Greece has been among the many world’s most iconic vacation locations for a really very long time, but many are likely to skip Athens and fly straight onwards to one of many small islands that are dotted throughout the mainland. However, the Greek capital has tons to supply so I made a listing of motels which it is advisable take into account when visiting Athens.
Funnily sufficient, there’s just one within the metropolis centre whereas all the remaining are 20 to half-hour away within the Athenian Riviera, however these gives you a lot extra in return. Space, seashore, tranquility… let’s dive into it.
Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel
Located a mere 25 minutes from the Acropolis by itself privately owned peninsula, overlooking the bay of Laimos in Vouliagmeni, this resort wants no introduction. The unique Astir Palace constructed within the 60’s was the hotspot for nationwide and worldwide film stars who would both come over to take pleasure in their holidays or to movie their subsequent manufacturing. Fast ahead to latest instances when Four Seasons took over and reopened the resort in 2019 the place it obtained voted quantity 35 in The World’s Best 50 motels in 2023. Suffice to say that this place has all of it. The location permits the resort to make use of all of the area it desires to, and in consequence there are 2 primary buildings (Nafsika and Arion) and on high of that there are a number of bungalows dotted round one of many many bays.
What instantly stood out to me once I first arrived, was the truth that it doesn’t look or really feel like a 300 bed room resort, quite the opposite. Of course, with the completely different buildings and bungalows unfold out over the realm, every part immediately turns into rather more relaxed and fewer crowded. The busiest half might be the principle pool space which is surrounded by bars, eating places and even a youngsters membership, however then nonetheless it’s a pleasant place to chill out. One of the highlights for me is the view you get from a lot of the property, which is beautiful on account of the truth that the resort is constructed onto a cliff. Another half you may’t miss out on is the Athens Spa which is actually an oasis inside the entire complicated. If meals is your factor then you definately higher lengthen your keep to attempt the entire eating places out trigger there are greater than a handful. And if that’s nonetheless not sufficient for you, they provide a free switch inside a 3 km radius to go to any of the eating places within the space exterior the resort. All in all, a property that’s laborious to not like.
Anthology of Athens
This newly opened boutique resort is the one to go for when you actually need to keep within the centre of Athens. Not solely is it proper throughout the Temple of Olympian Zeus, it’s additionally a stone’s throw away from the well-known Acropolis. It’s as when you would open up your historical past guide and plant a resort proper in the course of the Greek chapter. With solely 12 rooms and 6 suites it is advisable be fast to safe some area, however once you do, you’ll be in for an actual deal with. The rooms and suites are trendy but you continue to really feel at house from the second you stroll in. Too many motels these days are scientific, chilly and lack soul. Luckily that’s not the case at Anthology of Athens.
One of absolutely the highlights of this resort is The Botany, a fine-dining rooftop restaurant which provides among the most unbelievable views over the Acropolis. The out of doors backyard simply provides to the general feeling of eating al fresco. But what to do on a wet day? No worries, the Balaneion Spa is the proper place to spend some high quality time whereas escaping the hustle and bustle of the town. Boutique motels usually are likely to neglect how essential it’s to supply these leisure choices for his or her visitors, however nothing of that on the Anthology of Athens. it is likely to be small in measurement nevertheless it’s grand in service and magnificence.
The Roc Club
Like another motels talked about right here, this boutique property is situated in Vouliagmeni, a brief drive from the town centre. With views over the bay, it’s the proper place to wind down and actually take in the native vibes of Athens within the space. It’s additionally proper subsequent to the Vougliameni Lake, which is a shocking lake surrounded by spectacular caves and verdant nature. it even has thermal springs which suppose to have therapeutic vitality. However, it’s not solely to be discovered on the lake trigger from the second you step into The Roc Club you’ll really feel there’s an vitality current. Smiles throughout, a heat welcome and immediately a glass of bubbly to get you within the vacation moon. The Roc Club, which is a part of the well-known Grecotel model by the best way, nails the temporary on the subject of first impressions.
