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Spetses’ 100-Year-Old Grand Hotel

Poseidonion Grand Hotel first opened its doors in 1914. This stunning building has become a famous landmark on Spetses island, a favourite spot for affluent Athenians and international jet-setters.

Location

Only two hours from Athens, the striking hotel occupies a prime seafront position and is one of the first things you spot as you arrive on the Saronic island- a coastal playground for the Athenian A-list crowd. With classic architecture, the Poseidonion is centrally positioned on the island’s main Dapia Port and is a sight to see when approaching the island by boat. Surrounded by a rich history, it is steps away from where a proud statue of Laskarina Bouboulina, the early 19th-century Greek independence heroine stands. We should mention, very few cars are allowed on the island, so scooters, 4x4s, bicycles, a horse carriage and walking are the best ways to get around. The hotel is close to the old harbour, the Bouboulina Museum and the Hatzigianni Mexi Spetses Museum. The closest beaches are only minutes away too.

Style & Character

Here contemporary luxury meets old-world glamour and you will truly be forgiven for believing you are on the French Riviera. In 2009 the hotel re-opened after a 5-year restoration project that carefully combines splendour with 21st-century luxuries. Under the ownership of the Vordonis shipping family, the hotel has been updated with the finest facilities, fixtures, and fittings while carefully preserving the original architecture of the building. Filled with decorative archways, potted palms and floors decked with painted tiles, it is a place of pure luxury.

Room Types

The hotel comprises of two buildings with superior and deluxe rooms and suites, several with private gardens or balconies offering spectacular views of the Dapia Port area and the sparkling blue-turquoise water. The historic wing features 38 rooms with a soft blend of whites and neutrals, including high ceilings, flowing layered curtains, wood floors and a mix of antique and modern decor. A new annexe features 17 rooms with a view of a Mediterranean garden and pool. Two private access suites, the Royal Suite and the La Cupola Suite boast a private balcony with panoramic views of the island.

Facilities

The Poseidonion is famed for being the first Greek hotel to offer spa services when it opened a century ago. Its wellness centre is now a series of small whitewashed buildings that surround a 300-metre spa pool. Treatments include massage, facials, body treatments, a nail spa, and a hairdressing salon on site. Stretched across the back garden is a lush palm tree-lined 17-metre lap pool. The stylish lounge is decked with comfy sofas, a grand piano and a vintage jukebox; there is also an outdoor cinema, and various restaurants that spill onto the sweeping terrace overlooking the Aegean Sea- perfect for watching the horse-drawn carriages go past on this car-free island.

Food & Drinks

Unique gastronomic experiences are curated by French chef Olivier Campanha, who is now at the helm of Library Brasserie and Bostani. With a focus on pure, regional
ingredients from the Poseidonion Grand Hotel’s Organic Farm Bostani is a farm to table experience combining local tradition with French techniques to create delicious dishes bursting with flavour. The updated Library Brasserie menu is dedicated to Greek cuisine with some elements from the wider Mediterranean. For some casual dining and drinks, The Palms Bar overlooks the waterfront promenade and offers scenic views of the sunset. Take a stool at the elegant marble counter and choose from an extensive menu of cocktails, developed in collaboration with Baba Au Rum, one of the world’s 50 best bars.

Ideal For

Couples, honeymooners, all artistic/creative types and anyone looking for a luxurious getaway. It’s also ideal for those who love to sail as the island is home to the Spetses Classic Regatta. With many pretty beaches and a buzzing summer nightlife, it’s also great for those who want to party and mingle with the rich and famous.

Services

24-hour reception
Business centre
Conference rooms
Free WiFi in lobby/rooms
Gym
Hairdresser
Hotel bar
Laundry service
Outdoor swimming pool
Wellness centre / Spa
Wheelchair accessible

Mini Guide to Volos

Volos is an ideal destination all year round- whether it’s for a weekend getaway or a few day’s stay!

One of the largest and most modern cities in Greece, Volos is one of the most important ports in the country, located in central Greece (320 km north of Athens and 219 km south of Thessaloniki). A natural harbour in the Pagasetic Gulf and steps away from Mount Pelion, here you will be surrounded by the mountain and the sea all at once- as it’s right between the sea of the Pagasetic Gulf and Pelion Mountain.

