“Carpe Diem”. Lately we see this quote more and more often under photos of users on social media who not only want to change their lives, but also the way they view things. The famous phrase comes from the ancient Roman lyric poet Horace who said the following: ‘Seize (use) the day, trust as little as possible in tomorrow’. It became more widely known due to Peter Weir’s 1989 film “Dead Poets Society”, where Robin Williams, in his leading role as a teacher, used the phrase “Carpe Diem” to inspire his students. Put very simply, the phrase means: live your life. Take advantage of every moment to be present, develop your skills and be creative. How would you feel if I told you that there is somewhere in Greece that combines luxury accommodation with positive inspirational messages to help you mindfully consider your purpose in life? While you relax in one of the four suites of a luxurious residence set in a beautiful garden with flowers and citrus trees situated on the Corinthian coastal plain, you can also experience the aura of tranquility and relaxation, reading inspirational quotes from famous writers and poets, considering ways in which they might illuminate your life, and maybe change the way you think for the better. Carpe Diem Corinthian Suites is the perfect choice for luxurious stays in heavenly natural surroundings, with hosts who are here to make sure that you, their guests, create beautiful moments and inspiring memories!
Carpe Diem Corinthian Suites: Your stay here may just change your philosophy of life…
Katerina Behraki is a psychologist and her husband, Antonis Hatzidakis is involved in life coaching. We are both people who are committed to giving of our time and energy to hosting these spaces for people who are looking to approach life from an optimistic point of view. Our hope and aim is to encourage you to live this special experience to the fullest. ‘To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.’ One of Oscar Wilde‘s most popular aphorisms is prominently displayed inside the building, encouraging visitors to be present in the moment while they experience this opportunity for absolute relaxation.
Carpe Diem Corinthian Suites: The name, the philosophy, and the messages of positive energy
The famous phrase “Carpe Diem” is a motto which both Katerina and Antonis believe expresses their own philosophy of life, which is why they gave the house this name. “I was inspired by the name because it has to do with the Latin “Live every moment, seize it now”. What I want to tell guests is to take every moment and live it to the fullest from the moment they wake up in the morning, so that their day has meaning. The energy and history in this house is closely linked to this philosophy”, Katerina tells me as we look at photos of the spaces.
The whole philosophy is based on warm hospitality and positive interactions. “Everyone who stayed in the house over the years spent their days one way or another in search of things that give meaning to every moment, showing appreciation for the quality of experience, with so much generosity. This generosity of spirit, which has left a powerful energetic imprint here, comes from previous generations who contributed so much to life in the local area. How they spent each moment was personally very important to them, and this is the tangible positive energy we hope to consciously bring to the space today. For those who are going to stay here. I mean, it’s not just a place to stay.”
This house was renovated with tender loving care for reasons that go beyond professional engagement in the tourist industry purely to earn a living. “Because we ourselves have enjoyed such wonderful times here, and because the people who came to stay were always inspired to make such important contributions in so many ways to public life, we wanted to share this feeling with everyone who comes stay, to pass this positive philosophy on to them, to pay it forward through the place and its energy. And because people have always found that they can relax and be themselves here, we felt that our place can offer an atmosphere of well-being and positivity we hope others will want to share.”
Carpe Diem Corinthian Suites is a space with a unique wellspring of positive energy by its nature. Our inspirational messages encourage you to experience this mindfully! ‘Everyone who comes to stay here will experience what it means to have a good time. We hope to help people understand a little better how good times can be made. The inspirational messages you will see on the signs throughout the hotel are intended to encourage mindfulness. We hope that they will help you to reach the mindset you need to appreciate the good times. Each sign has a message that is intended to activate the consciousness, asking you to mindfully consider the meaning of life and its values. Our purpose in doing this is to combine this idyllic place with beautiful messages that awaken and help you live each moment more fully. These are gentle reminders scattered around the hotel, prompting you at different points to stop and think a little bit deeper.’
Carpe Diem Corinthian Suites: The stone house, built in 1950, has always been a refuge for artists and writers
The mansion house, which was built in 1950, belonged to Katerina’s family. It was built by the most skilled master masons and carpenters of the region. Its distinctive architectural design is in the form of a tower, and it has always welcomed writers and artists who are inspired by the place, and who have offered much to the place in return. ‘My grandfather and my great-grandfather were the local priests in their time, who gave everything they could to help the community and to encourage others to do the same. The next generation continued this tradition from their own positions, making important contributions to community life. As a family we cared about volunteering, giving back, helping people in the area to pursue the work they wanted in the place where they grew up. Everyone who stayed in the house has left their own mark. Even strangers who don’t know the history of this house, who stayed here or what they gave to others, can feel that aura of intense positivity, and somehow they automatically relax.’
Carpe Diem Corinthian Suites: Luxury hotel spaces and amenities
Carpe Diem Corinthian Suites may appear to be a single house from the outside, but it is divided into four suites, each with their own entrance. The spaces are dominated by stone and wood elements, while the interior design style is clean and minimalist with the suites of the first floor featuring black sofas and inox, and the suites on the ground floor grey-olive tones.
The large suite on the upper floor has a surface area of 75 square meters and is designed to accommodate a couple plus one child. As you enter the space you will see the spacious living room with wooden ceiling and beautifully-crafted columns that combine with special lighting to create an idyllic atmosphere, designed offer you the perfect setting for peaceful relaxation. The living space has a black sofa and a fireplace, and there is a bedroom with a double bed and en suite bathroom, as well as a fully-equipped modern kitchen.
