Greece is currently topping our list of new inquiries over the last month or so by a considerable distance, both for last minute travel in Summer 2021 and for as far out as Fall 2022. I haven't written about Greece and the infinite possibilities of travel there very much over the years, so I am going to attempt to make up for that over the next 2 weeks. With a mainland rife with thousands of years of history, culture, food, wine and beaches, that would usually be enough to make it a very popular destination. Add in 227 beautiful islands that are also part of the country and it becomes even more obvious why it will always be at the top of many peoples bucket lists.
Greece is also one of those destinations that absolutely cries out for the assistance of a travel advisor. Just how do you decide on an itinerary when you have Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Crete, Rhodes, Ios, Kos, Skiathos (below), and so many more you probably haven't even heard of to choose from?
We can help. We listen intently, plan diligently, and work with suppliers who are absolute experts solely in Greece.
This week I'll feature several under the radar incredible properties, and next week we'll update you on cruising the Greek Isles and the Aegean Sea.
Top 5 - Under the Radar Luxury Greece
At all of the properties below we are able to add exclusive Virtuoso amenities.
1. Porto Zante Villas & Spa, Zakynthos (above and below)
The island of Zakynthos, just west of Greece’s mainland is famous for its turquoise waters, beautiful beaches and Venetian villages. Set along one such private beach on a secluded bay just minutes from Zakynthos city, the ridiculously beautiful Porto Zante oozes exclusivity. Expect every extravagance in the nine sublime villas; ranging from one to four bedrooms, they boast private pools, furnishings from Armani Casa and Gervasoni, Bang & Olufsen entertainment centers, and iMac desktops. Get active with tennis, beachfront yoga, horseback riding, and plentiful water sports; the waterfront spa offers lavish treatments using Bulgari products. Dine on fine Greek and Mediterranean or Asian fusion that takes advantage of the Ionians’ bounty.
Our tip: Charter Porto Zante’s private speedboat or motor yacht and sail to Navagio Beach, with its famous shipwreck, or Marathonisi Island, to swim with endangered caretta caretta turtles.
2. Canaves Oia Epitome, Santorini (above and below)
The best sunset views in Oia, spacious villas with private heated pools, and world-class Greek cuisine make for a sublime Santorini escape. The family-run Canaves Oia Epitome sits just outside of town, above the pretty fishing village of Ammoudi. Suites awash in both Cycladic architectural hallmarks and contemporary features boast generous outdoor private terraces, ideal for savoring that blessed Aegean sunshine and light breeze. (In fact, this is the only hotel on the island that offers sea and sunset views from every bedroom.) After a morning in your private pool, make your way to the nearby Katharos Beach.
Our tip: Need a view other than the fab one from your private pool? Wander over to the new infinity-edge pool by the bar, an irresistible perch above the Aegean Sea.
3. Eagles Villas, Halkidiki (above and below)
Halkidiki is a region in northern Greece known for its jutting peninsulas, which feature Mediterranean forests that give way to sandy beaches in sheltered bays.
Eagles Villas is a family-run sanctuary, nestled within the hillsides of Halkidiki, and it provides the ultimate seclusion in 42 light-filled stone villas, each with its own plunge pool. Guests enjoy full access to the Eagles Palace Hotel's many amenities; grab a paddleboard, get your PADI diving certification, or soak in rays on the private beach. There’s house-made pasta to nibble on-site, or plan a romantic repast on the balcony of Kamares by Spondi, headed by two-Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Bignon. Feel reborn after a thermal mud bath in the spa’s rasul chamber.
Our tip: Choose your skippered boat and hop over to Ammouliani Island for the day, or try the Drenia Island Experience at the pristine shores of the uninhabited Drenia islands.
4. Amirandes, Grecotel Boutique Resort, Heraklion, Crete (above and below)
Designed in keeping with the grand palaces of the Minoan kings, Amirandes is an exclusive beach-side resort that epitomizes Crete’s most inspiring features: beautiful architecture, warm hospitality, excellent cuisine and stunning land and seascapes.
Fragrant gardens lapped by azure waters and palm-fringed lagoons swirling past natural stone terraces are the hallmarks of this relaxing yet sophisticated beachfront resort. Styled after the sprawling palaces of the Minoan kings and Venetian nobles who once ruled Crete, Amirandes introduces guests to the easy elegance of true European luxury. The architecture’s sleek lines set off the celebrated beauty of the southern Mediterranean landscape of silver-flecked olive trees, tropical palms, and flowering shrubs against brilliant blue skies and sparkling teal waters.
Our tips: Refresh in the Olympic-size swimming pool and in one of the 58 private pools (for suites and villas). Relax in the Elixir Spa with its ayurveda center, or practice golf at the 18-hole club nearby.
5. Katikies, Mykonos (above and below)
Perched above the remote sun-kissed beach of Agios Ioannis lies Katikies Mykonos, the epitome of chic seaside living. Here, elegantly appointed suites include open-air jetted tubs, bespoke spa treatments feature plant-based remedies from Ligne St. Barth, and gourmet Anatolian-inspired cuisine is complemented by unparalleled views. Not to mention exclusive tailor-made experiences like private wine tastings and luxury yacht tours through the hotel’s personal concierge service, Katikies Club.
Our tip: Book a driving tour of the island – many of which can be customized – with an expert chauffeur for exclusive access to prehistoric sites around Mykonos.
I love travel and I love travel planning just as much and I am proud to be building a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts.
We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.
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