hotels Greece Archives - Insights Greece

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.

Insights Greece - Stylish New Hotel Set to Open in Ios this Summer

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 ©

1920’s Industrial Winery Converted Into a Seaside Retreat

Set on the Peloponnesian peninsula, right on Koutoura beach, Dexamenes is an architecturally award-winning hotel that has been transformed from a former 1920s industrial winery into a standout seaside retreat.

Boasting stunning surroundings filled with sunflowers, watermelon fields, olive groves, vineyards, and citrus trees, this tranquil spot is the ideal place to unwind, in between visits to nearby archaeological sites, wineries, and historical sites.

Dexamenes is about an hour from Patras city, right next to the town of Amaliada, allowing easy access to the Unesco World Heritage-listed Ancient Olympia – the birthplace of the Olympic Games, as well as the nearby forested mountains of Elis.

Insights Greece - 1920’s Industrial Winery Converted Into a Seaside Retreat

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Athens’ New Boutique Hotel For Foodies Opens Up

If you are heading to the Greek capital and looking for a luxury boutique hotel that pairs stand-out accommodation with award-winning fine dining, check out xenodoxeio Milos, which just opened its door in downtown Athens.

Offering fantastic, inventive dishes for breakfast lunch and dinner (made from locally sourced produce) lovers of gastronomy will be delighted with this new hotel that offers a culinary experience that is sure to hit the spot.

Located in downtown Athens, opposite the Old Parliament House- an area rich in history, culture, art and cuisine- xenodoxeio Milos offers a great base to explore the centre of the Greek capital and its surrounding neighbourhoods.

Insights Greece - Athens' New Boutique Hotel For Foodies Opens Up

With 43 stunning rooms and suites boasting contemporary design, minimalistic art and sophisticated décor, each room is complemented by a series of handpicked personalised amenities. Featuring high ceilings, marble bathrooms, wooden floors, velvet soft furnishing, and spacious outdoor sunny terraces, guests are made to feel welcome from the moment they arrive. There are also private event spaces available, as well as rooftop yoga and pilates classes, and a gym on site.

Offering some of the world’s finest Mediterranean dishes from acclaimed founder and chef executive Costas Spiliadis (who has opened Milos restaurants in seven locations around the world including New York, London and Las Vegas) is ready to serve guests at his new spot that’s designed to please all the senses.

“Our purpose is uncompromised respect- to our guests and to the ingredients we create our dishes with. We select the finest fresh raw materials and cook them with minimum interference to preserve their impeccable natural taste. Our distinguished farmers and fishermen are carefully chosen by our founder, Chef Costas Spiliadis, whose quest for quality and perfection remains unchanged and renowned,” says management.

“The menu provides a world-celebrated take on Mediterranean cuisine. Our passion for seafood is evident in every dish and our love for purity can be traced in even the finest details. Be prepared to rediscover well-known dishes cooked like never before and to establish your new favourites. Our team of distinguished chefs always explore new ways to delight you,” they added.

xenodoxeio Milos

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Authentic Country Style Living in Nafplio

If you are looking for a peaceful getaway from the city, Opora Country Living, located in Nafplio (only 2 hours from Athens) is the perfect escape.

Set on a sublime agritourism farm this stunning boutique hotel boasts traditionally designed spaces- allowing guests to completely unwind and experience authentic Peloponnesian country living and culture at its finest. The boutique residences are immersed in forty hectares of centuries-old olive groves and surrounded by fragrant orange trees; offering complete relaxation and rural simplicity everywhere you look.

Location

Very close to the village of Pirgiotika, Opora Country Living is located about 7 km from Nafplio town. Syntagma Square is 9 km from the property, while Akronafplia Castle is also 9 km away. This place is ideal for archaeological sightseeing with Mycenae, Tiryns, Epidaurus, and Corinth only a short drive away.

Insights Greece - Authentic Country Style Living in Nafplio

Style & Feel

The charming stone farmhouse stands proudly between mountain ridges and idyllic landscapes. Built with high-quality local materials and using traditional handmade techniques, the unique architecture is influenced by the region’s rich history. Opora features authentic designs and spaces of traditional Peloponnesian farms- the sheltered courtyards, the arches, the cement, and the stone. All this is combined with respect and love for the environment. And here you will be greeted by friendly local hosts who take pride in ensuring their guests’ stay is beyond comfortable- with a real “home away from home” feel.

