High 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. Nevertheless, the Greek capital has heaps to supply so I made an inventory of accommodations which you must think about 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 will provide you with a lot extra in return. Area, seashore, tranquility… let’s dive into it.

4 Seasons Astir Palace Resort

Positioned a mere 25 minutes from the Acropolis by itself privately owned peninsula, overlooking the bay of Laimos in Vouliagmeni, this lodge 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. Quick ahead to latest occasions when 4 Seasons took over and reopened the lodge in 2019 the place it acquired voted quantity 35 in The World’s Finest 50 accommodations in 2023. Suffice to say that this place has all of it. The placement permits the lodge to make use of all of the area it desires to, and consequently 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 after I first arrived, was the truth that it doesn’t look or really feel like a 300 bed room lodge, quite the opposite. After all, with the completely different buildings and bungalows unfold out over the realm, the whole lot immediately turns into way more relaxed and fewer crowded. The busiest half might be the principle pool space which is surrounded by bars, eating places and even a children membership, however then nonetheless it’s a pleasant place to loosen up. One of many highlights for me is the view you get from many of the property, which is beautiful resulting from the truth that the lodge is constructed onto a cliff. One other half you’ll be able to’t miss out on is the Athens Spa which is really an oasis inside the entire complicated. If meals is your factor then you definitely higher prolong 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 lodge. All in all, a property that’s onerous to not like.

Anthology of Athens

This newly opened boutique lodge is the one to go for for those who 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 for those who would open up your historical past e-book and plant a lodge proper in the midst of the Greek chapter. With solely 12 rooms and 6 suites you must be fast to safe some area, however whenever 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 accommodations these days are medical, chilly and lack soul. Fortunately that’s not the case at Anthology of Athens.

One of many absolute highlights of this lodge is The Botany, a fine-dining rooftop restaurant which gives a number of the most unbelievable views over the Acropolis. The out of doors backyard simply provides to the general feeling of eating al fresco. However 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 accommodations typically are likely to neglect how essential it’s to supply these leisure choices for his or her company, however nothing of that on the Anthology of Athens. it could be small in measurement nevertheless it’s grand in service and magnificence.

The Roc Membership

Like another accommodations 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. Nevertheless, it’s not solely to be discovered on the lake trigger from the second you step into The Roc Membership 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 Membership, which is a part of the well-known Grecotel model by the way in which, nails the temporary in the case of first impressions.

The rooms and suites are gentle with stunning interiors that go completely with the beautiful out of doors vistas. However that is Greece so that you wish to be exterior as a lot as you’ll be able to, and The Roc Pool is one in all my favorite locations to take action. Not solely is the pool partially surrounded by the rock on which the lodge is constructed, it’s additionally nice to see the completely different small terraces throughout the place you’ll be able to create your personal 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. One other gem is The Roc Rooftop, from which you could have in fact one of the best views over the bay. However, having fun with these whereas savouring a number of the conventional Mediterranean delicacies which is served over right here, makes it all of the extra particular. After which there’s the artwork which is actually omnipresent all through the property and provides a splash of color. Should you search for that hidden gem within the Athenian Riviera, then you could definitely put The Roc Membership in your radar.

One & Solely Aesthesis

This architectural marvel is situated in Glyfada, some 20 minutes south west of the town centre. Very similar to the 4 Seasons you’re feeling like getting into a secluded oasis inside putting distance of the Greek capital. It gives room, suites, bungalows and villas as much as 6 bedrooms so will probably be robust to not discover the best lodging for you and whoever you determine to convey alongside. The type is a mixture of modern trendy with a particular Southern European twist. On a culinary entrance you’ll be handled to some very good Mediterranean delicacies however for those who 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.

When it comes to experiences there’s little or no that isn’t attainable. From the beautiful tennis and padel courts, to the beautiful swimming pools, wonderful health centre and the fun-filled children membership, it’s all right here. Talking of which , the One & Solely Aesthesis is really a household pleasant lodge the place your little ones will equally take pleasure in their time as a lot as you do. And whereas your children 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 sort in Greece and permits for some very good tailored facial and physique therapies. And for those who worry becoming bored with the property then there’s all the time the choice to take the speedboat to the One & Solely Kea Island which is situated lower than an hour away but makes you’re feeling such as you’re in a complete new area.

The Margi

A remaining boutique lodge which you definitely want to contemplate is The Margi. A modern property situated in the identical space as The 4 Seasons Astir Palace and The Roc Membership, however with a method of its personal. Trendy strains welcome you whereas an eclectic artwork assortment spices issues as much as be sure to by no means get bored strolling round this lodge. Over 10 room classes are supplied, ensuring there’s an ideal match for each visitor, and for those who determine to return over with household or associates there’s the beautiful 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 an alternative.

One factor that stands out at The Margi is the meals, which actually stands out. Why? Nicely, it’s as a result of the lodge has its personal natural farm only a few kilometres down the highway, from which it will get all of the recent produce day by 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 already know you’re in the correct place. However 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 whilst 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.

After all there are nonetheless a great deal of different locations to remain and luxuriate in your time in Athens and the Athenian riviera, however whenever you decide any of those 5, you’ll be able to relaxation assured that the Greek Gods will likely be enviously wanting 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 an excellent city jungle.