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 resorts which it’s essential think about 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 offers you a lot extra in return. House, seaside, 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 get pleasure from their holidays or to movie their subsequent manufacturing. Quick ahead to current instances when 4 Seasons took over and reopened the lodge in 2019 the place it bought voted quantity 35 in The World’s Greatest 50 resorts 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 needs to, and consequently there are 2 major 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 once 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 totally different buildings and bungalows unfold out over the world, the whole lot 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 loosen up. One of many highlights for me is the view you get from a lot of the property, which is gorgeous attributable to 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 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 outdoors the lodge. All in all, a property that’s exhausting to not like.

Anthology of Athens

This newly opened boutique lodge is the one to go for for those who 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 for those who would open up your historical past e book and plant a lodge proper in the course of the Greek chapter. With solely 12 rooms and 6 suites it’s essential be fast to safe some area, however if 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 resorts 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 unimaginable views over the Acropolis. The outside 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 resorts typically are likely to neglect how necessary it’s to supply these rest choices for his or her friends, however nothing of that on the Anthology of Athens. it is perhaps small in dimension however it’s grand in service and magnificence.

The Roc Membership

Like another resorts 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 power. 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 power 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 best way, nails the transient in relation to first impressions.

The rooms and suites are mild with stunning interiors that go completely with the gorgeous outside vistas. However that is Greece so that you need to be outdoors as a lot as you’ll be able to, and The Roc Pool is certainly one of 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 totally 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 after all the perfect 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 colour. In case you search for that hidden gem within the Athenian Riviera, then you should actually 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 like the 4 Seasons you are feeling like coming into a secluded oasis inside putting distance of the Greek capital. It gives room, suites, bungalows and villas as much as 6 bedrooms so it is going to be robust to not discover the best lodging for you and whoever you resolve to convey alongside. The type is a mixture of smooth trendy with a particular Southern European twist. On a culinary entrance you’ll be handled to some excellent Mediterranean delicacies however for those who like a change you’ll be capable to transport your tastebuds to Peru or Japan due to Manko and Sumosan, their speciality eating places.

By way of experiences there’s little or no that isn’t doable. From the attractive tennis and padel courts, to the gorgeous swimming pools, wonderful health centre and the fun-filled youngsters 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 get pleasure from 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 gorgeous Guerlain spa. It’s the primary of its variety in Greece and permits for some excellent tailored facial and physique therapies. And for those who worry losing interest 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 are feeling such as you’re in an entire new area.

The Margi

A ultimate boutique lodge which you actually want to contemplate is The Margi. A smooth property situated in the identical space as The 4 Seasons Astir Palace and The Roc Membership, however with a mode of its personal. Fashionable traces 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 provided, ensuring there’s an ideal match for each visitor, and for those who resolve to return over with household or mates there’s the gorgeous 4-bedroom villa that can make your Greek vacation dream come true. If that’s not sufficient, I counsel you go the the wellness space the place you’ll shortly choose up the jap influences, except you step into the gymnasium which is situated in the identical spot, however right here you’ll choose up weights as an alternative.

One factor that stands out at The Margi is the meals, which actually stands out. Why? Effectively, it’s as a result of the lodge has its personal natural farm only a few kilometres down the street, from which it will get all of the contemporary produce every single 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’re in the precise place. However why not take it a step additional and go to the farm itself, choose some greens your self and get them prepped by the chef on web site whilst you get pleasure from 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 revel in your time in Athens and the Athenian riviera, however if you choose any of those 5, you’ll be able to relaxation assured that the Greek Gods can 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 get pleasure from an excellent city jungle.