Meet the people behind the place - Asteri Collection Villas

In this interview, we explore the story behind Asteri Collection Villas, a breathtaking retreat on Zakynthos. Helen shares how she and her family turned their love for the island into a luxury hospitality experience. From the moment Helen and Charles first set foot on the land, they knew they were creating something special: an oasis of laid-back luxury where people can unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Greece. Helen also reflects on the journey of building and managing the villas, the inspiration behind their style, and what makes a stay at Asteri Collection Villas truly unforgettable.

Before we dive into the details, could you briefly introduce yourself?

My name is Helen, and I designed and built the villas and now manage the properties with my husband, Charles. Our daughter also works for us as our Marketing manager. It's a real family affair. We live between the UK and Zakynthos.

We would love to share a bit about you as a person with our customers. Would you like to tell us more about yourself?

We all really enjoy travelling, and our family's passion is skiing. Once all the villas are closed for winter, we all get excited about hitting the mountains and enjoying the snow. It's a big change from the long, hot summers in Greece.

When and in what way did this property come into your life, and what motivated you to make it a part of your life?

We originally came to Zakynthos on a family holiday and fell in love with the island. We adore the simple way of life here, the incredible sunshine, the people, and of course, the delicious food. We loved swimming in the sea year-round and wanted to build a business that let us be here more often.

Can you tell us more about the process of renovating and furnishing your property?

I love interior design, and it's something I have always been involved in within the UK. Designing these villas was a chance to put all my ideas into practice and create a laid-back luxury vibe that guests seem to have fallen in love with. I really enjoyed sourcing all the little touches that make our villas unique. We have sourced furniture and lighting from all around the world, and each villa has its own personality.

On a personal level, what makes your property truly special for you? Any standout memories or moments that make it dear to your heart?

Standing on the virgin land for the first time with our young children was an emotional moment. I knew we were creating something that all the family could be part of and proud of. I looked out at the sparkling Ionian Sea and knew it was the right decision to create these Asteri Collection Villas.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your property?

The villas have a bohemian, laid-back style. They are places where we expect people just to lay back and relax. Everything is super comfortable while still retaining chic vibes. I used a very simple colour palette of white and grey, and they provide the elegant, neutral backdrop for the gardens, full of Olive and Cypress trees and of course, the very present bright blue of the Greek sky and ocean.

Which part of your property do you love the most, and why?

I think it has to be the courtyard for Villa Taygeta. I love the beautiful arched doors you enter through, and the fragrance of jasmine that hits you as you step into the cool oasis. We have a beautiful waterfall fountain that creates the perfect soundtrack.

What makes the location of your accommodation unique and special?

Agios Niklaos is the beautiful, unspoilt North Eastern corner of Zakynthos. It is far away from any nightclubs or busy tourist towns. It has developed into a very elegant little part with wonderful restaurants and simple tavernas. It has everything you need, yet it's still rural and beautiful.

Can you paint a vivid picture of the overall experience someone can expect when staying at your property?

Guests who visit us are always blown away by the location and the views. They are so hard to capture on camera, and as guests arrive and walk through the entrance, they are always impressed with the view of the sparkling blue sea. We look after guests before they even land on the islands and ensure all their requests are organised in advance, so they can just turn up and be assured that we have everything under control. We can make sure their fridge is full on arrival, arrange breakfast delivery, a private chef and all restaurant reservations. We can provide a full in-villa spa service and, of course, will arrange a boat trip to the famous "shipwreck beach." We love helping guests arrange special celebrations such as birthdays or anniversaries. We want to create special memories.

In what ways does your property stand out from others? What unique features or characteristics make it a one-of-a-kind experience for guests?

We are proud to have been featured as a standout villa in numerous prestigious press articles over the years. We have been featured in Ella Decoration as one of their top beach villas in 2022 and in The Times as one of their "most glamorous villas." These, along with the numerous online accolades we have received, are always lovely.

Can you share the best compliment you've received from a guest?

The best compliment is that 65% of our bookings come from returning guests. We love meeting new guests and really getting to create relationships with them. We feel very blessed to meet such an interesting, kind, and diverse group of people from all around the world.

What do you hope guests will take away or remember most from their stay in your accommodation?

We hope they go home, recharged and reset and have fallen in love with beautiful Greece.

Do you have any recommendations to help guests fully enjoy their holiday?

Set alerts on your phone so you can book flights as soon as they go on sale. We have always managed to get the best deals this way.

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