New Private Club and Luxury Apartments to Open at Ellinikon 

Lamda has just announced a new 70 million euro deal with Greek real estate investment company Orilina Properties for the Ellinikon project, which will include a private club, luxury apartments with sea views, as well as a food court and an entertainment complex. 

One of the most emblematic projects within “The Ellinikon” is the revitalisation of the Coastal Zone, encompassing as key elements the creation of the new freely accessible beachfront and a number of architectural landmarks.

In this context, Orilina Properties announced a new strategic partnership with Lamda Development, where Orilina is acquiring from Lamda two prime land plots next to the marina of Agios Kosmas.

The commercial development will consist of a private club with extensive facilities and state-of-the-art restaurants, as well as a wine and spirits retail store and bar by the marina, which will be accessible to the public and is to offer an impressive range of wines from around the world.

The prime residential development will feature exclusive sea view apartment units, which will be branded and serviced by the club, as the apartment buyers will automatically acquire a life club membership and be able to “indulge, unwind and socialise in the vibrant atmosphere of the club,” according to the press statement.

The development of an estimated budget of €70million will conform to the highest green and energy-efficient standards and will be designed by the prominent global architectural firm Kengo Kuma & Associates, who is also designing the Riviera Galleria constructed by Lamda in the neighbouring area, thus ensuring in this prominent position next to the marina of Agios Kosmas, a unified coastal front of high caliber, and an important addition to the architectural landmarks of the area.

This article was first published here 

For more Real Estate News & Views on Greece and Europe’s South, head to The Greek Guru

*Image courtesy of Lamdadev 

Charming Holiday Villa on Antipaxos Island

With breathtaking views of the nearby vineyards on one side and the dreamy turquoise coastline on the other- this charming holiday villa on Antipaxos offers guests a peaceful getaway, even in the middle of the peak summer season. 

Located in Iremia on the tiny 4km-long island of Antipaxos, an oasis of serenity and tranquillity, here you can just sit back, unwind and take in the majestic scenery. 

The main entrance of the villa flows onto a large open-plan sitting, dining and kitchen area, featuring cozy sofas and armchairs; plus a large farmhouse table, where guests can enjoy their breakfast, lunch, or evening meals together. 

Featuring lofty wood-beamed ceilings and panoramic French windows, the chic villa has two bedrooms, a double with en-suite, and views of the gardens and countryside; and a double-twin with adjacent shower room. 

Outside is a complete sanctuary- with an organic vegetable garden, surrounding vineyards and the enchanting coastline and sea- allowing guests to feel as though they are staying on a little piece of paradise. 

Visitors can make the most of the alfresco living and dining area, as well as a shaded terrace fitted out for lounging and relaxation- as they soak in views of the sea, the Greek mainland, and the cliffs of southwest Corfu. 

A few steps down from the terrace, you are greeted by a curvaceous pool and a covered outdoor kitchen and dining area, with a barbecue and a wood-fired oven; perfect for those that enjoy cooking grilled seafood or homemade pizza. 

This simple yet elegant holiday villa, which accommodates up to four people, is perfect for anyone searching for a way to take a step back from the daily grind; while enjoying a slower lifestyle by the Mediterranean Sea. 

Images Courtesy of The Thinking Traveller

Stunning New Hotel in Paros Ready to Open its Doors This Summer 

Parocks Luxury Hotel & Spa, a stunning new 5-star hotel nestled on the east coast of Paros, is getting ready to open its doors this summer. 

A unique hideaway facing the infinite blue of the Aegean Sea, this peaceful retreat is located in Ambelas, only a few steps from a beautiful beach and close to the upbeat town of Naoussa- making it the perfect spot to experience all this beautiful Cycladic Island has to offer. 

Parocks blends contemporary luxury with traditional Greek island architecture, allowing the rocky landscape- that meets the sea- to take centre stage. 

