"The Gecko, Lefkas. In an area rich with wild flowers and poppies, the modern, simple facade of The Gecko hides one of the most mouthwatering interiors in Greece. The villa, above the village of Tsoukalades, has a huge, white, airy lounge-dining area with a double height ceiling, and two bedrooms, one in the main house and another built into the hill further down, both with their own terraces ... A pool looking out across a pine forest to the sea, a second, smaller "reading pool" and pergolas, one with a Mexican hammock. The terraces are planted with olive, eucalyptus and cherry, fig and nectarine trees, plus grapevines, bougainvillea, jasmine, lavender and rosemary. A DVD player (but no TV, they want you to escape the world here), CDs, books, games, iPod dock and wifi provide the entertainment, and there are beaches and tavernas nearby. The Guardian, May 2010

"This villa could easily grace the pages of Elle Deco. It's been designed as a luxury playground for four adults, so expect sexy touches such as mood lighting (from 'snuggle' to 'party'), remote controls to open the curtains, broadband throughout, and a shady 'reading' pool as well as a showstopping infinity number that runs the length of the main terrace. You might quarrel over who gets which room - the deck suite is lovely, the galleried bedroom exquisite. The kitchen's also big enough to share: double oven, panini maker (see, it's far too posh for a plain old toastie machine) and various Neff and Miele appliances are guaranteed to bring out your inner Ramsey. The villa is on the rugged west coast, too, which means there are fewer tourists and fantastic sunsets." The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, June 2009

20 Great Designer Villas: "Olive groves and cypresses stretch towards the Ionian Sea before this luxury pad, set on a hillside above the village of Tsoukalades, with mountains looming behind. A modern take on the Greek facade encases a cool contemporary interior; indigo slatted doors lead on to two levels of decked sun terraces with canvas parasols. There are two pools, an outdoor cooking area and a Mexican hammock beneath a vine-covered pergola, surrounded by fig, cherry and bougainvillea trees. It sleeps four in two elegant rooms" The Observer, April 2007

"Standards here are extravagant ... lie in bed, press a button and blinds rise, revealing the view. You get walnut floors, Egyptian cotton, glossy white beams above whitewashed walls, underfloor heating and an antique armoire. If you're after bliss for two, you'll want it all to yourselves" The Daily Telegraph, March 2006

25 Most Seductive Places in The World: "Set high on a hillside amid tangled olive groves and cypress trees that tumble down towards the sea, The Gecko is enough to bring out the wanton Greek goddess in anyone. Sexy seclusion is what it's all about at this off-the-beaten-track villa on sleepy Lefkas. It's strictly adults-only, with a cushion-strewn gallery bedroom that spills out onto a decked terrace, and the infinity pool beyond" Sunday Times Travel Magazine, August 2005

"The Gecko is a perfect place, built from scratch, with no detail too tiny to be overlooked. It sits on a hill above the village with long views out to sea, amid ancient stone terraces that ripple across the landscape. Olive trees shimmer, cockerals crow, the odd tractor coughs in the distance" Alastair Sawday's Special Places to Stay - Greece, 2006

i-escape's Good Snooze Guide - i-escape's team of roving reporters select their 10 best nights' sleep... No 5: Nods of the Gods at The Gecko, Lefkas, Greece: From your galleried bedroom, you look out, Zeus-like, over endless blue horizons. Flip the motorised blinds and humanity disappears, so you can appreciate the Egyptian cotton, goose-down pillows and pashmina blankets. Outside is a mini-paradise for two: rimless pool, sundeck, herb gardens i-escape, March 2007

If you want privacy and a child-free haven, head for the Gecko, where the rule of no under 18s means sophistication and calm. Behind the traditional Greek facade, the Gecko is a smart and elegant, interior-designed space, bringing modern comforts to a traditional island. There's an open fireplace, library, music system and well-equipped kitchen with views over the terraces of olives and cypresses. In the gardens, a vine-covered pergola conceals a hammock, a perfect hideaway with a glass of Chablis. There are two swimming pools - an infinity pool and a shallow 'reading' pool. The Quarterly, Summer 2007 edition

"A perfect ten – the Gecko indulges every whim – and those in search of the very best should look no further. Classy, contemporary villa with impeccable décor and infinity pool overlooking the sea" i-escape, August 2005

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