house, finding terraces outside every room. The children raced to the pool which was attended to daily, as were the gardens, and of course the house. Wonderful Elena who arrived every morning to prepare breakfast, manage the house, and help with anything that we needed. (this was a short list as everything had been taken care of). Thank you Elena. When we could bare to leave the house it was an easy walk to the beach , and the harbour. Water taxis were easy to take to the numerous beautiful beaches around the island. For a small island, there are many good restaurants and lovely small shops.
This house is one not to be missed. Unless of course you want something smaller..... We viewed a smaller alternative just below Kriezis called Villa Alethea. Recently renovated with the same exquisite taste and high standard. We will return!

I was fortunate to stay at Kriezis for two weeks (not long enough) and we had the most amazing time there - so much so we're already planning to hopefully return in autumn. The location is idyllic; at the top of the hill overlooking the sparkling, clear blue sea, the green, rolling, flower-covered hills and the picture-perfect town with truly stunning views from each of the many gorgeous terraces. The sunset is something else! The mansion is so tastefully decorated and equipped with absolutely everything you could desire. All bathrooms are marble and I couldn't believe they had a baby grand piano! Perfection! Elena's cooking was phenomenal and Galen provided us with all the information we needed to explore the island and was a wonderful, warm host. I cannot recommend this place highly enough and it made our holiday getaway just magical. Just a few minute's walk down the grassy hill and you're by the rocky beach; or wind your way through the maze of steps towards the harbour - in less than ten minutes you're sitting on the sea front with the donkeys!
Villa Alethea, (Kriezis Mansion's baby sister next door) is a fantastic slightly smaller alternative if you want a cheaper holiday. Just as beautifully decorated inside with a fabulous huge outdoor terrace with spectacular views. I shall be coming back year after year - thank you for a perfect holiday!

I was lucky enough to get to stay here for just a few nights in April, and although I was prepared for it to by nice, I was blown away by just how luxurious it was - not in an 'everything's gold and silk' sort of ostentatious way (it's extremely tasteful and a lot of care has clearly been taken with the design), but the mix of the luxury of the house with the breathtaking beauty of its location is stunning. The interior is roomy and lovely, and it has one of the best-equipped kitchens I've come across, but it was hard not to spend a lot of the time there on the veranda, soaking in the gorgeous views. You can see elsewhere how spectacular Hydra is; well, here you're on top of that world. The view of the sunset overlooking the whale-shaped island at the back is an experience in itself. Villa Alethea, just down the hill, is a smaller version, let by the same person. I've been put up in 5-star hotels around the world various times (perk of the job), but this is probably the nicest place I've ever stayed.