A discreet colour palette of earthy tones, along with the wide use of natural materials define the interior design of Parocks, which is the work of leading Greek interior design firm Stones and Walls. Inspired by the natural surrounding environment, the clean lines and minimalist decor creates a feeling of peace and tranquillity.  

Parocks features five buildings that are spread across the property that also boasts a pool, spa and restaurant. The 19 rooms and 8 suites are ideal for unwinding after a full day exploring the island; with each one decorated in a soothing Cycladic style, they all come with a private outdoor dining area, pool, or jacuzzi. 

The panoramic outdoor area of Parocks Restaurant is the perfect spot to have breakfast, lunch or dinner- with guests being served creative Greek and other Mediterranean dishes based on local ingredients. And for those in need of some extra pampering, the Parocks Spa features an indoor pool, steam room, sauna, treatment rooms and fitness facilities, offering a true oasis of rejuvenation and wellness for its guests. 

A: Ampelas, Naoussa, Paros

Stunning New Hotel Opens in Sifnos 

A stunning new hotel has opened its doors on the island of Sifnos. Featuring a rustic chic design, NOS Hotel & Villas is set amongst rugged natural beauty – making it the ideal intimate hideaway. 

Located on Faros and within walking distance to some of Sifnos’ best beaches, NOS offers 18 suites, set across four stone buildings- all with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the 17th-century Monastery of Panagia Chrysopigi; an emblematic landmark of the island. Featuring bright and airy spaces, the suites effortlessly flow onto private courtyards, terraces and balconies allowing for seamless indoor/outdoor living.

Designed by Athens-based K-Studio, the property is inspired by nearby authentic villages.  This is mainly highlighted by the natural materials used throughout the space- including stone, marble, and lime mortar. With smooth finishes and earthy décor throughout- the suites feature ceramic basins and woven stools that have been made by local craftsmen, as well as original artwork created specifically for the hotel by local artists.  

The property also offers an on-site restaurant with a delightful menu created by award-winning Executive Chef Athinagoras Kostakos. The eatery is set on a dreamy terrace, while dishes are made with ingredients sourced from local producers, offering guests Mediterranean flavours with a modern twist. There is also an impressive wine cellar filled with handpicked varieties from the hotel’s sommeliers, who have carefully chosen reds and whites from all over Greece and other parts of the world. 

Only 200 m from Faros Beach, 300 m from Fassolou Beach, and less than 1 km from Chrysopigi beach – it’s the perfect spot for those who love the sun and sand. NOS Hotel & Suites also features free private parking, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, an open-air spa, as well as a bar, and a garden; plus a 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, a shuttle service, and free WiFi throughout the property. 

A: Faros, Sifnos 

Best Spas in Greece to Visit in 2022

Who doesn’t enjoy being pampered? Especially when it takes place in a stunning location where you can also enjoy the sea, luxurious amenities, beautiful sights, fine dining and customised services. Whether you’re planning to spoil yourself rotten or simply want to dream about it, here we’ve concocted a list of 2022’s Best Greek spas to visit.

Euphoria Retreat (Mystras)

Just the pool area of Euphoria, with a skylight, a light in the bottom, aquatic creature sounds when you dive under and numerous amazing massage jets in all of its corners is a great reason to visit Euphoria. Add to that four floors of spa therapy rooms offering everything from the hammam, a wide range of massages and floatation therapy, as well as a restaurant serving up truly healthy and delicious food, and you’ll understand why it’s rated so highly. Euphoria also collaborates with leading exercise and nutrition specialists to create a tailor-made diet and/or exercise programmes to meet your personal needs. 

Insights Greece - Best Spas in Greece to Visit in 2022

 

Amanzoe (Kranidi, Argolida)

Like all the Aman hotels around the world, Amanzoe lives up to high expectations by offering a soothing blend of understated, yet undeniable luxury combined with a scenic location and offering great spa services. Guests can try programmes like Detox & Cleansing, Mindfulness & Stress Management or Weight Management & Transformation or simply opt for individual (and individualized) treatments and therapies, as recommended by their in-house experts.