What to See & Do

-The sea creates a fabulously long coastline boasting some of the city’s finest taverns, tsipouradika, serving the traditional “tsipouro” aperitif and special seafood appetizers, or “meze”. Make sure you try the local delicacies and dishes of the area.

-The pedestrianised waterfront Argonaut Road, with the passenger port at its west end and the impressive view of the sea and tree-covered hill of Pefkakia, it’s the most popular meeting spot for locals. Starting from the port, take a stroll by the wonderful seaside promenade lined with cafés, bars, and shops and discover the many neoclassical buildings.

-Explore the building of the University of Thessaly, which was originally a warehouse of the Papastratos Tobacco Company.

-Walk along the entire length of the Kordoni, which allows you to get a different view of the city.

-Visit the Church of Agios Konstantinos and Eleni and the adjacent Saint Constantine Park.

– Explore the Tsalapatis multi-space complex, where the 1920s Brickworks Museum is located, together with the contemporary LabArt space where performances and art exhibitions are presented. Fascinating for children and adults alike, the Tsalapatas Museum is a rare example of a surviving industrial complex in Greece. The museum is housed in a former roof tile and brickworks factory and it aims to showcase the industrial heritage of the city of Volos.

-See Neolithic and Palaeolithic artifacts in Greece’s oldest museum, the Athanasakio Archaeological Museum, built in 1905.

– View the impressive architecture at the Bank of Athens and the Volos Railways Station.

-Spend time at The Palia district which is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Volos. In the evening, the area is the most vibrant place to be in the city with locals staying up until late at its tasteful and top quality bars and restaurants.

Best places to eat

-For traditional tavern-style food head to: Tampakis, Bokos, To Filaraki and Kritamo.

–MeZen, here you can taste amazing Greek meze with a gourmet touch, accompanied by an endless list of labels and preparations of tsipouro.

–To Pirounaki is a quaint eatery with natural lighting and a creative menu inspired by local ingredients and global delicacies.

Make sure you try …

-The city of Volos boasts the best peynirli (pide) in Greece and you can try it at many shops across the city. According to locals, you will find the best peynirli at Rainbow on Iasonos.

-Have dessert at Café Mineravas. The historical café at the promenade first opened its doors in 1935. Ever since then it has been known as the classic spot to have traditional Greek coffee.

Do as locals do… and explore the city on a bicycle. Pelion Scout and other organisations have mapped out a scenic three-hour ride around the city.

How to get there & around

Volos lies about 330km north of Athens and 210km south of Thessaloniki. Buses connect Volos to both cities as well as many other destinations. Volos also has an international airport and is also connected to many European cities including direct flights from London and Amsterdam.

Once in Volos, you can get to most or all of the places we include in this itinerary by means of public transport. However, keep in mind that buses don’t run frequently on all routes so this could mess up your schedule big time. The best way to explore Volos is by car.

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An Adults Only Oasis in the Ioanian Sea

Ah, serenity. If peace and quiet are high on your list of holiday priorities for 2021, this luxurious resort in Kefalonia is the perfect setting for the ultimate wellbeing escape.

It comes as no surprise that the trend at the moment among couples, business people, retirees, and parents is to search for a getaway that offers complete rest and relaxation. F Zeen, located on this stunning Ionian island is an adults-only resort that boasts chill-out zones, gourmet restaurants, and a simplistic and natural approach to all its services and facilities- with incredible attention to detail!

Location

Overlooking the serene bay of Lourdas in Southern Kefalonia, Argostoli, the island’s capital, is 30 minutes drive from the resort and it’s just 20 minutes from the International airport. F Zeen is found on the quieter south-west coast of the island; with mountains and the sea nearby, you have the best of both worlds right here.

Style & Character

Showcasing culture and a relaxed Greek island lifestyle, the family-run retreat places a huge emphasis on natural beauty, health and wellbeing. Here you will find a mix of modern, luxurious, and rustic design and decor, engulfed by nature. Make the most of the facilities whether that be relaxing by the pool, simply walking along the beach, participating in the daily yoga, fitness, and meditation classes, or indulging in organic dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients. At F Zeen you will always find something to do. Or you can simply choose to do nothing at all apart from taking in the spectacular natural surroundings.

