Image courtesy of Canaves Oia Epitome
From its historical ruins in Athens (and all over) to its blue-and-white buildings that line the caldera in Santorini, Greece captivates any traveler. Whether you’re eager to bask in the history of the Acropolis in Athens, head on a honeymoon in Santorini (check out this Greece honeymoon guide) or find a sliver of peace on the party island of Mykonos, Greece hotels have a knack for catering to everyone’s needs. But how do you begin to choose a hotel?
Picking your perfect Greek hotel can be overwhelming, especially when confronted with a myriad of options that run the gamut from five-star luxury to beach resorts to family friendly to honeymoon worthy.
On our Greece FAM trip, we were lucky enough to visit 21 hotels (in six days, no less). We’ve rounded up a few highlights. Read on for five stellar Greece hotels that promise memorable experiences, drool-worthy cuisine, perfect views and impeccable service.
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Cosme, a Luxury Collection Resort
Image courtesy of Cosme Hotel Paros
Another dazzling island in the Greek Cyclades chain, Paros is best known for its beaches and charming traditional Greek villages. Cosme, a Luxury Collection Resort perfectly encapsulates Mediterranean island living, with its sparkling infinity pool framed by the Aegean Sea and its white-washed interiors designed in that breathy minimalist style prevalent throughout the Greek islands.
At this luxury beach resort, you’ll find everything from a fitness center to a luxury spa, but one unique feature is the hotel’s stargazing platform. Thanks to minimal light pollution on Paros, the island is considered one of Greece’s best places to star gaze. Cosme, located on the quiet bay of Agioi Anargyroi, takes advantage of this claim to fame by giving its guests a platform to witness the stars and constellations sparkling overhead.
Fora Perks:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & early check-in whenever possible.
Canaves Oia Epitome
Image courtesy of Canaves Oia Epitome
Canaves Oia Epitome is the sort of luxury hotel one expects when planning a trip to Santorini. This boutique hotel consists of 53 unique suites and villas that afford guests enviable views of the Aegean Sea beyond.
Perfect for honeymooners, the Canaves Oia Epitome is just outside the main town and rests above the picturesque town of Ammoudi, a charming fishing village. The vibe of Canaves is pure romance, with uninterrupted views of the Santorini sunset. After a restful sleep, explore the Greek islands with curated experiences you can arrange at check-in, from tours with local guides to hikes to private dinners.
Fora Perks:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & early check-in whenever possible.
Kalesma Mykonos
Image courtesy of Kalesma Mykonos
Mykonos has been compared to Cancún or Ibiza because of the thriving nightlife and party scene in Mykonos Town. The main draw of Mykonos is its white-sand beaches, a feature that rocky Santorini lacks. For some travelers, the ragers happening on Paradise Beach might be a turn-off, but to snub Mykonos for being lively would be a mistake. Thankfully, a few Mykonos hotels have managed to create a sanctuary of peace for guests keen on enjoying Greek beaches without the sounds of a DJ set.
Enter Kalesma, a new five-star luxury hotel overlooking Ornos Bay. (It's also one of the best hotels in Mykonos.) With its white-washed walls and Aegean Sea views, Kalesma has mastered the art peace and privacy. Kalesma has done such an excellent job at this that celebrities like Paris Hilton have flocked to the hotel for incognito vacation time.
Kalesma only has 27 rooms, all stunning and outfitted with private pools, alfresco showers, king-size beds, Cycladic gardens and a design capturing Myconian minimalism.
Fora Perks:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & early check-in whenever possible.
Santa Irini Retreat
Image courtesy of Santa Irini Retreat Thirasia
Found on the volcanic island of Thirasia, opposite Santorini, the Santa Irini Retreat offers a secluded stay away from the hustle and bustle unfolding on Santorini and Mykonos. Beyond being a quieter and more traditional alternative to other Greek islands in the Cyclades chain, Thirasia also boasts the best view of the caldera, reachable by hiking.
A stay at Santa Irini pairs simplicity with luxury, affording guests a quiet and personalized stay without crowds. With the ability to accommodate no more than 15 people at once, a stay at Santa Irini is genuinely private. The traditional home has been transformed into three separate luxury suites with three master bedrooms, a private lounge and two concept cave rooms with five bathrooms, a full kitchen and a swimming pool.
A budding vineyard surrounds the entire property with views of the caldera stretching ahead. While a stay at Santa Irini Retreat promises seclusion, travelers can rest assured they’ll be well connected to the outside world via Wi-Fi. And should you want to venture back to Santorini for a bit, Fora can arrange a private transfer for you.
The Dolli
If you’re headed to Greece, chances are you’ll be kicking off your adventure with a stay in the historical capital city of Athens. The Dolli was initially built as a private mansion in the 1920s, the home for the ship merchant and politician Dimitrios Kallimasiotis. By the 1930s, the mansion gave way to a luxury fabric store until its third reincarnation as a hotel.
Today, the Neoclassical mansion has a new life as a five-star hotel that combines elegant Greek design with enviable views of the iconic Parthenon. Creamy white fabrics, gold accents and original art pieces from the likes of Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau adorn the lobby and rooms of this luxury hotel. Whatever you do, don’t miss having a glass of wine on the roof, where you’ll enjoy a delectable Athenian meal with views of the Acropolis.
Honorable mention: Cali Mykonos
Image courtesy of Cali Mykonos
Another great Mykonos hotel to consider is the brand new Cali Mykonos, a family-run beachfront hotel. It's absolutely stunning, and we have our eyes on it. (No doubt it will become very popular very quickly.) Boasting a private beach and a dazzling infinity pool, Cali’s suites and villas are made of Greek stone and marble, with most complemented by a private plunge pool and pergola-crowned terrace. But back to that infinity pool: the infinity pool at Cali is considered one of the longest in Mykonos, wrapping along the cliff’s edge with views of the Aegean Sea beyond.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Welcome amenities.
One complimentary beach club boat transfer.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
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