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 tons to supply so I made an inventory of motels which you want to 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. Area, seashore, 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 current occasions when 4 Seasons took over and reopened the lodge in 2019 the place it bought voted quantity 35 in The World’s Finest 50 motels 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 because of this 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 after I first arrived, was the truth that it doesn’t look or really feel like a 300 bed room lodge, quite the opposite. In fact, with the completely different buildings and bungalows unfold out over the world, every part immediately turns into far 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 a lot of the property, which is gorgeous as a consequence of 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 definately higher prolong 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 when you 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 when you 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 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 trendy but you continue to really feel at residence from the second you stroll in. Too many motels 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 few of the most unbelievable 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 right place to spend some high quality time whereas escaping the hustle and bustle of the town. Boutique motels typically are likely to overlook 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 likely to be small in dimension however it’s grand in service and elegance.

The Roc Membership

Like another motels talked about right here, this boutique property is positioned in Vouliagmeni, a brief drive from the town centre. With views over the bay, it’s the right place to wind down and really absorb 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 best way, nails the transient on the subject of first impressions.

The rooms and suites are mild with lovely 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 possibly can, 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 possibly can 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 in opposition to it. One other gem is The Roc Rooftop, from which you will have in fact one of the best views over the bay. However, having fun with these whereas savouring a few 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. For those who search for that hidden gem within the Athenian Riviera, then you have 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 the town centre. Very similar to the 4 Seasons you’re feeling like getting into a secluded oasis inside hanging distance of the Greek capital. It affords room, suites, bungalows and villas as much as 6 bedrooms so will probably be powerful to not discover the perfect lodging for you and whoever you resolve to deliver 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 when you like a change you’ll be capable of 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 attainable. From the beautiful tennis and padel courts, to the gorgeous swimming pools, superb 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 a great time throughout the property, you’ll have time to go to the gorgeous Guerlain spa. It’s the primary of its sort in Greece and permits for some excellent tailored facial and physique therapies. And when you concern 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 positioned lower than an hour away but makes you’re feeling such as you’re in an entire new area.

The Margi

A ultimate boutique lodge which you actually want to think about is The Margi. A smooth property positioned 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 supplied, ensuring there’s an ideal match for each visitor, and when you resolve to come back 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 recommend you go the the wellness space the place you’ll shortly choose up the jap influences, until you step into the fitness center which is positioned 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 really stands out. Why? Nicely, it’s as a result of the lodge has its personal natural farm just some kilometres down the highway, from which it will get all of the contemporary produce every single day. And that freshness really interprets in superb flavours in your plate. Add to that their superb wine cellar (or cocktails if that’s extra up your alley) and you already know 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 website when 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.

In fact there are nonetheless a great deal of different locations to remain and revel in your time in Athens and the Athenian riviera, however whenever you choose any of those 5, you possibly can relaxation assured that the Greek Gods will probably be enviously trying 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.