https://arenilodge.com/index.html
Firstly, I have to say, I just LOVE and appreciate the PASSION and love that Len and Armine have for not only the Areni region but also for Armenia. They have created an Adopt-a-village charity program to help the Armenian vilagers. You can see the way they talk about the whole region with such love and they have visualised and created this whole complex – this is the reason I have given 4 stars as I don’t think I have spoken to owners of an accommodation who know and love the people of the area and want to help grow the economy and provide jobs to locals – we really need more people like them in the world! I was honoured to have stayed here 🙂
Len used to work for the UN and left that high paying role to move to Armenia to start a new life – below from their youtube channel description:
https://www.youtube.com/@straighttalkfromthehomelan9258/videos
We migrated as a family from Australia to Armenia to help people in the Homeland through our Adopt-a-Village charity programme and our international experience, having worked for the UN and lived in many places (and now providing advisory services to several countries).
‘Straight Talk’ means talking about difficult but important subject matter like human rights sincerely and openly, without the nuances and ‘poetry’ common in Armenian society. It might upset some who’re not interested in addressing corruption, oppression, racism, genocide and the many evils we need to confront to make the world a better place. But we can’t be shy if we’re to help our children to be safer, more educated and positive for the future.
Len & Armine
Areni Lodge features 12 + 1 exclusive guest rooms, each suite with a private balcony overlooking the Arpa River. The rooms are named after Armenian provinces
The view of the lodge from above with the meandering Arpa river behind
Located in the Areni region
Central location in Arena and not too far away from the Areni Caves attraction
We arrived and drove down the windy driveway just off the main road, and saw the very newly made 3 storey red tuff building with a gorgeous mountain view behind
Our room was huge! 2 comfy single beds and plenty of space, an adjoining door to the next room if needed
The room was huge with heaps of floor space for yoga or aerobics! – cupboard space was plenty
The colour schemes are all nice oranges and reds with light blue head boards and white walls and floors
Other rooms are similar on the 2nd floor – depending if you want singles or doubles
The halls leading to the bedrooms on floor 2
The bathrooms were all huge and had everything you needed for a nice stay
shower and water was great! good water pressure and there was even a spa bath! (I wish I had time to use it!)
We had a tour of the other rooms
All brand new bathrooms with all modern detailing – very impressed with the way they had put everything together
More clean and comfortable beds, fantastic pillows!
The top floor had the larger and more extravaggant suites
The living room of one of the suites
Your own private sitting area – the furniture used at the accommodation all has a story to tell, they have been shipped to Armenia from all around the world, hand picked by Les and Armineh themselves
The shared gym
They even had an elevator made for those who cant carry bags up the stairs! – they have thought of everything
The view from our balcony from our room
Looking out to the gorgeous Holy Mother of God church with the backdrop of the hill
I had some of the best (vegan) food I had tasted here! Loved the breakfast and the dinner and there was so much food to choose from!
They even made their own wine which was lovely!
More amazing fresh food!
The dining area
The kichen with an awesome barista coffee machine
Some of Len and Arminehs collected items from around the world – they have some really interesting stuff!
Around the property, they have created little areas where you can relax and enjoy the scenery and tranquility of the Areni area
Little fire pitt and seating area
There are fresh Armenian peaches growing in their front yard, so juicy and enjoyable to eat!
Sign posts directing around the property – thye even have a helipad at the back!
The moon rising
Part of the midnight tour we had, saw a beautiful red hand made khatchar that they had built dedicated to all Armenians
The grapes they grow here as well in their abundant garden – fresh and beautiful!
Hard saying bye to new friends – we really enjoyed our time here!
Len and Armineh are so passionate about Armenia, they really care for the people and helping them out as much as they can, for example, hiring the local people to help with building their house, setting up a museum for the locals on their property for them to set up and to look after and to also sell their wares,in general, just to help them prosper
Their website link:
The Wandering Passport 