Experience the Style
Xenia is the Greek concept of hospitality and in Greece you can find places to stay that take this concept to its pleasurable extreme. For visitors seeking accommodation that is as exclusive as it is luxurious there is no need to look any further.
Five-star accommodation comes in many forms from boutique hotels offering contemporary style and stunning locations, to spa resorts offering high end pampering. Although this section details some featured examples of first class establishments, an excellent first stop for all your accommodation needs is:
The Greek capital knows how to do first class. There are several hotels that vie for title of being the most luxurious in Athens, from established names with distinguished histories to chic boutique establishments and purpose built modern pinnacles of style. The Hotel Gran Bretagne has been known as 'The Royal Box' for 130 years on account of its supreme location, while the newly built Eridanus combines the best of art and stylish design with awe-inspiring views of The Acropolis. For more intimate lodgings, a suite at the chic Ochre and Brown hotel is a unique space with a fine sense of boutique elegance.
In Northern Greece you can swap ocean inspired opulence for rural chic. The Archontikon Country Club (Zagorochoria) in Epirus, for example, consists of two 19th century country manor houses. In the rooms, antique décor sits side by side with modern amenities and up to 20 guests can stay at a time. This is an ideal place to bring a group of friends and experience an exquisite stay surrounded by beautiful Alpine scenery and the Aoos, Voidomatis, Vardas and Zagoritikos rivers whose crystal clear waters are said to be amongst the cleanest in Europe.
Also situated in Northern Greece is the Imaret. This is a truly magnificent hotel, a masterpiece of late Ottoman architecture, that’s set in the heart of the historical district of Kavála. In this hotel East truly meets West with décor that combines the grandeur of Greek, Roman and Byzantine style with a real sense of the Orient. With spectacular and sweeping views over the town and harbour of Kavála the Imaret is also renowned for its fine cuisine.
The Greek islands offer many five star options to ensure a relaxing holiday in style. Mykonos, in the Cyclades, was made famous by Jackie O and is enjoying something of a renaissance as a destination where style and luxury go hand in hand. Here you can find the Mykonos Grand, a beachfront hotel that’s just a few kilometres from the hip and stylish Mykonos Town. Each room comes with a private terrace (some even offer private pools) and are fully equipped for luxuriating.
Another of the Cyclades, Santorini, has an established reputation as a hotbed of luxury. The island is host to the Honeymoon Petra Village, a hotel that is located near to the ancient fortress at Skaros and commands unique views over the Aegean. It’s a haven of tranquillity and in addition to stylish apartments it offers guests a unique Sail and Stay package, which combines accommodation at the Honeymoon Petra Village with several days of cruising around the Mediterranean aboard one of their luxury sailboats.
Crete is an island famed for its natural scenery, packed full of beautiful locations and inhabited by more than its fair share of beautiful people. Crete knows how to do first class accommodation in style and has some fantastic villa rentals that can sleep up to 10 people in extreme comfort, particularly in the Chania and Elounda areas of the island.
However, Greece can also offer up some exclusive jewels that manage to raise the bar even higher than what one might consider luxury.
One such place can be found on the Aegean island of Chios, which is host to one of the most luxurious places to stay in the whole of Greece. The Argentikon Palatial Estate is a palatial mansion that was built by a Genovese noble family in the 16th century. Having been renovated and extensively refurbished in keeping with modern concepts of luxury, the estate consists of eight luxury Suites, situated in five individual Villas, all with exquisite views.
In addition to modern day amenities and a full range of guest services, the suites are decorated to reflect the grandeur of the bygone age, with their authentic ceilings, chandeliers, fireplaces and medieval art. The extensive grounds and gardens also allow guests to enjoy a serenity and tranquillity that would be hard to find at any other luxury location.
For some, the bigger the luxurious package the better it is, and they don’t come much bigger or more luxurious than the legendary Christina O. This super yacht has an exclusive past and following her recent restoration, has embarked on a new era of super opulence.
The Greek shipping magnate, Aristotle Onassis, bought this former navy ship and set out to transform her into the epitome of luxury. From bow to stern the yacht was furbished with a breath-taking elegance that included a bronze plated pool island, designed to rise to deck level at the push of a button, where it was be transformed into an open air dance floor
The Christina O has a history that is marked by the famous footsteps that have walked the decks over the years. Guests aboard the yacht have included Sir Winston Churchill, Greta Garbo, Eva Peron, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Princess Grace and of course Jackie Kennedy who was to become Aristotle’s wife.
With new owners, 21st century modifications have included the installation of a spa (run by 6 Senses, which consistently win Spas of the Year awards including Conde Nast’s Best Spa) and menus prepared by the world-renowned restaurant, Don Alfonso.
Experience...
