This cool boutique hotel is waiting for you: Villa Permet

For years, Përmet was avoided by international tourists who preferred to spend their holidays in the Albanian Riviera. Some intrepid travelers perhaps spent a night here simply after a day of adventures along the last wild river in Europe, Vjosa, departing shortly after that experience. But since a few years, the town is home to Villa Permet, a boutique hotel housed in a 19th century villa opened in summer 2020. There are a big terrace overlooking the town, a gourmet restaurant, original fireplaces and incredible views. This is not just a hotel, is more a space where architecture, tradition, design and culinary creations live perfectly together under one roof.

ROOMS

Villa Permet’s design is a mix of traditional and contemporary elements. Stone, wood, handmade textiles; the furniture is all locally made. All of Villa’s 14 rooms feature elegant curtains, wooden elements, facilities (Nespresso coffe machine and boiler included), an abundance of natural light and beautiful views over the town or mountains. The 2 spacious suites have original stone fireplaces and work spaces. A balance of comfort and elegance extends into the bathrooms, which center on dark marble and white curtains. The cherry on top here? During dinner, the room is rearranged by the staff who leaves a note with an Albanian proverb written on it to wish the customers a peaceful sleep. In a few words? Villa Përmet is the perfect place for a romantic escape.

FOOD & DRINKS

Villa Permet’s gourmet restaurant is located at the ground floor of the building. Chef Klodiana Delilaj together with sous-chefs Elona Muaj and Dhimitri Xhoga creates original dishes starting from traditional recipes. Cold cuts, cheeses, meats, vegetables from the garden, jams, gliko, a fruit based compote protected by Slow Food, everything here is fresh, seasonal and local. The menu features soups, like supa përmetare with pasta crumbs and chicken raised exclusively in the countryside and shqeto made with lamb, yogurt, eggs and lemon, first plates and meats. To try something that you’ll not find anywhere in Albania order boar or wild rabbit comlek with fresh onions marinated in red wine and flavored with laurel. The drinks menu features a fine selection of French, Italian and Albanian wines, organic locally made Vranek Villa Permet included.

EXPERIENCES

Përmet is a nice, clean and green destination in south Albania and luckily is still relatively undiscovered. So the best tome to visit it is now, it won’t stay secret for long. The town is home to some of the most beautiful natural scenes in the country. The city center, with stunning views of Vjosa River, old rock and ancient churches are all worth a visit, but are Bënjë Hot Springs, a 10 minute by car from Përmet, the true wonder. Përmet Adventure, part of Villa Përmet, organizes Jeep excursions to the hot springs, Langaricë Canyon and Leusë, a small village with one of the most well preserved stone church in Albania. The best time to visit Përmet? Spring. Përmet is known as the city of roses, so during the bloomimg season you can expect flowers anywhere as well as a lot fewer tourists at the hot springs.

INFORMATION

Find out more about: Villa Permet.
Instagram: @villapermet
Facebook: villapermet
Location: Rruga 13 Shtatori, Përmet
Cost: From 50€.