HOT HOTEL
Poseidonion Grand Hotel, Spetses
Where are you staying?” asked one of the fellow wedding guests as we crossed the short stretch of water separating the small island of Spetses from the port of Kosta on the Greek mainland.
“Right there,” I replied, pointing sheepishly to the French Mediterranean- style Poseidonion Grand Hotel, looking regal in its seafront position in the centre of the island’s main town.
The five- star, century- old hotel is the premier address on Spetses, oozing turn- of- the- century grandeur, and would be home for a few nights while my boyfriend and I celebrated our friends tying the knot.
First built in 1914 ( old black- andwhite photos of smartly dressed rich and noble Athenians can be seen in the lobby), the hotel was refurbished between 2009 and 2014, with the opening of a new 17- room wing overlooking the swimming pool, taking the room total to a modest 55.
With our room in the original building, we had a view out to the azure sea through large sash windows. Neutrally decorated and a good size, it seemed we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay — and if not, the Poseidonion staff were ready to go the extra mile.
After a few days in the stifling heat and bustle of Athens, we quickly made a beeline for the sun loungers by the pool. Soothed by the buzz of cicadas, it was a welcome change, and the cool water was an instant refresher.
Just past the pool lies the Asian
Spa, with its own plunge pool in front of the whitewashed building. The Poseidonion was the first hotel in Greece to offer spa treatments, so of course we scheduled an appointment during our stay.
A 25- minute massage on the day of the wedding felt like a good way to prepare for what was to come — but sadly not quite long enough to work out all of the knots in my back.
Part of the Poseidonion experience is people- watching from the front veranda, which is split into several different food and drink options — with many ingredients sourced from the hotel’s organic island farm, Bostani. On The Verandah offers award- winning gourmet dining, while the all- day Library Brasserie caters to those looking for something more relaxed. And if you’re thirsty, allow the bartenders at Palms Bar to mix something up for you from the extensive cocktail menu, developed in collaboration with renowned Athens bar, Baba Au Rum.
The Island Spritz — made with Bostani lemon and aloe liqueur, spices and grapefruit soda — seemed like the perfect choice to honour the occasion. Unsurprisingly, like our experience staying at the Poseidonion, from our wide- eyed check- in to our reluctant departure, it didn’t disappoint.