Our Story

How Villa Selena came to be, and the resilience of one fine lady…

The Authentic Home of Selene Greece

Selene, our house, is an idyll in Symi where time slows, and the Aegean breeze finds you.

Built in local stone, just steps from the ocean, it feels like home but is thoughtfully considered. Restorative swims, breakfast under olive trees, sunset on a private terrace, and moonlit water invite you to reconnect with Symi’s soul in spaces that are effortless, enriching, and real.

At Selene, we offer an effortless retreat where every detail is thoughtfully designed to ensure comfort and ease.

Guests enjoy personalised services and inviting spaces, free from the stress of planning - creating a sanctuary for deep relaxation and renewal. Rooted in timeless culture, Selene connects visitors with the rich traditions and stories of Symi, while its name reflects the mythological heritage of Greece.

Surrounded by the island’s natural beauty, the villa invites guests to unwind in a peaceful setting inspired by the moon’s gentle influence on nature and navigation.

Perfectly suited for couples, families, groups, and special occasions, Selene adapts to your needs with flexibility and warmth.

Committed to responsible tourism, the retreat supports local artisans, embraces eco-friendly practices, and nurtures community connections, making your stay as meaningful as it is memorable.

I first arrived in Symi in 2010, sailing into its glittering harbour after a long day at sea. Even then, something about the island felt different; its golden light, its quiet rhythm, the way the colours shift through the day, and like so many people who come to Symi, I was captivated. The beauty, the hidden coves only accessible by boat and / or water taxi, the scent of pine and salt, and that feeling of having stepped somewhere both timeless and deeply alive envelopes you.

A few years later, I returned, this time wanting to explore Symi beyond its harbour and bays. That’s when I first stayed at the Nimborio villa - then known as Emporio Symi.

Fortuitously, I was introduced to the then owner Selina, a remarkable woman who had built the house nearly thirty years earlier. Selina is a true trailblazer - a woman of vision, creativity and courage who brought her zest for life and energy to this quiet corner of Symi long before it was easy to reach. We became fast friends; I admired her indefatigable spirit, her sense of self, her ingenuity and generosity.

One day, I received a call from Selina - completely out of the blue. With a heavy heart, she told me she had decided it was time to pass the house on and that she knew how fond I was of it. Before she’d even finished her sentence, I knew my answer. It was a decision made entirely from the heart. We agreed the sale.

When it came time to give the house its new name, I chose Selene - in honour of both Selina herself and the moon goddess of Greek mythology.

The name carries two stories: one of truth, and one of myth. In legend, Selene is the goddess of the moon, radiant only through the light she reflects; here on Symi, she finds her echo in Selina who created a sanctuary that continues to reflect the beauty and spirit of all who pass through it.

Since then, Selene has become a deeply personal part of my life. I’ve had some of my happiest times here; gathering with family and friends to celebrate the important moments in our lives. And it has also been a place of quiet retreat when life has thrown the odd curveball and I’ve needed space to reflect, ground and find my footing again. It’s the kind of place that lifts you even higher in the good times and wraps you in a warm embrace when you need to be nurtured.

Yet, as beautiful as the house is and as stunning as its setting may be, the true magic of Selene also lies beyond its walls and in the community of Symi.

The island is home to so many warm-hearted, kind and generous people who have welcomed me and my family with open arms, and whom I am now fortunate to call dear friends. It’s this sense of community - of belonging to something real and good - that makes Selene what it is for me; not just a house but a home in every sense.

People often ask why I open what is essentially my personal home to visitors. The truth is, I don’t want the house to sit dormant, waiting patiently for my next visit. I want it to shine, to be filled with laughter, conversation, and new memories. I want others to experience the same joy, warmth, and calm that I’ve found here. 

Selene is not somewhere to own but something to care for, preserve the spirit of, stories and beauty that has always defined it. I am but the custodian. Selene is part of Symi’s evolving story, and my hope is that, in some way, Selene Symi will continue to bring people together as this island has always done.