Insights Greece - Best Spas in Greece to Visit in 2022


Out of the Blue, Capsis Elite Resort (Crete)

From sophisticated spa therapies for the face & body to well-run yoga retreats and special programmes designed to target your greatest detox, anti-ageing or weight-loss goals, this is a good place to experience innovative wellness. Combine your luxurious indoor or outdoor treatments with high-grade organic food and plush surroundings, including seven restaurants, a large beach and pool and many more large-resort perks, if that’s your kind of thing.

Insights Greece - Best Spas in Greece to Visit in 2022

 

Pomegranate Wellness Spa (Halkidiki)

One of the best spa hotels in Halkidiki, the Pomegranate Spa combines modern, polished facilities with incredible sea views, well-reputed services and gourmet food made from local ingredients. It has an indoor pool, hammam, sauna and jacuzzis, and offers a range of beauty and relaxation treatments.

Insights Greece - Best Spas in Greece to Visit in 2022

 

Canaves Oia (Santorini)

Located inside a natural cave and with a soothing, embryonic ambience, this spa with a sauna and both indoor and outdoor pools helps you combine your awe for Santorini’s most unforgettable views with deep, sophisticated pampering. Apart from several options for couples to enjoy together, the hotel offers therapies such as the Bali Paradise Rasul ceremony and numerous facials.

Insights Greece - Best Spas in Greece to Visit in 2022


Andronis Concept Wellness Resort (Santorini)

Promising (and delivering) five-star personalized services combined with a picturesque location blessed with dizzyingly beautiful sunsets, Andronis’ Kallos Spa also doesn’t fail to please. Apart from several indulgent therapies, it offers the exclusive Hair Profiling Test, a unique screening programme supervised by Dr Zulia Frost that they claim provides a full wellness profile following a “non-invasive bio-energy approach”. Using a strand of your hair and waiting 20 minutes, this spa promises its guests a full wellness profile that comes with a nutritional and wellness programme.

Insights Greece - Best Spas in Greece to Visit in 2022

 

Apartment Prices in Greece Increase Due to Demand

Real estate prices in Greece jumped by 9.1 percent in the last quarter of 2021, driven by strong demand in Athens and Thessaloniki, data from the Bank of Greece shows.

“According to data collected from credit institutions, apartment prices (in nominal terms) are estimated to have increased on average by 9.1% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2021, while in 2021 apartment prices increased by an average annual rate of 7.1%, compared with an average increase of 4.5% in 2020,” the Bank of Greece said in a statement.

Apartment prices in Athens raced ahead 10.5 percent in the last quarter of the year and 8.3 percent in Thessaloniki.

More specifically, in the fourth quarter of 2021 the year-on-year rate of increase in prices was 9.8% for new apartments (up to 5 years old) and 8.6% for old apartments (over 5 years old). 

For 2021, prices of new apartments increased on average by 7.4%, against an increase of 4.9% in 2020, whereas prices of old apartments increased by 6.9% in 2021, against an increase of 4.2% in 2020.

Broken down by region, in the fourth quarter of 2021 apartment prices increased year-on-year by 10.5% in Athens, 8.3% in Thessaloniki and other cities and 7.1% in other areas of Greece. For 2021 as a whole, prices increased on average by 9.1%, 6.9%, 5.4% and 4.6% respectively in the above-mentioned areas. Finally, as regards all urban areas of the country, in the fourth quarter of 2021 apartment prices increased by 9.7% compared to the fourth quarter of 2020, while for 2021 they increased at an average annual rate of 7.5%.

This article was first published here. 

For more Real Estate News & Views on Greece and Europe’s South, head to The Greek Guru.

*Image courtesy of Sotheby’s Greece 

A Stylish New Hotel Set to Open at the Port of Piraeus

A stylish new smart hotel- the Port Square Hotel- ideally located at Athens’ busy port of Piraeus, is set to open in 2022. 

