Top 5 locations to remain in and round Athens

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 heaps to supply so I made an inventory of lodges which it is advisable to take into account when visiting Athens.

Funnily sufficient, there’s just one within the metropolis centre whereas all the remainder 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 authentic 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 bought voted quantity 35 in The World’s Best 50 lodges 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 because of this there are 2 principal buildings (Nafsika and Arion) and on prime of that there are a number of bungalows dotted round one of many many bays.

What instantly stood out to me after 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 totally different buildings and bungalows unfold out over the realm, all the things immediately turns into rather more relaxed and fewer crowded. The busiest half might be the primary 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 gorgeous as a result of the truth that the resort is constructed onto a cliff. Another half you possibly can’t miss out on is the Athens Spa which is really an oasis inside the entire advanced. If meals is your factor then you definately higher lengthen your keep to attempt all the 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 onerous to not like.

Anthology of Athens

This newly opened boutique resort is the one to go for in the event you actually wish 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 in the event you would open up your historical past e-book and plant a resort proper in the course of the Greek chapter. With solely 12 rooms and 6 suites it is advisable to be fast to safe some area, however while you do, you’ll be in for an actual deal with. The rooms and suites are trendy but you continue to really feel at residence from the second you stroll in. Too many lodges 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 presents a few of the most unimaginable 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 right place to spend some high quality time whereas escaping the hustle and bustle of the town. Boutique lodges usually are likely to overlook how vital it’s to supply these leisure choices for his or her friends, however nothing of that on the Anthology of Athens. it may be small in measurement however it’s grand in service and magnificence.

The Roc Club

Like another lodges 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 right 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 in relation to first impressions.

The rooms and suites are gentle with stunning interiors that go completely with the gorgeous out of doors vistas. But that is Greece so that you wish to be exterior as a lot as you possibly can, and The Roc Pool is one in every of 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 totally different small terraces throughout the place you possibly can 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 towards it. Another gem is The Roc Rooftop, from which you’ve got in fact the very best views over the bay. But, having fun with these whereas savouring a few of 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 colour. If you search for that hidden gem within the Athenian Riviera, then it’s essential to definitely put The Roc Club in your radar.

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’re feeling like coming into a secluded oasis inside placing distance of the Greek capital. It presents room, suites, bungalows and villas as much as 6 bedrooms so it is going to be powerful to not discover the perfect lodging for you and whoever you resolve to convey alongside. The fashion is a mixture of modern trendy with a particular Southern European twist. On a culinary entrance you’ll be handled to some excellent Mediterranean delicacies however in the event you like a change you’ll have the ability 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 attainable. From the beautiful tennis and padel courts, to the gorgeous swimming pools, wonderful health centre and the fun-filled youngsters membership, it’s all right here. Speaking of which , the One & Only Aesthesis is really 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 a great time throughout the property, you’ll have time to go to the gorgeous Guerlain spa. It’s the primary of its form in Greece and permits for some excellent tailored facial and physique remedies. And in the event you concern becoming bored with the property then there’s at all times the choice to take the speedboat to the One & Only Kea Island which is situated lower than an hour away but makes you’re feeling such as you’re in an entire new area.

The Margi

A remaining boutique resort which you definitely want to think about is The Margi. A modern 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 be sure 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 in the event you resolve to return over with household or buddies there’s the gorgeous 4-bedroom villa that can 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, until you step into the health club which is situated in the identical spot, however right here you’ll decide up weights as a substitute.

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 only a few kilometres down the street, from which it will get all of the recent produce on daily basis. 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 already know you’re in the correct 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 website 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 revel in your time in Athens and the Athenian riviera, however while you decide any of those 5, you possibly can relaxation assured that the Greek Gods shall be enviously trying over your shoulder!

Kristof Eyckmans

Kristof Eyckmans is a journey author from Antwerp, Belgium. He’s been residing all throughout the globe and whereas he loves wildlife and nature, he can nonetheless take pleasure in a great city jungle.