Residences

Set within the incomparable beauty and tranquility of the countryside, the traditional homes feature amenities that are modern yet refined. The houses are divided into six residences that feature WiFi throughout. Some include an equipped kitchen, fireplace, private garden, as well as views of the mountains and olive groves. Every unit features a private bathroom and shower, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a fridge.

Facilities & Services

Guests are able to enjoy a swim in the tranquil outdoor pool that overlooks the olive groves. Relax in the charming outdoor garden, where you can also indulge in a gourmet breakfast that includes pancakes, eggs, home-baked cakes, fresh juices, fruit handpicked from the garden, eggs from the farm, fresh bread baked in the wood-fired oven, homemade marmalade, and Greek pies. If you are after a touch of pampering, there is also a range of massages available- from full-body, reiki, foot massage, and more.

Activities

Guests can go hiking in Nafplio, or hop on one of the wooden bikes provided by Opora and cycle around while exploring the nearby area. The hotel also runs seminars on beekeeping, olive harvesting, cooking lessons, and wine tastings in the nearby Nemea region (famous for its reds.) There is also a wonderful Private Wine and Tasting Dinner hosted in the vineyard. Dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients from the garden and the best raw materials from local markets. And for those that want to learn a few local recipes, there is a cooking class that takes place at the olive groves. This unique experience includes the preparation and tasting of a complete menu from chef Kostas Papastamatis- all inspired by Peloponnesian cuisine. And if you wish to add some island experiences to your getaway, there are also day-long trips to nearby Spetses and Hydra.

A: Pyrgiotika, Nafplio

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Shila: Athens’ Striking Boutique Hotel

If you are searching for an extra special place to stay in the heart of Athens, this striking mid-century 1920s residence that has been converted into a boutique hotel is ideal as it transports you to another world with its charming decor and eclectic style.

Shila is an ethereal late 1920s property located in the heart of the Greek capital and brings new meaning and inspiration to the concept of a boutique hotel. This is a place where you feel indulged and carefree, and at the same time, are able to experience an otherworldly realm of elegance and sensuality.

Location
Situated in the ultra-chic Kolonaki neighbourhood, you are only moments away from Syntagma, Monastiraki and some of the Greek capital’s best museums, cafes, boutique stores, restaurants and bars.

Style & Character

Sophisticated, mid-century vibe mixing, ethereal, romantic, vintage and antique furnishings in the classiest way. Each corner of this hotel has been expertly curated with stunning pieces of artwork and furniture. The property is filled with life and soul and truly feels lived in. Internal features take from the original architectural elements of the building.

Room Types

Cleverly combining elements of the bygone and the contemporary – this neoclassical house comprises of six distinctively designed suites, each unique in character, with a unifying element of simplicity and inviting charm. There are six rooms sleeping between 2 – 4 people, each differing and curated to create the ultimate romantic escape within the city. Art plays a big part within the hotel and each suite features its own collection as well as the lounge and library areas, which often host private exhibitions.

Facilities

The hotel features a lush courtyard, tranquil rooftop, lounging areas, and reading nooks, ideally suited for social gatherings, art exhibitions and private events. The sumptuous lounge and library area feature rustic walls, vintage fixtures, original 1920s mosaic floors, and an eclectic piano.

Ideal for… Couples and friends looking for a perfectly tranquil escape within a busy city.

Food & Drinks

Complimentary breakfast provided daily

Espresso machine with fresh beans

Artisan products in mini bar

Extras are available upon request

Services

Concierge
Wifi iPad & Netflix
Custom-made towels & sheets
Daily breakfast driver
Car rental
Laundry / dry cleaning
Car parking
Private hire of the entire property
Event hire of rooftop and library lounge

Shila

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Lavender Cove: Privacy, Tranquility and Natural Splendour

A collection of deluxe apartments and suites in the Corinthian seaside town of Korfos make for an idyllic year-round stay, just an hour’s distance from Athens!

Korfos in Corinthia, is a destination that’s kept a bit of a secret by those who love it so dearly that they don’t want to see it ruined by tourism.

