There’s always a song of the summer. This year, there’s an indisputable destination, and that’s Greece. It’s not just the usual suspects, though you’ll always love Santorini and Mykonos. The less-traveled isles are attracting the international crowd. These are the best hotels in Greece, to put on your list.
Amanzoe
Location: Port Heli
Why we like it:
What’s there not to like? Correction: What’s there not to love? Aman always knocks it out of the park, but Amanzoe is on another level. Amanzoe is located on the east coast of the Peloponnese Peninsula. This area provides a quiet sanctuary that contrasts to the party scene of Mykonos or crowded tourist areas of Santorini. At Amanzoe, ancient ruins are scattered across the property and stand against an unparalleled view of the sea. The refined elegance of the Aman property makes it look like it was always part of the landscape. But it has all the luxury of a modern hotel. Pavilions with plunge pools and private courtyards are peaceful and relaxing.
Villa 20 at Amanzoe
Here, in one of the best hotels in Greece, is the most baller place to stay in the entire country. If you’re lucky enough to stay in Villa 20, you’re in a whole other league. Amanzoe’s premium accommodation is nearly as big as the entire resort itself. Villa 20 has everything you could ever dream of: a myriad of unique Grecian rooms decorated with a sculpture collection, as well as a private taverna, spa and gym.
Stay: Amanzoe, Agios Panteleimonas, Kranidi, 21300 Argolida, Greece
Kensho
Location: Mykonos
Why we like it:
Greece indisputably is a place to party in the summer months. Kensho is the hotel you stay at when you want to be in the fray but also in a top luxury hotel. It balances scene with five-star service, maybe better than any of the best hotels in Greece. Right next to Nammos beach club and in the heart of Mykonos, the hotel caters to those looking to mix, mingle and have a good time. If you’re wondering where the cool crowd and overachievers stay in Greece, it’s at Kensho.
As much as this is a scene, the hotel is also a total oasis. The subtle stone and sand-toned suites put you in a relaxation frame of mind. Kensho is a retreat with a top-tier spa and views for days. The plunge pools and hot tubs make hanging out in the rustic rooms a must — at least to recharge. Even the gym is located in a glass house, so an hour on the treadmill goes by in a flash. And for added post-party cleansing, the on-the-beach spa is a dream. The metabolism-boosting sand treatments will literally scrape the toxins right out of you.
Stay: Kensho Ornos, Psarou, 84600 Mykonos, Greece
Four Seasons Athens
Location: Athens
Why we like it:
You can come to Greece to travel around the islands, but you can also enjoy a stay on the mainland. In Athens, it’s really all about the history, and not only the ancient stuff. The Four Seasons, a revamped, marble-clad renovation to old hotel on the same property, was once a favorite of Brigitte Bardot and Jackie Onassis.
On a secluded part of the peninsula resting beneath the Acropolis, the Four Seasons Astir Palace has the unique privilege of being just miles from bucket-list museums and ruins. But the hotel is also a destination in its own right. The two buildings, Arion and Nafsika, have beachfront views and stately, grown-up interiors. The private beaches are perfect and quiet, and the Hippocrates-inspired spa restores you holistically. Eight different restaurants also cater to every palate, not just the seafood lovers.
Stay: The Four Seasons, Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni, 16671 Athens, Greece
Bill & Coo
Location: Mykonos
Why we like it:
More lodging in Mykonos, we know, but the island has some of the best hotels in Greece. When in Greece for your honeymoon, Bill & Coo has you covered. It’s split between two hotels: the adults-only Coast Suites and the original Suites and Lounge. The airy oak finishes and white linen in the beachfront suites are elegant Mykonian design at its best. And at the hotel, you have access to the on-site restaurants, pools and nearby beach clubs. But the selling point here are the rooms. Suites have private terraces with sun loungers, and some even have Aegean-front hot tubs. This is the hotel you come to and stay in for most of your honeymoon time.
Stay: Bill & Coo Coast Suites, Agios Ioannis, 84600 Mykonos, Greece; Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge, Megali Ammos, 84600 Mykonos, Greece
Kalesma
Location: Mykonos
Why we like it:
We promise, not all of the best hotels in Greece are in Mykonos, but a lot of them are, including Kalesma. It is definitely one of the best hotels in Greece, but it’s also off the beaten path. While most hotels are great because they put you right in the center of the party, Kalesma is great because it doesn’t. The five-acre property is designed to feel like an old Mykonian town — your own old Mykonian town.
With just 25 suites and two villas, the hotel feels like a private sanctuary, a breath away from the bustle. But you’re still in the heart of Greece. Every suite has its own private terrace and pool looking out over the Aegean. Rooms have a distinctly Cycladic feel, with pristine rustic finishes. And yet, as a new hotel, there are some superior and unique features, such as the Rick Owens’ designed lobby. The rooms are stunning and larger than usual by Mykonos standards. And a panoramic view of the sea also gives you sunrises and sunsets on display. The owners are native to Mykonos and have cultivated the best of the island for their guests. It’s a different Mykonos than you’ve experienced, even if you’ve come to the island every year.
Stay: Kalesma, Aleomandra, Agios Ioannis, 84600 Mykonos, Greece
Parilio
Location: Paros
Why we like it:
People don’t typically know about the island of Paros, but it’s definitely worth the 45-minute ferry from Mykonos. The island is just as full of beach clubs, tavernas and night life, but with less tourist traps. When on the island, you have to stay at Parilio. This design-focused hotel is made up of exquisite Greek architecture and is centered around an impressive cross-shaped pool.
Indoor-outdoor living is the name of the game at this hotel, which was expertly designed by Athens-based designers and architects. Calm, peace and serenity are impossible to escape when you lounge in your en suite hot tub. Also, unlike many other spots around the country, the hotel caters to the kiddos. It is the perfect place for a whole family adventure.
