The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Travel
Fit for Greek gods and goddesses
From romantic retreats to villas with gyms, we pick the best adults-only island escapes
As home to some of the globe’s most ethereal sunsets, the Greek islands are heavenly hotspots for romantics – who aren’t just spoiled when it comes to sundowners and scintillating views, but also served with couples’ spa treatments, secret cave suites and intimate dining spots. An adults-only getaway isn’t just about making memories with a loved one, however, as many of the country’s most luxurious lodgings are ideal for those seeking a spot of sun and fun with grown-up friends. Think DJ sets by the pool, Maldivian-style overwater bungalows, hip hideaways near buzzy towns, and stylish boutique retreats. Whatever you are planning, here is our pick of the best Greek island hotels for a welldeserved post-lockdown holiday.
LINDOS BLU LUXURY HOTEL & SUITES
Rhodes
Becalming views of sparkling Vlycha Bay, dinner at Five Senses restaurant (one of the island’s most highly regarded), and exemplary service are what make this resort a stellar local vanguard of what five stars represent. The look is an elegant fusion of indigenous stone, steel, glass, dark timber and water canals on the outside, while indoors, abundant natural light flows in through floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests can easily reach Lindos and its ancient acropolis from the door, as well as explore lesser-visited and relatively undeveloped southern Rhodes. Back at base, the Blue Flag beach has a wellserviced section for guests.
Rooms from £224 (lindosblu.gr).
STELLA ISLAND LUXURY RESORT & SPA
Crete
Built around one of Europe’s largest lagoon pools, this stylish resort near Hersonissos is a water wonderland where couples lounge in sunken seating areas and islands dotted with beds and hammocks. The tropical Love Island vibe is accentuated by a minimalist style (all white with blonde wood, canvas and bamboo) and a glossy light-filled spa, while rooms are all about the retro décor. Best for privacy are nine South Pacific-inspired overwater bungalows with private terraces, or 12 Island Villas with private swimming pools.
Rooms from £159 (stellaisland.gr).
MAYOR LA GROTTA VERDE GRAND RESORT
Corfu
All-inclusive La Grotta Verde is designed to capitalise on its seaside setting, with contemporary rooms and dining areas, tastefully furnished in white, that maximise views. There’s a rooftop bar, and you can gaze out to the Ionian Sea from the pool. There is also a heated indoor pool and swish spa, plus five restaurants (the finest dining is in à la carte Areti, where dishes include aubergine mille-feuille and seafood linguini). Rooms from £157 (mayorlagrottaverde. com).
BILL & COO
Mykonos
Luxurious simplicity sets the mood at this top hotel on Mykonos. It’s located on a slope just outside the town, giving guests a beautiful view of the island’s rocky landscape and sea as well as access to nightlife, shopping and sightseeing. Several suites have private pools, and there’s also a spa, one of Greece’s award-winning restaurants and a striking infinity pool. Guests are given a phone that can be used to call a personal driver for transfers at any time to anywhere on the island, a personal assistant and a fitness instructor. Rooms from £363 (bill-coo-hotel.com).
LESANTE BLU EXCLUSIVE BEACH RESORT
Zakynthos
With a soothing sense of privacy and peace, sea-view suites and several good restaurants, this resort is ideal for honeymooners or a romantic break. A stylish aesthetic brings together muted tones, modernist sculptures and water features, while a large, waterfall-fed infinity pool and clipped lawns – descending to a small shingle beach with cabanas around a bar – add to the luxe factor. Some rooms have private pools or an outdoor whirlpool bath, and most are open plan with either a classic (parquet flooring, white walls) or modern (funky furniture) look. Rooms from £121 (lesanteblu.gr).
PURPLE APRICOT HOTEL
Paxos
This romantic bolthole is a Paxos utopia, with seven beautifully styled suites and a shaded terrace overlooking the pool. There’s a real Secret Garden vibe to the property, owing to its concealment behind a high stone wall. Once through, guests are met with the tranquil burbling of a fountain, spiky-leafed vegetation and a dazzling sea view. The design aesthetic is an eclectic mash-up of Greek and Moroccan influences, featuring terracotta urns and chunky floor cushions in bold prints, while suites come with sofas, bold wooden furniture and tactile rugs. Rooms from £303 (simpsontravel.com).
MYSTIQUE Santorini
Cool sophistication is the vibe of this
Luxury Collection hotel in Oia. Hidden behind tall, studded doors, the cluster of cave-like suites and villas with Cycladicwhite façades spill like melted wax over the caldera rim. Guests are welcomed with homemade lemon drinks and snacks before heading to their adobestyle enclave of cool colours and mineral textures (with good-sized terraces and picture-frame windows). Four villas have pools, but for the best views pick the two-bed Mystery villa with its own gym and infinity pool.
Rooms from £364 (mystique.gr). iMystique hotel’s Mystery villa boasts a private infinity pool
DOMES NORUZ
Crete
A sprawling beachside resort inspired by Chania’s Venetian shipyards. The domed rooms and suites cluster around two large pools, one of which offers panoramic sea views and its own swim-up bar, the other in the quiet zone. The ambiance is beachside hip and rooms are ultra modern with quirky details such as minibars stocked with vitamins, plus hammocks or rocking chairs, and plunge pools or outdoor bathtubs.
Rooms from £148 (domesresorts.com).
MYCONIAN NAIA
Mykonos
Guests are in for a treat at this hip yet understated hotel near Mykonos Town. There are just 18 suites, all with furnished sea view terraces, fourposter beds and marble showers; 11 have private infinity pools. The hotel itself is small but there’s an impressive spa next door shared with sister hotels Korali and Kyma. Lounge on circular love seats, swings or thickly cushioned green loungers by the main pool. Rooms from £331 (myconian-naia.gr).
DOMES MIRAMARE
Corfu
Nothing was left to chance in the reimagining of this legendary hotel, which opened in 1962 and swiftly turned into a celebrity magnet. The design draws on 1960s style with contemporary flair, such as the flower-like, gold light fixture in the lobby. Olive trees stand proud amid palms and lawns fronting a 400m-long beach. Wakeboards, sea bobs and glass-bottomed canoes await those craving action. It’s worth splashing out on a sea view or waterfront pavilion retreat; these have hot tubs or private pools, or both.
Rooms from £193 (domesresorts.com).
Contributors: Catherine Cooper, Helen Iatrou, Caroline Shearing and Marissa Tejada.
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