Surrounded by a wide range of shops and eateries the modern hotel will provide a cozy stay for business travellers- and all local and international visitors seeking comfortable accommodation close to Piraeus port. 

Centrally located in the Greek capital, it is only 20 meters away from Piraeus’ train and metro station- making it a convenient place to stay before sailing off to the Greek islands. 

This luxury hotel will offer 55 modern rooms and suites (some come with a balcony and others also have city views) boasting minimal aesthetics and the latest technology in hotel services- which is displayed in every corner of the hotel- from the rooms to the conference hall and the rooftop area. 

The property will also feature Bacaro restaurant and bar, where guests are welcomed to explore diverse and contemporary cuisine; and the hotel also offers a buffet breakfast, concierge service and luggage storage space, a 24-hour front desk, room service and organising tours. 

The project has been developed by Trésor Hospitality and a team of architects and designers who transformed an old building of offices in front of the marina into the first smart hotel in the Piraeus area.

A: 6 Lidovikou, Pireaus

W: Port Square Hotel 

Seaside Holiday Villa on Serifos Island 

Boasting uninterrupted views of the Aegean Sea and the beauty of the surrounding landscape, this stunning holiday villa in Serifos is the perfect getaway for those seeking privacy and tranquility. 

Located in Kalo Ampeli, the property is just 200m from the sea, and a short drive and walk to a beautiful sandy beach that’s considered one of the best on Serifos island. 

The elegant stone villa, which also has two smaller guest houses, is built on the cliff and sits poised over the sea overlooking the gulf of “Kalo Ampeli.” Offering maximum privacy and complete Cycladic ambiance – the villa and houses can be rented separately or together upon request.


The villa, which is a perfect mix of traditional and contemporary architecture features open and airy spaces with an array of windows that offer natural light and provide breathtaking views from each room. The master bedroom leads onto a terrace with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.

Inside, the holiday home is adorned with stylish, modern furniture and appliances. The lounge is the ideal place to unwind after a day in the sun- with a comfortable sofa and a fireplace. There is also a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and WiFi throughout. The kitchen is very well equipped, allowing guests to prepare breakfast, lunch or dinner at their leisure- and the dining table seats eight.

Outside on the large rustic chic balcony, guests can dine alfresco, or relax with a glass of wine in hand, as they enjoy the evening sunsets – or the majestic sea views in the morning. 

The holiday home is in a fabulous position for summer getaways as Kalo Ampeli beach is close by and is one of the best protected beaches on the island; other wonderful spots  for swimming include Ganema, Vagia and Psili Ammos, which has previously been named one of the best beaches in Europe (20 minute drive). Guests can also visit some nearby museums, old mines, sea caves and in 15 minutes you will arrive at the island’s centre, the Hora, and the Livadi village, where you’ll find a range of shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. 

The home is ideal for both adults seeking a quiet and relaxed vacation, or for large groups of friends who want to enjoy quality time together while exploring all Serifos has to offer. 

View the holiday villa here

Stylish New Hotel Set to Open in Ios this Summer

Grand Blue Suites, the sister hotel of Ios Palace Hotel & Spa is set to open its doors on Ios island in the middle of June, offering guests the ultimate Cycladic getaway. 

The brand-new hotel focuses on a unique outdoor living experience- with large private pools and a stunning outdoor setting. Grand Blue Suites embodies an unprecedented and bold approach of “living the infinite blue”.

An authentic Cycladic essence is discreetly infused in every corner of the 12 suites- enriching the modern decor with touches of minimal style. Each suite boasts seamless indoor and outdoor living spaces- with finely furnished verandas and private pools; ideal for guests to take in the panorama of the infinite blue Aegean Sea. 

