THE FACTS ABOUT PAVEZZO COUNTRY RETREAT

Greece

Pavezzo means 'safe haven' in the dialect of Lefkada, a lush Ionian island linked to the mainland by a causeway, and this cluster of stone houses in the mountain hamlet of Katouna is true to its name. Though only three kilometres from the sea, with unlimited vistas of blue skies and green hills, Pavezzo feels delightfully remote. The three self-contained maisonettes, two cottages and two villas - essentially a luxury village within the village - are all different. The decor, a winning combination of country-house chic and rustic authenticity, is the work of manager Mary Matsa, a former photographer. There are fabulous kilims and old farm utensils, rattan day beds beside original fireplaces, marble sinks salvaged from a hammam, bare stone walls and four-poster beds, and bathrooms hewn from the rock face and filled with homeopathic cosmetics by the fashionable Greek brand Korres. Four houses have private pools, the rest share a communal pool; all have TVs and DVD players, and all but one a fully equipped kitchen. The whole place is unabashedly romantic - the biggest house is called Villa Honeymoon - and welcome hampers overflow with fresh fruit, local wine and honey, home-made breads and biscuits. A smart new restaurant opens this summer (under chef Evi Voutsina), along with a purpose-built spa. CONTACT 00 30 26450 71782; www.pavezzo.gr. Doubles from 90 euros; open April-end September