Prime 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. Nonetheless, the Greek capital has heaps to supply so I made a listing of inns which you want to contemplate 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 provides you with a lot extra in return. House, seaside, tranquility… let’s dive into it.

4 Seasons Astir Palace Lodge

Situated 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 instances when 4 Seasons took over and reopened the lodge in 2019 the place it received voted quantity 35 in The World’s Finest 50 inns in 2023. Suffice to say that this place has all of it. The situation permits the lodge to make use of all of the area it needs to, and in consequence 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 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 realm, all the things immediately turns into way 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 many of the property, which is beautiful attributable to the truth that the lodge is constructed onto a cliff. One other 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 definitely higher prolong your keep to strive 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 outdoors the lodge. All in all, a property that’s laborious to not like.

Anthology of Athens

This newly opened boutique lodge is the one to go for in case 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 case you 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 want to be fast to safe some area, however whenever you do, you’ll be in for an actual deal with. The rooms and suites are fashionable but you continue to really feel at dwelling from the second you stroll in. Too many inns these days are scientific, 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 affords 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 town. Boutique inns usually 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 could be small in measurement but it surely’s grand in service and elegance.

The Roc Membership

Like another inns talked about right here, this boutique property is positioned in Vouliagmeni, a brief drive from 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 surprising lake surrounded by spectacular caves and verdant nature. it even has thermal springs which suppose to have therapeutic power. Nonetheless, 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 way in which, nails the transient in terms of first impressions.

The rooms and suites are mild with stunning interiors that go completely with the beautiful outside vistas. However that is Greece so that you wish to be outdoors 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 lodge 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 in opposition to it. One other gem is The Roc Rooftop, from which you may have in fact the very 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 colour. In case you search for that hidden gem within the Athenian Riviera, then you need to actually put The Roc Membership in your radar.

One & Solely Aesthesis

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

When it comes to experiences there’s little or no that isn’t doable. From the beautiful tennis and padel courts, to the beautiful 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 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 beautiful Guerlain spa. It’s the primary of its variety in Greece and permits for some very good tailored facial and physique therapies. And in case you concern 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 positioned lower than an hour away but makes you are feeling such as you’re in an entire new area.

The Margi

A last boutique lodge which you actually want to contemplate is The Margi. A modern property positioned in the identical space as The 4 Seasons Astir Palace and The Roc Membership, however with a mode 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 provided, ensuring there’s an ideal match for each visitor, and in case you determine to come back over with household or mates there’s the beautiful 4-bedroom villa that may make your Greek vacation dream come true. If that’s not sufficient, I recommend you go the the wellness space the place you’ll shortly decide up the japanese influences, except you step into the health club which is positioned 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? 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 recent produce daily. 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 realize you’re in the proper 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 possibly can 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 dwelling all throughout the globe and whereas he loves wildlife and nature, he can nonetheless take pleasure in a great city jungle.