Room Types

The resort comprises of four intimate Kefalonian style buildings built amongst nature. The 54 rooms consist of Classic Garden Retreat, Classic Retreat, Superior Retreat, Luxury Retreat, Terraced Penthouse Suites, Superior Raw Retreat with Side Sea View, Superior Raw Retreat, Superior Raw Retreat with Pool, and 3 Bedroom Villas with Private Pool. We must mention
that the cozy rooms are filled with materials and furniture that have been sourced from around Greece.

Facilities

Boasting three beautiful freshwater swimming pools, two holistic spas, an outdoor gym and yoga decks, two bars, two restaurants as well as a boutique shop at the resort, here you will also find an outdoor cinema and a vegetable garden. Daily fitness classes are offered in the outdoor gym and on the yoga decks. Throughout the season there is also a wide variety of health retreats that encourage relaxation and healing of both the body and the mind.

Food & Drinks

You can enjoy freshly caught fish and a range of seafood, as well as fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs handpicked each morning from the in-house vegetable gardens. The resort has two restaurants and bars, ‘Gaia’ meaning Earth and ‘Selini’ meaning moon in Ancient Greek. Both offer great dishes prepared by some of Greece’s top chefs. Selini has an exceptional dinner menu with fresh Specials each day, whereas Gaia is the more casual spot out of the two.

Ideal for…

Couples who are after a romantic escape, those in search of a luxurious wellbeing retreat, and anyone who is making sustainability a priority, as no plastic is used in the hotel and all paper is recycled. F Zeen is also great for those wanting to take part in a range of activities including kayaking, hiking, and jeep safari to name a few.

Services

Lockers
Private check-in/check-out
Concierge service
ATM/cash machine on site
Luggage storage
Ticket service
Tour desk
Currency exchange
Express check-in/check-out
24-hour front desk
Free parking
Free WIFI
Business Centre

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Hotel Archontiko Angelou: Greece’s First Vegetarian Hotel

If you would rather enjoy your holiday staying at a beautiful and meticulously maintained 19th Century villa than a standard hotel, the Archontiko Angelou is the ideal place for you.

What was once the owner’s family’s summer mansion has today become Greece’s only hotel with not only a love for nature and the romantic beauty of the past but also healthy vegan-vegetarian and gluten-free cuisine. With a lovely, sprawling garden and rooms decorated in an old fashioned yet contemporarily comfortable style, the hotel wants its guests above all to feel at home. Homemade jams and other foods are lovingly prepared for guests to enjoy a truly home-like and authentic traditional experience.

Location
In Alinda fishing village, Leros island, in the Dodecanese. Once called the ‘island of Artemis, with a temple erected in honour of the Goddess of Hunting, the island is near Patmos and Turkey.

Services
Wanting to be more like a summer mansion than a modern hotel, this place has few services. Yet the very accommodating proprietor and staff are happy to help guests arrange outings like boat trips, and can rustle up a meal for you if you prefer to stay in than visit a fish tavern at the beach a few minutes away. The hotel offers room service too and has WiFi access.

Style and Character

With many original furnishings and decorative items belonging to owner Marianna’s family, the Angelou Mansion, built in 1895, transports its guests to a different era. A time when one could enjoy their summer sojourn with relaxing meals in the garden, swims at the lovely nearby Alinda beach and reading lazily in a breezy bedroom during siesta time. Evenings are quiet too, and ideal for sitting with friends to sip wine in the garden, which is surrounded by farmlands, and enjoy relaxing chats. The garden is indeed one of the hotel’s greatest attributes, with well cared for olive trees, a carob tree, vines, figs, prickly pears, myrtle, pomegranates, lemons, oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, guavas, plums, apricots, tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, cucumbers and other vegetables, greens and herbs.

A Yoga space has also been created in the garden under the huge trees.

The transportive ambience of this place adds to the sensed of understated luxury – the luxury especially of being away from the noise of social media, modernity and high-speed living. In fact, the hotel states that it has “consciously avoided” including television sets in the rooms.

