Best Luxury Hotels and Resorts in Greece
Ancient Greece, the cradle of Western civilization nearly 4000 years ago, continues to leave its mark through numerous archaeological sites and museum collections spread across the country. However, Greece has much more to offer than just history. Its stunning coastline boasts beautiful beaches, while the rugged mountainous interior presents unspoiled wilderness.
The true treasures of Greece, though, are its renowned islands, where traditional Greek architecture blends with delectable cuisine, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Additionally, Greece is home to some of the world's most luxurious hotels and resorts. Here’s my guide to the most exclusive places to stay in this remarkable Southern European nation.
CAVO TAGOO, MYKONOS
Extensively renovated in 2018, this luxurious and ultra-stylish hotel boasts a stunning infinity pool, a unique aquarium bar, breathtaking sunset views, a world-class fine dining restaurant, and an intimate spa offering a variety of exquisite relaxing and therapeutic treatments. Blending cosmopolitan sophistication with barefoot island chic, the 5-star Cavo Tagoo is a trendy retreat located on the outskirts of Mykonos Town on the picturesque Greek island of Mykonos.
Gently cascading down a hill toward the Aegean Sea, the property features 83 luxury rooms and suites, all furnished in the chic white and minimalist style synonymous with the Cycladic Islands. For a special romantic getaway, you can book a suite with a heart-shaped pool, and almost all deluxe accommodations include a terrace or balcony, with options for sea views, private pools, and jacuzzis. Cavo Tagoo Mykonos is also the world’s most-followed hotel on Instagram, with 2 million followers.
ELOUNDA BEACH HOTEL & VILLAS, CRETE
The Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas, established in 1971 as the first fully-fledged five-star hotel in Greece, has significantly transformed the formerly quiet fishing village of Elounda in northeast Crete. Since its inception, several other luxury establishments have appeared around Mirabello Bay, competing for prime sea-view locations, but Elounda Beach maintains its prestigious position.
The property features various resort-like clusters, such as the Yachting Club, offering state-of-the-art bungalows with electric sliding glass doors and retractable television screens, and the Ambassador’s Bungalows, complete with private gyms. There are also multiple-room villas available for families. Guests can relax on two private beaches, indulge in treatments at the renowned Espace Vitalité Chenot spa, or savor a meal at one of the seven world-class restaurants. While Crete's cultural attractions are easily accessible, many guests choose to stay within the tranquil haven of this exclusive resort once they arrive.
CALILO, IOS
Calilo's mission is to create a space where architecture and art elevate guests' experiences, providing an environment that is joyful, positive, carefree, and charmingly unique. This allows visitors to relax, let their guard down, think less, and feel more. Carved from native rock and surrounded by 1,000 acres of protected land, Calilo is nestled beside a stunning golden sand beach with cerulean waters. Located in a remote and pristine part of Ios, in the heart of the Cyclades and close to the bustling islands of Mykonos and Santorini, this 30-suite sanctuary offers a retreat from the crowds.
Expect sun-soaked seclusion amidst an ancient, olive-dotted landscape, where nature and art are central themes. From its architecture and interior design to its captivating artworks and installations, Calilo—an acronym for “create a life you can fall in love with”—is the vision of the Michalopoulos family. Their goal is to conserve, protect, and nurture this enchanting land while sharing the island's captivating magic with guests.
ONE&ONLY, KEA
Occupying a dazzling 65-hectare beachfront on the west side of Kéa Island in the Cyclades, the captivating One&Only Kéa Island enchants visitors from around the globe with its enchanting beauty. This hidden Aegean retreat offers top-tier facilities and stunning accommodations, providing the ultimate in ultra-luxury living. Perfect for both families and couples, this mesmerizing sanctuary invites guests to explore all that Kéa Island has to offer. Whether you are an adventurous spirit or a sun-seeker, there is something for everyone.
Relax in one of the resort’s 63 opulent villas, achieve inner peace with personalized treatments at the One&Only Spa, experience the local culture and charm with a visit to a nearby village, savor the flavors of the Cyclades at one of the hotel’s distinctive restaurants, or simply lounge under the sun, assured that every detail has been designed to impress.
ONE&ONLY AESTHESIS, ATHENS
Situated in the upscale neighborhood of Glyfada, One&Only’s debut resort in Greece is nestled within a tranquil 21-hectare beach and forest reserve. With stunning views of the sapphire Aegean Sea, the hotel evokes the feel of a private island while being just 30 minutes away from the ancient wonders of Athens. The resort features an array of rooms, bungalows, suites, residences, and villas that redefine outdoor living.
Spacious open-air areas provide unparalleled privacy and tranquility, complete with private pools, fragrant gardens, and atmospheric showers and fireplaces. Bathed in sunlight, the architecture honors mid-century design, incorporating local marble, native timbers, woven leather accents, and soft muted tones. One&Only Aesthesis combines historic charm, world-class dining experiences, and transformative wellness in an elegant beachfront setting. This dazzling coastal retreat harkens back to the vibrant Hollywood Grecian era of the 1960s, for which Glyfada is renowned.
AMANZOE, PORTO HELI
Drawing inspiration from classic Greek architecture, Tuttle's design maximizes views with flat roofs supported by elegant colonnades, ensuring unobstructed panoramas and a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Inside, high ceilings and cool materials like marble and natural stones are balanced by warm oak accents, creating a harmonious atmosphere.
The development features an array of facilities and amenities, including: 42 pavilions with private pools, a Beach Club, a Spa and Yoga Pavilion, a restaurant with an outdoor dining terrace, a poolside restaurant, a lounge bar, a library, a boutique, an art gallery, an amphitheatre, a meeting room, a swimming pool, a gym and Pilates studio, tennis courts, a wide range of outdoor activities, a helipad, and villas.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL COSTA NAVARINO, MESSENIA
The private Costa Navarino reserve in Messenia, Peloponnese, is already renowned for its dunes, hidden bays, world-class golf courses, and family-friendly resorts. However, the arrival of Mandarin Oriental elevates the experience even further. Offering sweeping coastal views, the resort is seamlessly integrated into the hillside, featuring flora-topped pool villas and gardens abundant with butterflies, oleander, and rosemary. The 51 suites and 48 pool villas are spacious, with even the entry-level rooms able to interconnect for families.
Local artisans' creations are evident throughout, from bespoke latticework headboards to organic thyme-flavored chocolate. Oliviera restaurant's lavender-scented terrace is the perfect spot for breakfast tapas or paramana, including milk cake and homemade yogurt with pistachio and honeycomb. In addition to the Eastern Mediterranean restaurant Tahir, known for its silky baba ghanoush, the Pizza Sapienza counter impresses with its 48-hour-proved pizzas, topped with freshly picked courgette flowers and local horta bitter greens with nduja. The spa boasts a panoramic 82-foot pool and an indoor-outdoor gym equipped with pepper and ginger kombucha shots. This resort caters to all generations, offering access to Costa Navarino.
