We splashed around in one of Athens’ most reputed swimming pools and lapped up the splendid views!
Just when you think you’ve been to all the best places in your own city, its nothing short of wonderful to discover yet another delightful spot to escape to during summer. This is how we felt when we stepped out of the lift onto the Divani Caravel Hotel’s 9th floor to enjoy its swimming pool.
Located just a little further down from the Athens Hilton away from Vas. Sofias Avenue, the hotel is at a walking distance from Lycabbettus hill and Kolonaki, Syntagma Square, the Panathenaic Marble Stadium and the National Gardens, all of which can be admired from its rooftop pool. Surrounded by glass that blocks out any city noise yet lets in the breathtaking panoramic views that include mountains, hills and of course the Acropolis, the Divani pool is especially beautiful because of its openness and light.
The pool itself is of a large enough size (16m length x 8m width and up to 2m in depth) and has crystal-clear turquoise water that feels clean and fresh and has no odour of chlorine. With large comfortable loungers at the end as well as a long row on the terrace at the side of the pool, one gets a spacious, open feel accentuated by lovely views.
At the entrance of the pool there is the Pool Bar-Restaurant area and as the pool is open from 7 am to 8 pm daily this makes for a great spot for breakfast, lunch, aperitifs and dinner. We were there for lunch and tried the Angus beef burger with hand-cut fries and coleslaw, which got 5 stars from everyone on the “Mmm” rating, as well as the quinoa salad with edamame beans and avocado, which was also packed with flavour.
The kids enjoyed sipping on what they dubbed the “melonade”, a lemonade mixed with fresh watermelon juice, and we adults sipped on well-mixed, light and refreshing Aperol spritzes. We also tried the desserts (inevitable when kids are around), which included a rich chocolate tart and a lemon pie with a dark chocolate cookie base, both of which were tasty but we all found a little too rich as poolside desserts, although the menu also includes Kayak ice cream as a lighter option.
INFO: The Divani Caravel Hotel pool costs 30 € per day on weekdays and 40 € on weekends, and a monthly membership costs 180 €. Use of the pool includes free use of the gym (also on the 9th floor), free towels and a tea or coffee.
A: Vas. Alexandrou Ave, Ilissia.
*All images courtesy of Divani Caravel Hotel