Rooms

The 10 elegant and vintage rooms at Archontiko Angelou are each individually decorated with antique furniture and minimal yet charming traditional style. The rooms of the top floor have are high-ceilinged and look out to the garden and surrounding fields, and the ground-floor rooms have thick stone walls and cooler temperatures. The rooms are decorated with a combination of original furnishings and décor from the family’s summer mansion and other antique furniture. The beds have CocoMat mattresses and top-mattresses, and the bathrooms, which include natural organic toiletries, have been decked with replicas of the original early 1900’s tiles and fittings.

Food and drinks

An abundant vegan-vegetarian and gluten-free (optional) breakfast is served in the garden under the shade of a jararaca tree. Most of the flavoursome and nutritious foods are organic and homemade, sourced from ingredients grown in the garden or bought locally. In the garden, there is also a little bar where guests can grab a coffee or fresh juice. Raw food options are also available.

Price range- 70-90 € per room

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Step Inside Patras’ New Luxury Boutique Hotel

In the city of Patras, a stunning classical building has now become a new luxury 5-star hotel.

Opening its doors in May of 2020, The Bold Type Hotel is located in the historic district of Ano Polis, near the Medieval Castle and Roman Odeon- two historical monuments of Greece.

The initial construction of the listed building was created in three phases. The first was in the late 1800s, the second at the beginning of the last century and the last phase concerning most of the building took place in the early 1910s. The completion of the third phase gave the building its unique architecture.

Insights Greece - Step Inside Patras' New Luxury Boutique Hotel

Empi Spathi and Katerina Liarommati are the talented architects who recently converted the property into a luxurious hotel. Respecting its original character, the architects took a lot of care and consideration in restoring its raw design- while introducing modern elements that blend in beautifully with its previous construction.

“The philosophy is based on personalised hospitality and our goal is to connect with each visitor and offer him the authentic hospitality that is culturally rooted within us. Our goal is to transmit the local culture to the visitor by exploring the vibrant neighbourhoods and the urban streets of the city and to connect with the local community,” says management.

The four-floor hotel has a total of 10 rooms and suites and there is a colour scheme on each level- designed to enhance the historical building. The first floor is filled with green- combining the wild plantation of the garden area with the Garden Suite. On the second floor, there are red tones- used to blend in nicely with the stones of the ancient Conservatory and the Atelier rooms. Whereas the third floor is dominated by rich shades of blue- to unite the sky and the memory of the building with the executive rooms and the Bold Type suite.

On the 4th floor is the Roof View, with prime position facing the Fortress, the Ancient Roman Conservatory, as well as the Gulf of Patras. And at the back of the hotel you will find a magnificent courtyard, which has been transformed into a fine dining restaurant. Run by talented chef Giannis Skentzos, it’s an ideal spot for brunch, late lunch or dinner.

Last but definitely not least, there is a charming hotel garden, which dates back to 1922, and in the centre of the open space you will find a water feature surrounding the tallest palm tree in the city- it’s adored by locals and visitors alike who enjoy sitting here sipping on a cocktail.

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Eleni Stasinopoulou: The Hotel Trotter

Eleni Stasinopoulou, creator of the popular blog The Hotel Trotter, has been a fashion and lifestyle journalist for 20 years and a contributor to many leading Greek publications, including Harpers Bazaar, Madame Figaro and InStyle.

Recognised as a social media influencer, Eleni hosts a series of styling seminars and also appears on popular Greek television shows, sharing her style and fashion tips.

With a keen eye for detail and an absolute obsession with hotels, Eleni has created a blog that allows her to visit a range of hotels- staying in the nicest rooms with a view, while reviewing lobby designs, buffet breakfasts, sunset drinks, poolside lounges, and private beaches!

IN+SIGHTS GREECE recently spoke with Eleni about her amazing career and her favourite hotels in Greece.

Can you please tell us about your work as Editor in Chief of numerous leading Greek publications?