The rooms and suites are gentle with lovely interiors that go completely with the beautiful out of doors vistas. But that is Greece so that you need to be exterior as a lot as you may, and The Roc Pool is one among my favorite locations to take action. Not solely is the pool partially surrounded by the rock on which the resort is constructed, it’s additionally nice to see the completely different small terraces throughout the place you may create your individual little oasis with solar loungers and so forth. The pool bar is simply the cherry on the cake however who am I to go in opposition to it. Another gem is The Roc Rooftop, from which you’ve gotten in fact one of the best views over the bay. But, having fun with these whereas savouring among the conventional Mediterranean delicacies which is served over right here, makes it all of the extra particular. And then there’s the artwork which is actually omnipresent all through the property and provides a splash of color. If you search for that hidden gem within the Athenian Riviera, then you need to actually put The Roc Club in your radar.
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One & Only Aesthesis
This architectural marvel is situated in Glyfada, some 20 minutes south west of the town centre. Much just like the Four Seasons you are feeling like getting into a secluded oasis inside hanging distance of the Greek capital. It provides room, suites, bungalows and villas as much as 6 bedrooms so it will likely be robust to not discover the best lodging for you and whoever you determine to convey alongside. The model is a mixture of glossy trendy with a particular Southern European twist. On a culinary entrance you’ll be handled to some very good Mediterranean delicacies however when you like a change you’ll be capable to transport your tastebuds to Peru or Japan because of Manko and Sumosan, their speciality eating places.
In phrases of experiences there’s little or no that isn’t potential. From the attractive tennis and padel courts, to the beautiful swimming pools, wonderful health centre and the fun-filled youngsters membership, it’s all right here. Speaking of which , the One & Only Aesthesis is actually a household pleasant resort the place your little ones will equally take pleasure in their time as a lot as you do. And whereas your youngsters are having an excellent time throughout the property, you’ll have time to go to the beautiful Guerlain spa. It’s the primary of its form in Greece and permits for some very good tailored facial and physique remedies. And when you concern losing interest with the property then there’s all the time the choice to take the speedboat to the One & Only Kea Island which is situated lower than an hour away but makes you are feeling such as you’re in an entire new area.
The Margi
A ultimate boutique resort which you actually want to think about is The Margi. A glossy property situated in the identical space as The Four Seasons Astir Palace and The Roc Club, however with a mode of its personal. Modern strains welcome you whereas an eclectic artwork assortment spices issues as much as ensure you by no means get bored strolling round this resort. Over 10 room classes are provided, ensuring there’s an ideal match for each visitor, and when you determine to return over with household or associates there’s the beautiful 4-bedroom villa that may make your Greek vacation dream come true. If that’s not sufficient, I recommend you go the the wellness space the place you’ll rapidly decide up the japanese influences, except you step into the gymnasium which is situated in the identical spot, however right here you’ll decide up weights as an alternative.
One factor that stands out at The Margi is the meals, which actually stands out. Why? Well, it’s as a result of the resort has its personal natural farm just some kilometres down the street, from which it will get all of the recent produce each day. And that freshness actually interprets in wonderful flavours in your plate. Add to that their wonderful wine cellar (or cocktails if that’s extra up your alley) and you recognize you’re in the precise place. But why not take it a step additional and go to the farm itself, decide some greens your self and get them prepped by the chef on web site when you take pleasure in a Greek bbq extravaganza. It doesn’t get extra native than that, however that’s the great thing about Greek hospitality.
Of course there are nonetheless a great deal of different locations to remain and luxuriate in your time in Athens and the Athenian riviera, however once you decide any of those 5, you may relaxation assured that the Greek Gods shall be enviously wanting over your shoulder!
Kristof Eyckmans
Kristof Eyckmans is a journey author from Antwerp, Belgium. He’s been dwelling all throughout the globe and whereas he loves wildlife and nature, he can nonetheless take pleasure in an excellent city jungle.
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