From Athens to Zakynthos: Our Guide to Greece
March 20, 2024 by Hidden Doorways
Often referred to as the cradle of Western Civilization, Greece has much to offer an enquiring mind alongside its glittering seas and rugged beauty. A destination that guarantees good weather and a healthy dose of history whether exploring the mainland or hopping between its many picturesque islands. An entire menu of destinations ready to be devoured — Greece is a country that’s hard not to fall in love with. Whether your clients are looking to satiate an appetite for archaeology or simply find an ocean spot that feels a million miles from home, there’s something for every kind of traveler.
Rugged Luxury — Santorini
Possibly the most popular (and pictured) of the Cyclades — Santorini boasts a rugged landscape that’s the lasting evidence of a volcanic eruption in the 16th Century BC. It’s known for its stunning sunsets and dramatic views, but maybe most famously for the whitewashed village of Oia that’s gained an iconic reputation. At the heart of this picture-perfect village, the Andronis hotel group has plenty to offer. Both Alta Mare by Andronis and the Andronis Boutique Hotel offer cliffside accommodation where every suite has its own private infinity pool or hot tub as well as enviable views of the Aegean. Andronis Luxury Suites offers a bright, contemporary design for its suites and villas as well as an award-winning restaurant with the most beautiful balcony in Santorini. Andronis Arcadia is a family-friendly option that offers a sense of privacy and resort-oriented lifestyle. It also features the six-bedroom Eden Villa, the largest villa offering in Oia. The newly renovated Andronis Concept Wellness Resort in Imerovigli is an absolute sanctuary, offering everything three treatment studios as well as mindful eating classes, sound healing, aerial yoga, and a variety of other wellness activities.
Cycladic Chill — Paros
Once famous for its fine white marble, Paros is now a covetable vacation spot adorned with long beaches and crystal-clear waters. Idyllic, white-washed villages punctuate the island’s natural beauty, where an air of calm surrounds the daily life that goes on. Located just 500 feet from the water’s edge is Andronis Minois — a place where guests can immerse themselves in luxury with golden sands and ocean swims mere minutes away. Here, 44 colorful suites enjoy private terraces and 13 more each have a private pool. Moroccan-inspired interiors feature pops of teal and terracotta that radiate warmth. Guests can embrace all that this serene setting has to offer with an al fresco gym and subterranean spa, or venture further afield to ride horseback across golden sands or take in the view from the skies above on a windsurfing trip.
Wild Beauty — Folegandros
Located between Paros and Santorini is the lesser-known island of Folegandros. A stark contrast to its cosmopolitan companions, this island remains relatively untouched, allowing travelers to revel in its natural beauty away from the hordes of tourists. Set high on its rugged cliffs is Gundari, a soon-to-open luxury retreat that enjoys panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and a rare window into authentic Greek island living. Reflecting the calm cragginess of its setting, Gundari has been decorated to honor the ancient tones of its island landscape. It’s an oasis of calm that offers guests a retreat away from the world while being close enough to the picturesque village of Chora. Here, whitewashed buildings become a blank canvas for richly colored bougainvillea and guests can dip a toe into island life, enjoying chic boutiques, cafes, and tavernas amidst a labyrinth of cobbled streets.
Ancient Allure — Athens
For budding archaeologists or those who wish to soak up some culture, there’s surely no place more abundant in history than Greece’s capital city. Situated in the heart of Athens is The Dolli, just a stone’s throw away from the Acropolis in the vibrant neighborhood of Plaka. The iconic hotel-maison astonishes with 46 individually appointed rooms and suites, apartments and pieds-à-terre bathed in Athenian light. The Dolli resides in an original 1920’s neoclassical building where high ceilings and large windows accentuate its chic interior. Its rooftop restaurant enjoys unrivaled views of the city with a menu packed with the finest ingredients while a breathtaking infinity pool (reflecting the most stunning part of the city on its waters) is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring the city’s historical monuments, contemporary galleries, lively markets, colorful neighborhoods and more.