As long as I remember myself, I always wanted to work in the media industry. I started as a fashion editor in women’s magazines and went on to participate in the introduction of digital media in Greece. The last eight years I have been a web editor in chief for the lifestyle sites of Attica Media Group (MadameFigaro, MissBloom.gr, HarpersBazaar.gr among them) and have loved every moment. It’s a non-stop – sometimes exhausting job- but at the same time a very exciting and creative one. Working for digital media is like a youth elixir. I think this job will keep me forever young!

When did your wanderlust begin and how did it feel when you were able to combine your everyday work with your love for travel?

Ι grew up believing that every hotel is an exciting parallel universe. I believe in hotel magic! Magic happens every single time. A nice hotel can turn me into a much better version of myself. Show me the reception and I instantly forget all my everyday chaos. I am always ready to move into this world of liberating temporality, where vacation mode is switched on.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

Apart from this, my job always gave me the chance to enjoy unique travel experiences as well as a stay at great hotels. Long before Instagram existed, I used to take snapshots of my hotel rooms, breakfasts and views. In 2015, this habit of mine became my Instagram account @thehoteltrotter. Sometime after this, I also created my blog. TheHotelTrotter focuses on this obsession of mine, the hotel life which to me symbolises a much needed carefree mode of living. With the mere of a fashion and lifestyle editor, I hope to inspire all stylish connoisseurs of travelling.

What was the highlight(s) of your travels throughout summer 2020 in Greece?

Visiting popular Greek islands such as Patmos, Mykonos, Santorini, Zakynthos without the crowds of tourists was a unique experience but I hope this will never happen again and tourism will go back to normal very very soon.

In Greece, which would you say are your favourite hotels for A) luxury stay B) wellbeing retreat C) best design/decor

Due to its legacy and location, Kinsterna in Monemvasia is a unique hotel in Greece. Poseidonion at Spetses offers an unforgettable experience. It is one of the few Grand Dame hotels in Greece. Euphoria Retreat at Mystras is an amazing holistic destination and spa-like no one else in the country. Architecture at Olea All Suite in Zakynthos is awesome and so Instagram -worthy. Dexamenes Seaside is an architectural project that has gathered publicity from all around the world, having transformed old wine tanks to a boutique hotel. I could go on forever.

Insights Greece - Eleni Stasinopoulou: The Hotel Trotter — Poseidonion, Spetsas

In 2020, what do you believe makes a hotel shine?

Safety, uniqueness, thoughtfulness, interesting details (that enhance the experience, the design, the food etc) and location, location, location!

You are a fashion/beauty editor, can you please tell us your personal style. And what do always pack with you when you travel?

I like versatile clothes that can take you from morning to night. I love blazers, which I combine with everything from elegant skirts to casual jeans and also dresses because they can instantly change a look. Apart from these (blazers and dresses), I like to pack sarongs and espadrilles (if it’s summer) and mid-heel boots and scarves (if it’s winter). I have a travel beauty kit with small sizes of my beauty essentials, which I always take with me.

Over the cooler months, where do you love spending time in Greece? And what are your travel plans for this winter?

I usually travel to Europe and especially Paris, which is the city I can’t stop falling in love with. My next plans included Portugal and Jordan but like everybody, I will have to wait a bit… Let’s hope that we all will start to travel again soon.

For people planning to visit Greece in autumn/winter for the first time, do you have any tips and advice on where to go?

Athens is a must. It is such a lively city with amazing small boutique and large luxe hotels, a cool art scene and great museums. The Peloponnese and Pelion are also wonderful destinations, full of picturesque villages and cultural must-sees.

thehoteltrotter

IG: elenista thehoteltrotter

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Kinsterna Luxury Hotel, Overlooking Monemvasia

Kinsterna is an impressive mansion and sprawling estate that has been meticulously restored and returned to its former glory. Located on the southernmost tip of Europe, and boasting majestic views of Monemvasia, it’s surrounded by idyllic vineyards, olive trees and fruit orchards, while only being a few minutes away from the Aegean Sea.

Where & Why?

