ONE REASON I travel is to envision lives other than my own or to picture my own life in new, irresistible settings. Rarely has that thrill of trying out someone else’s existence felt as intense as it did during my stay at the Patrick & Joan Leigh Fermor House. This sun-kissed stone refuge sits above a turquoise cove near the Greek village of Kardamyli. It’s located in the Mani: one of the three ‘fingers’ of the Peloponnese, the hand-shaped peninsula that hangs off the mainland.
For decades, this idyllic place was the home of Patrick Leigh Fermor, one of Britain’s best-known travel writers, and his dynamic wife, Joan. “Paddy,” as the late author was called, is perhaps best remembered for A Time of Gifts, an account of his youthful trek across Europe in the 1930s. After becoming a World War II hero (he orchestrated the kidnapping of a Nazi general on Crete), Leigh Fermor spent the postwar years walking, sailing, and hitchhiking around Greece, journeys that would become the basis of his later books Mani and Roumeli. Joan often accompanied him; a former debutante, she was happy to trade her British high-society life for this sunlit coast.
This story is from the October 2021 edition of Travel+Leisure India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2021 edition of Travel+Leisure India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Travel, Leisure, And Everything In Between
Shibani and Farhan Akhtar share their travel dynamics, love for luxury, and why Raffles Udaipur, with its serene ambiance, is the ultimate getaway.
10 Elevated Experiences in The Lap Of Luxury
Travel in a luxury caravan, cook a meal with Michelin-starred chefs, chill in your private in-villa wine cellar and snorkel with seahorses-here is our handpicked list of 10 unique indulgences at some of the finest hotels across the world
The Sound Luxury
In 2024, the sound of Kenny G has been replaced by lo-fi beats in resorts and elevators, transforming the traditional musical landscape. Ambient music has become essential for crafting the perfect atmosphere.
APPETITE for LIFE
Dandelion roots and pea greens, truffles and wild mountain thyme: a meal in Slovenia is like a walk in a fairy-tale forest. Sierra Crane Murdoch falls under the country's spell.
Silk Route Revival
With its luxe offerings and ease of visa-free access to several countries, including India, Kazakhstan is slowly opening doors to travellers with a whole new set of handouts beyond the exotic, explores Shikha Tripathi
A TRANQUIL JOURNEY THROUGH TIME
At Raffles Udaipur, discover the art of slowing down and connecting with history, nature, and yourself.
Basking in Opulence
Lights, camera, glam. What is it about Rajasthan, especially Udaipur, that spells luxury travel like no other?
Tradition in Modern Tapestry
Waris Ahluwalia's insights on sustainable practices and the power of human connection in his creative journey reflect through his words, and his work.
Design, Diversity, and Sustainability
Roopal Patel discusses the evolving landscape of global fashion, the power of personal style, her vision for a more inclusive industry, and the future of design in an insightful exchange with Samreen Tungekar
MUMBAI TO MILAN: LUXURY, CULTURE AND CULINARY DELIGHTS
Tanya Khanijow enjoys the best of Milan with Lufthansa, from stylish shopping to tasting the city's culinary delights.