HIDDEN GUEST: Grand Forest Metsovo

Grand Forest Metsovo enjoys a phenomenal location. Although it is not tucked away in the heart of Metsovo, the scenic heart of Vlah culture in the Pindus Mountains, it rests in the leafy shade of a mighty black pine forest ten kilometres above the city. At an altitude of 1,350 metres above sea level, it sits at the summit of the mountain plateau, serving unrivalled views that will stun even the most well-travelled visitor. The hotel estate comprises around 10,000 square metres within an expansive private land stretching two square kilometres. This immense space infuses the resort with a sense of complete isolation and oozes the feeling of an authentic mountain oasis. A tidy, meandering road that leads to the hotel was under construction as we zigzagged up. While the ascent demands more patience than usual, the reward is well worth it.

Panoramic views, sauntering through magical forests and pleasant cool air all feel delightful amid a scorching summer.

For events, the remoteness is actually an advantage. Once a group of attendees arrive here, they can stay together and work or enjoy without disturbances or losing focus. Grand Forest Metsovo is a full-fledged mountain hotel with a singular charm, tailor-made for incentive groups, guided retreats, or meetings that demand seclusion, focus, and inspiration.

The Egnatia Odos motorway linking Thessaloniki with Ioannina is impressive in and of itself. As we travelled along it, the numerous tunnels and boldly designed viaducts felt like a true homage to the engineering acumen, persistence and bravery of its masterminds. Most travellers head across this motorway and rush toward the coast or Ioannina, with few stopping at Metsovo. That is a grave mistake. A slight detour to Grand Forest Metsovo is undoubtedly worth the extra time. The closest airport lies in Ioannina, some 45 kilometres away or 45 minutes by car. Thessaloniki International Airport is 240 kilometres away, so a transfer should be planned for two and a half hours in advance. Luckily, the hotel organisers provide private transfers, which is a plus for individual guests and almost a necessity for event organisers.

It is wise to arrange transfers by the hour and make them the first part of the experience. From the motorway, guests must take the 7A exit toward Anilia, followed by an ascent on a well-maintained snaking mountain road. The last few kilometres demand focused driving, especially in poor weather or in winter conditions. Still, accessibility is not a major impediment. It is the price one must pay to enter a world of serenity, privacy and views that make the long road up the mountain worth it.

Architect Vangelis Stylianidis designed the hotel as a modern interpretation of traditional Epirus mountain architecture.

He divided the complex into eight facilities that cascade across the hillside and follow the terrain’s natural configuration. Stone facades, wood, grey-hued roofs and panoramic windows create a strong dialogue with the black pine forest. The design is subordinate to the mountain and respectfully follows its silhouette. Herein lies its greatest virtue. The guiding idea was to offer guests the comfort of a five-star resort whilst connecting them with the untamed nature and rhythm of the seasons. The concept continues in the interior, where natural materials, earth tones, local textiles and artwork dominate the spaces.

A central fireplace, high wooden ceilings, and vast windows evoke a contemporary mountain residence. Views are the most salient architectural element of the hotel. Passing between facilities is somewhat complicated due to the rugged terrain, demanding more orientation. Yet, this spatial variety is what creates a feeling of privacy and exploration. Grand Forest Metsovo feels both subdued and refined. Its singular aesthetics convince guests that the hotel has been perched on the hillside for decades.

When a concierge like Tellos greets you upon arrival, your stay can truly begin. His smile, knowledge of the hotel inside out, and sincere readiness to help promise an exceptional stay. Tellos is adept at the simple art of hospitality that no guidebook can reproduce. We experienced a similar positive attitude with the rest of the staff. From the reception desk to the dining hall, all personnel were kind, attentive and professional. They function as a coherent whole and seem, above all, authentic. The gastronomy was curated by two famed cooks: sous-chef Gikas Xenakis and executive chef Vasilis Gaiannoulis. You first explore their culinary philosophy at breakfast, which is local, thoughtful and extremely tasty. A delectable selection of cheese, cold cuts, homemade pies and other flavours of Epirus truly stood out. A bit more direct contact with the cooks or show cooking would infuse the breakfast with even more zest.

If views could be ranked, they would deserve their own Michelin star.

The Metsovo Restaurant 1350m continues the story by serving contemporary interpretations of Greek staples. The dishes have a clear idea, are made precisely and bear the signature of Gikas Xenakis. The culinary experience is complemented by excellent local wines and views that cannot be included in a Michelin Guide. If views could be ranked, they would deserve their own Michelin star. On a side note, the prices are steeper than the average in Greece or the region.

Hotel rooms

The hotel rooms are a special story. Thirteen years is a long period in the hospitality industry. In such a time, trends pass, materials gain a patina, and guest expectations change. The rooms of Grand Forest Metsovo reflect the era when the hotel opened. Dark wood, robust furniture, massive carpets and subdued earth hues create a typical mountain ambience. By today’s design standards, the rooms appear somewhat dark. A carefully considered revamp would doubtless make them more airy and fresh. Still, the basic quality of the rooms is evident. Everything works flawlessly, the layout is functional, and the materials have stood the test of time. A quality-made bed with an anatomic mattress ensures a restorative sleep. A spacious marble-clad bathroom with a separate shower and bathtub befits the five-star standard.

The centrepiece of the room we stayed in was the terrace. With sweeping views of Metsovo and the summits of the Pindus mountain range, this outdoor terrace elevated the entire stay and made us pay little heed to some designer flaws.

