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Originally built in 1817 by Mehmed Ali Pasha, the founder of the Egyptian dynasty, the Imaret consisted of a series of inter-related buildings, including schools, a Mosque, a Hamam, administrative offices and the Imaret itself (Dining Facility). It quickly became a recognized center of learning throughout the Balkans, during the last phase of the Ottoman Empire. Mehmed Ali Pasha the founder of the Egyptian dynasty of Fouats, donated Imaret to Kavala, the city of his birth. The complex is crowning the hillside of Panagia, the city’s old district, offering stunning views to the sea and the surrounding hills. The building is considered to be an architectural delight blending the orient and western influences of the époque. The restoration works were in full compliance with the cultural heritage of the monument and the distinctive architectural details. The project was under the supervision of archeologists and architects from both the Greek and the Egyptian Ministries of Culture. After almost a century of neglect, the monument has been fully restored to become the first hotel operating within a historical building in Greece.
Mehmet Ali was born in Kavala in 1769, in a rather impressive house on the town’s peninsula. His childhood years remain difficult to follow as there are limited sources of information and many theories have seen the light of day. When Napoleon invaded Egypt, M. Ali joined the Ottoman army. He was soon promoted to high ranks due to his abilities and insatiable ambition. Henceforth his life belongs to Egypt. The Mehmed Ali’s mansion, built between 1780-90 is among the distinctive monuments of the old town. It is a typical example of the so called ‘broad-fronted, two-floor traditional dwelling’ with a row or rooms leading to the main living area on the first floor and the amenities and a covered courtyard on the ground floor. The Mohamed Ali’s mansion is one of the very few examples remaining in Greece that preserve the distinction between male and female quarters. Today totally restored houses the restaurant of Imaret Hotel.
Accommodation:
The hotel features 27 rooms and suites.All rooms and suites are located around the 3 inner courtyards of the monument. The most impressive courtyard of the monument is the water garden.
Imaret’s large suites are situated in the smaller courtyard. They are all characterized by impressive architectural details, individual decorative style and sea view.
Room Types:
Dome Rooms
Imaret Rooms
Treasure Suites
Mekteb Suite
Imaret Suite
Zeinab Suite
Hiourem Suite
An orangerie is covering the second courtyard while a marble fountain decorates the third. The original dome covered rooms of the inner orange garden, have been transformed into deluxe rooms, most of them overlooking the harbor of Kavala. The suites located around the water garden offer more spacious accommodations and they are characterized by vaulted ceilings and large fireplaces. Imaret’s large suites are situated in the smaller courtyard. They are all characterized by impressive architectural details, individual decorative style and sea view.
Relaxation:
Imaret has created very unique areas for relaxation of the body and the mind for the private use of its guests...
Indoor Pool:
The indoor pool is Imaret’s hidden secret. Underneath the domes of the old cistern the guest can enjoy a spectacular pool offering the harmonized meeting between the east and the west through the tranquility of the water and the numerous candle lights. A big variety of essential oils treatments is available.
Courtyard Pool:
The courtyard pool is an oasis of delightful sensations. The aroma of Mediterranean plants and flowers, the zest of a fresh water fountain, the sounds of rippling water, and a unique private massage area awaits you under the shade of a centuries’ old tree.
Hamam:
The traditional hamam is the ideal place for relaxation. The original oriental style bath has been fully restored and is available to the Imaret guests.
Massage:
An oriental hamam is never complete without an appropriate massage. The guests at Imaret may enjoy the original deep cleansing body treatment followed by a massage with scented olive oils.
Events:
The last union of the monument houses the tea room and the bar of the hotel. In the same unit a conference room and a reception hall are situated
Other Services:
Laundry
Room service
Meeting rooms
Tennis
Water sports
International press
Gourmet Restaurant
Indoor heated pool under the original domes
Maid service twice a day
Internet connection, all rooms
Helicopter service on request
Transport from and to the airport
Secretarial and Business services upon request
Imaret is a new luxurious hospitality property located within the homonymous historical monument built in 1817 overlooking the city of Kavala in northern Greece.
It has regained its former glory without shedding the burden of history and back it is with people, for whom it was built, to offer yet again hospitality, beauty and knowledge.
Nearby Attractions:
The house of Mohamed Ali Pasha
Island of Thassos
Ancient city of Amphipolis
Nestos’ aquatic biotope
Monasteries of Paggeon
Byzantine castles of Thrace
Mount Athos
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