Mythical Magic — Sounio
An icon on the Athenian Riviera, Cape Sounio is nestled among ancient ruins and a pristine pine forest at the edge of the Aegean Sea. The resort offers the perfect setting for witnessing stunning sunsets and the world’s most acclaimed full moons, with the renowned Temple of Poseidon as a backdrop. Just 45 minutes from the center of Athens, Cape Sounio is a wondrous haven within a pure nature reserve, making it the ideal spot for a rejuvenating escape. The resort is currently undergoing a property-wide transformation. On May 1, 2024, it will unveil cutting-edge new villas bathed in sunlight and offering views of the Temple, along with totally revamped accommodations where harmonious design complements the already stunning views. Tailored wellness and fitness programs, night snorkeling, private nautical explorations, ecological activities, and edible gardens blend to create a uniquely mythical Greek experience.
Lush Living — Corfu
Situated on the northwest coast of Greece, is the island of Corfu — a vibrant vacation spot with a large dose of natural beauty to enjoy. From cliffs awash with lush plant life to secret coves along its glittering shores — there’s plenty to discover here. Located on its own private peninsula, Corfu Imperial offers a wealth of curated experiences. With an enchanting blend of architectural styles and cosmopolitan flair, the resort brims with dreamy touches. Set amid olive groves with private pools, emerald gardens and sea decks, Corfu Imperial’s new Waterfront Villa Collection and colorful Roc Villas & Palazzos indulge the most luxury-seeking crowd. Ambling from the Peninsula’s sandy beaches to secret bays and small coves or one of four sun-drenched pools, guests can pick lounging, swimming, or something more active from the top-notch Water Sports Center, the best on the island.
Intrepid Exploration — Crete
Being the largest of the Greek islands, there’s plenty to discover on the isle of Crete, from the Venetian-style streets of Chania to picturesque coastlines and wild landscapes that can be explored year-round thanks to the warm summers and mild winters of its southern location. Crete was home to the first thriving European civilization so there is plenty of history and culture to embrace here too. Sculpted into the hillside of a secluded bay on the northern coast, sits Daios Cove. The resort is grand in scale and form, yet its lush, terraced gardens and private stretch of gold sand beach create a cocoon-like ambience, providing an intimate and magical setting for guests. Daios Cove recently unveiled their new ‘The Collection’ suites. Inspired by the natural Cretan landscape, the design seeks to amplify a sense of openness on all levels. As ideal for families as it is for romantic getaways, there’s two pools, a spa, fitness center, and kids’ club to be enjoyed by day and six restaurants, cocktail bars, and lounges to be enjoyed by night. For those with an appetite for adventure, excursions include sailing, private helicopter rides and a spot of island hopping before heading back to base to enjoy a spectacular sunset.
Serene Sophistication — Mykonos
Known for attracting partygoers from across the globe, it may come as a surprise to some that tranquility can be enjoyed in abundance on the island of Mykonos. Tucked away from its party scene is Kālesma — an oasis of serenity surrounded by five acres of olive-tree dotted land. Featuring 25 one-bedroom suites and two multi-bedroom villas — each effortlessly fusing contemporary interiors with a traditional, white-washed exterior. Greek hospitality is served up in abundance with a modern Greek menu at the resident al fresco restaurant and a wellness center designed to restore and revive. Meanwhile there’s plenty to discover outside of the resort including the iconic ancient windmills that benefit from the famous Meltemi wind in the summer months, multiple secret coves, the cobbled streets of Mykonos town and — of course — a party or two if the mood is right.
Into The Blue — Zakynthos
Where unspoiled natural beauty meets picturesque villages — it’s no wonder the endangered Caretta sea turtle calls Zakynthos home. Situated on the western side of Greece in the Ionian Sea, water activities are popular here and adventure can be found with a visit to the site of the MV Panagiotis shipwreck. Along the Eastern coast, close to the village of Tragaki, is Lesante Blu — an adult-only oasis comprising 92 suites and promising a feast for all of the senses with three excellent restaurants, views of nearby isles and tailored yachting excursions. Meanwhile its sister hotel, Lesante Cape, can be found nearby situated amongst the fruit and olive trees of the charming, historic Akrotiri village. Guests can choose from one of the 65 suites and villas that have been designed to look and feel as though they belong in a traditional Greek village. With a spa, infinity pool and multiple bars and restaurants — plus a private beach — there’s really no need to leave.