The hotel offers 62 suites, ranging from 30 to 72 square metres. Some even boast a romantic private fireplace that warms guests in winter. The centrepiece of the room we stayed in was the terrace. With sweeping views of Metsovo and the summits of the Pindus mountain range, this outdoor terrace elevated the entire stay and made us pay little heed to some designer flaws. These are views the guests remember long after leaving. The memory of the phenomenal Vlah-style carpet will stay with us for some time.

Meetings centre

The central conference hall is the 350-square-metre Hall E. Averoff, dedicated to conferences, seminars and workshops. Technically, the hall is well-equipped and enables event organisers to experiment with layouts for up to 300 attendees. For events combined with staying at the hotel, the capacity is limited by the 62 hotel suites. Hence, the ideal group size is between 80 and 120 attendees. This is the size in which the hotel reveals its character. The Pines Saloon is the more intimate, yet much more characteristic alternative to the classic event hall. Two imposing fireplaces, plush furniture, and the feel of a private mountain club create a fitting environment for guided meetings, strategic workshops, receptions, or evening dinners. In such a place, conversations quickly turn to laughter and genuine smiles.

The private estate represents the hotel’s greatest conference asset. Mountain trails, viewpoints, horse riding programmes, mountain biking and truffle hunting can all form a striking incentive programme. Grand Forest Metsovo is thus best suited as a venue for guided retreats and incentive trips. The entire estate doubles as a natural conference centre where the most significant talks happen outside the confines of the hall.

DESSERT – The extras

Among the extra experiences we pursued, the wild truffle hunt helmed by Katerina Nola and her well-trained furry friends stood out. The walk through the forest concludes with an interactive epicurean experience, where the chefs prepare the freshly dug-out truffles in front of the guests. This programme is imbued with the destination’s character. It is complemented by hiking, horse riding, canyoning, e-bike exploration, off-road driving, mushroom foraging and discovering the hidden gems of the Pindus mountains. The array of activities is refreshingly diverse and enables programmes to be executed year-round.

FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES

The hotel’s Achilles heel is the slow speed of the wireless internet. The speed varies tremendously, while the connection is unstable here and there. It suffices for basic use, yet can cause challenges if used for videoconferences or more complex work. A hotel beckoning business guests and event organisers should offer a more reliable wireless connection.

TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES

This time the accolade goes to the nature surrounding the hotel. Views of the forest and the peaks of the Pindus mountains are so imposing that one cannot get enough of them during a stay here.

The landscape offers a wealth of extraordinary possibilities for organising incentives any time of the year.

Metsovo is considered one of the most important centres of Greek winter tourism. In summer, hiking, cycling and exploring the wilderness take precedence. Pindos is also the natural habitat of the brown bear, which imbues the area with a unique primordial quality. Nature is not a setting here, but a key reason to come.

SUSTAINABLE ENDEAVOURS

The sustainable story of the hotel is based on three pillars: care for the environment, supporting the local community and preserving the cultural heritage. Among the tangible measures are LED illumination, energy-saving devices, reducing single-use plastic and cooperation with local suppliers. According to the hotel’s data, 92% of the ingredients are of local and ecological origin. We must also praise the minimalist build, as the hotel complex only takes up 10,000 square metres within a two-kilometre-large estate.

The cultural aspect of sustainability is even more convincing. Exploring Vlah culture begins with an exhibition of traditional rugs and carpets and continues through the cuisine, local products and incentive programme titled Beyond Essence. These offer event organisers authentic content that bears the signature of Metsovo. The hotel is already a member of LWH Considerate Collection and uses Greenview tools aligned with the GSTC measures. This ensures a robust and useful framework. The next step is for the hotel to share the results publicly. To make a transparent evaluation, we require data on carbon footprint, energy and water consumption, waste and completion of annual goals. Today, sustainability is backed up by numbers.

CREATIVITY

The creative side of the incentive programmes is inspiring. Truffle hunting, horse-riding, canyoning, mountain biking and off-road drives all carry a local touch.

The plateau is an extraordinary creative playground, and the local partners add authenticity to the experiences.

The hotel property is somewhat less new and original. After thirteen years, the rooms and public spaces seem somewhat dusty. The dark interiors and subdued decor need a makeover. The nature and incentive offerings are far ahead. Now, it’s on the hotel’s shoulders to keep up.

Grand Forest Metsovo has something that can be neither bought nor created artificially: a phenomenal location, imposing nature, and people who understand hospitality. A private “mountain”, views of Metsovo and refined incentive programmes form the backbone of its identity. Its credibility stems from local suppliers, the gastronomy of Epirus and inspiring individuals such as concierge Tellos and truffle guide Katerina Nola. Thirteen years since opening, the hotel should aspire to make a design revamp. Dark-hued rooms, conservative interiors, and an old-school conference offering trail behind the destination’s ebullient and youthful energy. The renovation should aim to preserve the mountain soul, but flood the hotel with more light, modernity and boldness.

Grand Forest Metsovo remains one of the most alluring mountain hotels in this part of Europe.

Its trump card is the feeling of complete seclusion. Getting here means taking a few extra turns, but the journey is rewarded with unparalleled views, silence and long-lasting memories of one-off experiences. Indeed, what a story this hotel has. Now it’s time to write a new chapter.

FINAL GRADE: 4.89 THREE MEETING STARS⭐⭐⭐ Resort Meeting Hotel 

3 MEETING STARS⭐⭐⭐ final score from 4.81 to 5.00
2 MEETING STARS⭐⭐ final score from 4.61 to 4.80
1 MEETING STAR⭐ final score from 4.41 to 4.60