In line with the architectural motifs of the traditional Cycladic buildings, Grand Blue Suites is deeply connected with the island’s beautiful landscape, as the hotel has been built using the very stones of its own plot of land for the suites; blending them harmoniously with the serene mountainous scenery above Mylopotas beach.

Located within only a few minutes’ walk from the vibrant main town of the island, the hotel is the ideal base to reach a variety of restaurants, bars, shops and nightclubs.

In collaboration with Ios Palace Hotel & Spa, the new hotel will offer guests premium services including a culinary experience at Tomatini Restaurant (serving authentic Greek dishes and Mediterranean flavours), signature cocktails at the Upper Bar by the pool, revitalizing therapies at the spa and a fully equipped gym with sea views.

Hotel management and development company Trésor Hospitality has been closely involved with every aspect of this new hotel, from idea to implementation, construction, design, management and marketing, as it undergoes the pre-opening and 360 management services.

Images Courtesy of Trésor Hospitality  ©

Cycladic Island Holiday Homes Most in Demand in the Mediterranean 

Mykonos, Paros and Santorini remain among the leading destinations in the Mediterranean, further establishing their investment dynamics in the post-pandemic holiday home market, according to Algean Property, who completed an annual review of 30 locations across the Mediterranean region.

In the report, Algean said that in the last few years, the holiday home market in the Mediterranean has steadily evolved from a promising real estate segment into the most dynamic and active sector of the real estate industry in this area.

“Demand across Mediterranean holiday destinations skyrocketed during the pandemic, with Greece, Spain and France leading the race. Yet, there are exceptions to this narrative with some locations experiencing small increases in yields and others experiencing a more substantial increase, mostly explained by rent figures growing faster than the sale price,” it said.

Insights Greece - Cycladic Island Holiday Homes Most in Demand in the Mediterranean 
Report by Aegean Property

For another year, Mykonos tops the list of best performers with an average gross yield of 7.4%. Paros (7.1%) is one of the destinations that were able to increase its yield compared to 2019 (6.5%). Although prices increased, rent growth outpaced sales prices growth resulting in a higher yield, further closing the gap with Mykonos. Overall, Paros has been able to benefit from Mykonos’s spillover effects with the islands being geographically near to each other. 

“This has allowed for new investments and more luxurious projects being built, increasing sales price while the greater number of tourists and pent-up demand from the pandemic has allowed rents to rapidly grow,” the report said.

Santorini’s sale price and rents experienced a slight increase compared to 2019 but overall performance remained the same with 2019 (6.3%). Skiathos and Tunisia share the 4th and 5th spot with sale prices, rents and yields remaining unchanged compared to 2019 (6.0%). 

The sixth spot is reserved by Porto Heli (5.3%) which was able to increase yields compared to 2019 (5.1%) as a result of a slight decrease in sale prices, whereas the Dalmatian Coast remained in the 7th spot with sales prices, rents and yields remaining unchanged compared to 2019 (5.1%). 

The top 10 destinations are completed by Chalkidiki, Chania and Kefalonia which all share the same yield of 4.8% with Kefalonia experiencing a significant increase in its yield compared to 2019 (4.1%) explained by rent growth outpacing sales price growth. 

The remaining 20 destinations recorded the following average gross yields: Elounda (4.6%), Zakynthos (4.6%), Rhodes (4.5%), Montenegro Coast (4.5%), Corfu(4.3%), Nice (4.3%), Turkey – Mediterranean Coast (4.3%), Athens Riviera (4.2%), Marbella (4.2%), Turkey – Aegean Coast (4.0%), Mallorca (3.7%), Saint-Tropez (3.7%), Messinia (3.6%), Sardinia (3.5%), Tel Aviv (3.4%), Ibiza (3.3%), Cannes (3.3%), Capri – Amalfi Coast(3.3%).

This article was first published here. 

For more Real Estate News & Views on Greece and Europe’s South, head to The Greek Guru.