The tree-speckled shoreline is shielded from the wind, the central road is lined by rows of charmingly old fashioned tavernas and simple stores, above which rise a few tiers of picturesque houses on a verdant hill. All styles of boats bob in the waters, and sailboats and yachts are anchored at the marina. The amphitheatrically shaped fishing village is especially idyllic for those seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city or more boisterous destinations. Only over an hour and a half from Athens, this is a wonderful destination for swimming in clean, lovely waters and sunbathing on pebble and sand beaches, eat fresh fish, trek along the lush hills or just savour a serene holiday.

Insights Greece - Lavender Cove: Privacy, Tranquility and Natural Splendour

Location

Korfos is in southeastern Corinthia in the Peloponnese, around 35km from the Corinth Canal. On your way down along winding roads take in the splendour of the blue sea and verdant hills that surround it. Just a short drive from Athens as well as being near Spetses and Poros, it can be a destination in itself, or a great base for lovely day trips by car or boat. It’s also a wonderful place for snorkeling, hiking, sailing, cycling, SUP and as of recently since a school opened up, surfing.

Built in 2017, Lavender Cove is a collection of beautifully built – and organically, artfully-integrated in the landscape – luxurious accommodations just minutes from a small, pretty beach. From apartments that face the garden or pool to larger sea-facing suites with a private pool, the accommodations provide facilities like a kitchenette, two large shared swimming pools surrounded by poufs, sun loungers, and umbrellas, and a sprawling lavender garden.

Services

The highly professional, familial, and very helpful Lavender Cove team expertly advises guests on everything from where to dine, hike or swim in the town to other activities in the vicinity. Visit monasteries, archaeological sites, nearby villages, isolated beaches with splendid waters, and beautiful trails. Lavender Cove also rents out bicycles free of charge and can arrange for you to have a yoga or other lesson upon demand.

Style & Character

Immediately upon arriving at Lavender Cove we enjoyed being immersed in the silence, beauty and allure of the surrounding nature. The lavender-filled garden (inspired by the lavender fields of France), includes many other indigenous aromatic herbs to discover, like rose geranium, oregano, thyme, rosemary and lemon verbena. The vibe is laid back, tranquil, quiet and restorative, and it’s particularly comforting to be staying in a beautiful place by the sea with no other buildings or infrastructure nearby.

Rooms

Lavender Cove is made up of five luxury villas that are separated into 10 apartments, and three luxury suites set on the sea-facing hillside of Korfos. The modern, clean and lavish accommodations are elegantly decorated in a soothing and uplifting style, with hints of local tradition and references to the surrounding nature. The minimalist decor combines the neutral tones of the floors, walls and furniture with pops of colours like blues, whites, yellows and greens, depending on the theme of each residence. The bathrooms include complimentary toiletries by Greek organic brand Korres. Free WiFi is offered to all visitors. The accommodations are held in high esteem by their foreign and local visitors, with ratings such as 9.2 on booking.com, 9.6 on hotel.com and 4.5 out of five on Tripadvisor.

Food and drinks

Guests are offered a feast-like breakfast, delivered by staff to beach accommodation between 8:30-10:30. You’ll receive baskets full of delicious foods and drinks, from warm local pastries to eggs, cheese, condiments, bread, milk, fresh juice, fruit, and more. Throughout the day guests can order a snack or light meal or drinks in-room or
stroll/drive to any nearby taverna for super-fresh fish or a grocery store to shop for foods that can be cooked in the private, fully-equipped kitchenette. Korfos has two seaside, casual bar-clubs but is mostly on the quiet side at night. Most of the tavernas here serve good food, but we especially liked Valera, known for its excellent fresh fish as well as quality grilled meats and many homemade sides (visit here at sunset and book a table on the beach for the best experience) and fish tavernas Celana and To Delfini. For drinks head to Exo All Day, where you can spend the entire day swimming too as it provides sun loungers and umbrellas for rent. For desserts like waffles and ice cream go to Psyllos on the coast.

Shop

Korfos has one modern pharmacy selling all the essential medications, supplements, and cosmetics, two mini-markets, a few shops like Kapouzi and Eleven selling beachwear, beach accessories (from masks and flippers to towels and umbrellas), and Souvenir Korfos where you’ll find stylish clothes and accessories like swimsuits, silk scarves, jewellery, and hats as well as tasteful home décor items.

Price range

Between 150 and 350 € in the high season, depending on the accommodation.

Ideal for…

Families (the larger suites can be given joint access), couples, or a group of friends in the summer months. Retirees during spring or autumn. Writers, hikers, painters, or workshop organisers during the cooler months.

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