On the same floor is the second suite, with a surface area of 65 square meters, which is of more modern construction. It has a bedroom overlooking the garden with flowers and orange trees, the living room is stone built, there is a very large kitchen area and a modern fireplace.
Downstairs, the third suite, 60 square meters in size, has something very special to offer. Its entrance opens onto a modern floor-to-ceiling glass conservatory which houses the kitchen area. There are two bedrooms with double beds, and a living room with independent heating rather than a fireplace. Both this and the fourth suite can accommodate five persons, with the fifth on the sofa bed.
Last is the fourth suite, again with a surface area of 60 square meters, overlooking the garden. Its special feature is its concealed fitted kitchen, with folding doors, which is of the very latest modern design. There are two bedrooms, a very large bathroom and lovely garden views. There is also a fountain.
All four suites offer guests the opportunity to enjoy a luxurious stay with five-star hotel amenities. The double beds are all king size with American mattresses for a quality night’s sleep that you are bound to remember for some time to come, sheets and towels bear the signature of leading companies, while attention to luxury design is apparent even in the selection of cutlery and chinaware, chosen with your dining experience in mind. Free Wi-fi and state-of-the-art TVs are provided so that you can relax and enjoy your favourite streaming service in this peaceful setting.
One of the free amenities is breakfast, prepared with locally-sourced products. It includes fresh eggs cooked any way you choose, homemade cakes, and our famous ‘portokalopita’ (traditional Greek orange syrup cake) made with oranges… from the garden. Depending on the number of days guests choose to stay and their personal requirements, we will make arrangements with our cleaning crew, who will clean your space and change sheets and towels.
Carpe Diem Corinthian Suites is located right above the main square of Velos. “Next to us there are 2 pharmacies, one is always open all night, there are doctors representing most specialties, gyms, basketball and tennis courts, a football pitch and supermarkets. If you feel like staying in one evening rather than going out, and you want to enjoy dishes from the best restaurants in the area, you can place your order online via the efood app.”
Barbeque nights with musical accompaniment from any decade …and massage under the trees!
Carpe Diem Corinthian Suites are situated in beautiful surrounding grounds. There is a large garden with lawns, flowers and orange trees, and a large barbeque area, which guests from all the suites can use. If you would like to enjoy a unique evening in the garden with music, all you need to do is make arrangements with us, and we will compile the most beautiful playlist from the decade of your choosing. “Because my husband has been involved with music and movies, we organise themed musical evenings and he loves to DJ. He creates musical journeys through different decades. He remembers movies and all the details of how they were made. So he uses them as inspiration to tell a story through the music.”
Apart from a place to relax and enjoy peaceful natural surroundings or musical evenings, the garden is also a wonderful place for body treatments! By arrangement with us, you can enjoy special spa treatments under the orange trees with therapists who use citrus seeds for massage and peeling. Pillows and candles complete the romantic setting, leading you along the path to complete relaxation. After all, this is what we are all looking for when we are on vacation.
Special dietary programmes
This is a place that promotes wellness, and in addition to its spiritual aspects, Katerina and Antonis are able to take care of your special dietary needs, whether you are looking to detox, lose weight, or do not wish to deviate from a dietary schedule you have already begun before your vacation. Contact us for information when you make your booking. “If you wish to stay for a number of days, we collaborate with a nutritionist who can design a programme to help you reset your dietary habits, and with psychological support from us, help you to start losing weight more effectively.”
Things to see in the surrounding area
Velo Korinthias, where Carpe Diem Corinthian Suites are located, is just 82 km from Athens. It is 15 minutes from Corinth, 5 minutes from Vrahati and 5 minutes from Kiato, and the beach is only a kilometer away. There are many sights worth seeing in the surrounding area. Lake Doxa is only half an hour away, as is Goura (for skiing) and Nemea, famous for its wineries. “We offer transfers for a small charge if any of our guests wish to take guided tours. We know the best places to visit in the area and we are centrally located in the Corinthian plain, on the coast”.
Half an hour from the house is the Moggostou Forest and the beautiful mountainside village of Trikala Korinthias. Just 15 minutes away you will find the site of Ancient Corinth and its museum, as well as the thermal baths of Loutraki and Xylokastro.
The nearby beaches at Vrahati and Kiato are ideal for a dip in the sea during the summer months. “1 km away there’s an amazing place called Panagia Youroutsi and Profitis Ilias. The location is idyllic. You can enjoy peace and quiet in the shade of the plane trees, and it is a perfect retreat for those who are looking for a little relaxation away from it all”.
Anyone wishing to take a trip across the Corinthian Gulf and enjoy swimming in the sea off the beaches of Heraion should just ask us. We make arrangements with local boat tour companies who organise day trips, as well as all your favourite water sports, including jet skiing.
The cultural events of the area attract many visitors. “Culturally, we have a lot of local events. There is a music festival for example, and there are many other festivals in the area, as well as many concerts”
If you have an interest in trying the local gastronomic offerings, then do not leave without sampling the traditional dishes of the place, such as oven-braised lamb cooked in a ‘gastra’ (clay pot), ‘giouvetsi’ (meat and orzo pasta casserole dishes) and ‘gioulbasi’ (meat slow-cooked in parchment paper, with vegetables, spices and cheese). Vegetarians and vegans will not be disappointed by the quality of the locally-grown produce, or the range of meat-free dishes.
Carpe Diem Corinthian Suites
3, Iroon Street, Velo Korinthias
Book through booking.com or by phone to 697 764 2727
Mail [email protected]
Instagram @carpediemcorinthiansuites