*Image courtesy of Sotheby’s Greece 

Stunning New Holiday Villa in Sifnos 

If you are searching for a relaxing and peaceful Greek island getaway with family or friends, this stunning new holiday villa in Sifnos- for up to 14 guests- is the ideal place to stay. 

Located in the mainland village of Exampela, “Dali” boasts panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the rough plains of Sifnos, an island in the Cyclades that boasts breathtaking landscapes, lively traditions, and rich culinary heritage. 

Featuring inviting, airy spaces where minimalism and natural materials create a soft, calm ambiance- it is designed to host those who enjoy lounging, outdoor dining, and relaxing by the private pool- in between exploring the island. 

Consisting of three separate units and an independent guest house, the villa is surrounded by olive trees and local herbs and flora. Its immaculate design and interior decoration with built-in beds, traditionally styled showers and light beige hues let the light and the Aegean airflow unobstructed throughout all its interior spaces. 

The main house is split into 3 different units – a two-storey floor and the other two ground level. The ground floor of the main unit hosts a large living room with a fireplace and built-in sofas and a fully-equipped kitchen with a dining area. A master, king-sized en-suite bedroom with sea and pool views is also found on this floor. The lower floor can sleep 4-6 people in two double en-suite bedrooms, each with a sofa-bed for 1 adult, that can be also accessed from outside.

The second unit is perfect for a couple that needs privacy and seclusion as it boasts a king-size en-suite bedroom and an exterior, pergola-shaded sitting area. The same goes for the guesthouse that also features a kitchenette and a small living room. Four more guests can sleep in the second unit of the house that offers two double en-suite bedrooms with a shared entrance and separate outdoor pergola-shaded areas.

In front of the villa, the infinity pool is surrounded by several cushioned sunbeds while there is plenty of space for lounging in the pergola-shaded area with its large sofa, coffee tables and poufs. The veranda of the villa also hosts an outdoor fire pit and a barbeque with a dining area for 16 people. 

Those who want to stay fit will love the outdoor gym that is found in a separate pergola-shaded area and there is also a boule court and plenty of entertainment for the entire family. 

Discover more about Villa Dali here 

Elegant New Hotel Opening in Thessaloniki this Summer 

Monasty Hotel, a member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection is a brand new 5-star hotel set to open in the centre of Thessaloniki in summer 2022. Combining simplicity with style, Monasty is designed to capture the authentic character of Greece’s extraordinary co-capital. 

Located next to Aristotelous square, Monasty Hotel is inspired by the richness of Thessaloniki’s remarkable past- with sophisticated elements of its Byzantine heritage highlighted throughout the hotel’s elegant spaces. 

With 100 rooms boasting modern design and comforts, Monasty is ideal for business travellers, weekend guests, and city visitors who are ready to explore the heart of Thessaloniki and its historic surroundings. Rooms and suites feature contemporary facilities and superb city views. The arched doorways, traditional monastic elements and an eclectic range of art installations created by local artisans add warmth and unique character to each space. 

Culinary experiences will be offered by the hotel’s all-day lounge and the rooftop bar, which will serve Mediterranean fusion cuisine and exquisite cocktails. The stylish and relaxed all-day bar adds a touch of class and is set to become a hot spot for business meetings and shopping breaks, offering the latest mixology trends, artisan coffee, as well as a fine selection of wines and liqueurs. 

All of Monasty’s facilities are designed to provide an exceptional and wide range of choices for guests -with an emphasis on business meetings and social events through its private dining options, lounges, meeting and conference rooms. The state-of-the-art, fully-equipped fitness centre will also allow guests to experience wellness with exceptional comfort.

“We are more than proud that they entrusted us with the management of the first Autograph Collection by Marriott hotel in the city of Thessaloniki, Monasty. Its characteristic design combined with the high standard level of services is sure to make it a reference point in the hotel map of the city,” stated Mr Panos Konstantinidis, CEO of Greece’s leading hotel management company SWOT Hospitality.