Villa Ilia is the fruit of a love story, a story which began in 2001 when I landed by chance on the island of Sifnos. I was immediately struck by its stunning beauty, the golden light, the blue horizon, the village paths lined with whitewashed walls, the warmth and kindness of the locals. How could I leave? I kept putting off my departure.

In the end, my desire to discover other cultures led me to several countries. In those 12 years or so, the memories of Sifnos never faded. On the contrary, I yearned to return. I shared my dream with my other half and that dream became reality in 2010.

Our first trip to Sifnos, together, lasted only a few days. Then a few weeks. Then a few months…