Located in the eastern Peloponnese, this unique hotel offers spectacular views of the medieval fortress town of Monemvasia. Bringing guests peace, serenity, and crisp, fresh air, here you can truly disconnect from the world and allow yourself to be immersed in a rich history that surrounds you. If you are visiting during the warmer months, it’s just a five-minute drive down to the beach, or you can dive into the infinity pool which is filled with spring water flowing from the nearby mountain. There is also a spa with a traditional Ottoman hammam, water cabins, treatment rooms, and jacuzzis.

Style & Feel

Traditional, elegant, and charming, the space is warm and deeply peaceful, plus somewhat mysterious.

Insights Greece - Kinsterna Luxury Hotel, Overlooking Monemvasia

Food & Drinks

There is plenty of options at the hotel including Sterna, which is for fine dining and only open for dinner. All-day restaurant Mournies and Linos Taverna are great for lunch or dinner and you can eat the freshly made bread that comes straight out of the wood fire oven. Belvedere is great if you would like to sip on some tea or have an afternoon coffee with dessert, and there is also a Lobby and Pool Bar, which serve food, and the drinks are made with fresh ingredients grown on the estate.

Rooms

The rooms scream history and each one has its own character. There is a Junior Suite, Byzantine Suite, Kinsterna Suite, Premium Residence, Deluxe Residence, and the Kinsterna Pool Villa.

Ideal for…

Couples who wish to hike around the mansion, participate in wine tours, cooking classes, grape picking, or horse riding. It’s also great for families as there is a kids’ pool, petting zoo, bike riding for families, and a library for reading and playing board games. It’s also perfect for a girls’ getaway as you can enjoy the spa, wine tasting, bread-making classes, harvesting, and gathering honey from the beehives.

Facilities & Services

Safety Box
Spa & massages
Springwater pool
Lobby bar, Pool Bar, Bar in the upper area of the castle.
Wifi all over the hotel
Free toiletries
Minibar
Free Parking
Room Service
Laundry service
Tailoring service (at cost)
Hair salon on site
Babysitting service

Kinsterna Hotel

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Your Curated Guide to Greece

Spetses’ 100-Year-Old Grand Hotel

Poseidonion Grand Hotel first opened its doors in 1914. This stunning building has become a famous landmark on Spetses island, a favourite spot for affluent Athenians and international jet-setters.

Mini Guide to Volos

Volos is an ideal destination all year round- whether it’s for a weekend getaway or a few day’s stay!

An Adults Only Oasis in the Ioanian Sea

Ah, serenity. If peace and quiet are high on your list of holiday priorities for 2021, this luxurious resort in Kefalonia is the perfect setting for the ultimate wellbeing escape.

Hotel Archontiko Angelou: Greece’s First Vegetarian Hotel

If you would rather enjoy your holiday staying at a beautiful and meticulously maintained 19th Century villa than a standard hotel, the Archontiko Angelou is the ideal place for you.

Step Inside Patras’ New Luxury Boutique Hotel

In the city of Patras, a stunning classical building has now become a new luxury 5-star hotel.

Eleni Stasinopoulou: The Hotel Trotter

Eleni Stasinopoulou, creator of the popular blog The Hotel Trotter, has been a fashion and lifestyle journalist for 20 years and a contributor to many leading Greek publications, including Harpers Bazaar, Madame Figaro and InStyle.

Kinsterna Luxury Hotel, Overlooking Monemvasia

Your Curated Guide to Greece

Poseidonion Grand Hotel first opened its doors in 1914. This stunning building has become a famous landmark on Spetses island, a favourite spot for affluent Athenians and international jet-setters.

Volos is an ideal destination all year round- whether it’s for a weekend getaway or a few day’s stay!

Ah, serenity. If peace and quiet are high on your list of holiday priorities for 2021, this luxurious resort in Kefalonia is the perfect setting for the ultimate wellbeing escape.

If you would rather enjoy your holiday staying at a beautiful and meticulously maintained 19th Century villa than a standard hotel, the Archontiko Angelou is the ideal place for you.

In the city of Patras, a stunning classical building has now become a new luxury 5-star hotel.

Eleni Stasinopoulou, creator of the popular blog The Hotel Trotter, has been a fashion and lifestyle journalist for 20 years and a contributor to many leading Greek publications, including Harpers Bazaar, Madame Figaro and InStyle.

The Athens Guide