7 Of The Most Astounding Retreats In Greece

Refuting the idea that Mykonos is all hedonistic beach parties and glamor-dripping dinners, Kalesma showcases the island’s quieter, more refined side. The luminescent chalk-white walls of its capacious suites and villas flow out to expansive terraces, private pools and incredible views; while the elegantly pared-back, earth-toned interiors are the perfect place to shade from the hot Mediterranean sun. A glittering central swimming pool carves through the pristine white stone, surrounded by soft-gray loungers, served by the refreshing pool bar and soundtracked by the gentle beats of the DJ. The culinary choices at the beautifully understated Pere Ubu restaurant celebrate local Cycladic flavors, served in tantalizing meze form, while private dinners can also be served in the comfort of your own sunset-illuminated terrace.

A recent addition to Greece’s spoils of cinematic retreats, Odera has opened on the wild, jagged island of Tinos with a front-row vista of the Aegean from its secluded positioning. It’s only a 15-minute boat ride from Mykonos, but when it comes to the vibes, the islands couldn’t be further apart. Tinos, with its sprawling landscape of vineyards, olive groves and sleepy white-washed Cycladic villages, is laid-back and wholly relaxed. Odera’s O Spa pays homage to its setting’s restoratively slow pace, with a holistic wellness approach in the minimalist space – which encompasses a stunning indoor pool beneath a geometrically designed ceiling, hammam and Zerobody and Hydrogen therapy rooms. Most bedrooms and suites, filled with handcrafted artisan pieces (and some with particularly special bathtubs carved from local marble), open out onto stone-surrounded infinity pools.

Amid the iconic cobalt domes atop the gleaming dwellings of Santorini, Grace Hotel is a masterpiece that mirrors its legendary location, where ancient mythology meets postcard-adorned panoramas. A clifftop retreat overlooking the Caldera, it is one of the most picturesque spots to witness the spellbinding, pastel-streaked Santorini sunset – the best seat in the house is found at the 363 Bar (named after the height in meters that it sits above sea level). Located in the village of Imerovigli, 15 minutes from famous Oía, Grace is well-placed to explore the renowned island, its vibrant villages and scenic hiking trails (visit out of peak season to avoid the crowds). And a reservation at Grace’s Michelin-starred Varoulko, helmed by chef Lefteris Lazarou, is an absolute must for an innovative take on traditional Greek cuisine.

The island of Antiparos, which is accessible only by boat, is the ultimate under-the-radar treasure, where the beaches are breathtakingly crystal-clear – and the more remote ones are incredibly quiet. Within a wild landscape of hills, ruins and sand dunes, The Rooster is a hidden gem on this heavenly Greek island. An effortlessly oasis-like escape, where wellness and a connection to nature are paramount, it is set above the unspoilt beach of Livadia. Here, 16 low-slung private houses have been built to blend into the background, with indoor and outdoor living spaces and intimate private pools to soak up the magical surroundings.

While it is the Greek islands that garner the greatest attention as vacation utopias, the mainland can be equally serene and has some of the most awe-inspiring architecture. Case in point: the ethereal Amanzoe, found on the east coast of the Peloponnese near Porto Heli, where Unesco-protected ruins sit alongside the dazzling Aegean. Described as a modern-day Acropolis, and inspired by classic Greek design, Amanzoe bestows guests with capacious, majestic abodes in the form of beach cabanas, pavilions and villas, columned and clad in marble and stone, each offering stunning views from private terraces and gardens with pools. There is also an otherwordly Aman Spa and a beach club, where guests can summon a speedboat to hop between the nearby islands.

An exquisitely, eclectically restored mansion in Hermoupolis, on the island of Syros, The Aristide is a joyful harmony of old and new. The architecture brings together Greek neoclassical and Art Deco styles with colorful contemporary design, imbued throughout the nine suites, where bold bed linens sit alongside statement free-standing bathtubs. Every corner of the opulent residence is characterful, extending to the shaded garden bar and up the rooftop restaurant with far-reaching views of the sea and neighboring islands. Art is at the heart of the hotel: a permanent collection is displayed throughout the interiors, while the dedicated gallery hosts temporary exhibitions by resident artists.

Family-friendly retreats are not usually renowned for refinement and laid-back luxury, but The Peligoni Club is the exception to the rule. The members-only beach club is situated on the more secluded north side of Zakynthos (far enough away from the other kind of club scene that the island is known for), with a perfect spot on the Ionian Sea. Made up of a labyrinth of spaces in which to unwind – from feasting tables for the handful of restaurants and bars to a sprawl of sun loungers and a tucked-away spa – it caters to a plethora of vacation priorities. There is a program of chef pop-ups, wellness workshops and live music events, as well as water sports and ample activities to keep younger visitors entertained. Rather than accommodation on site, there is a curated collection of private villas, cottages and apartments to book in the surrounding hilltops, and guests can then get a weekly membership to The Peligoni, meaning the club retains its intimate, relaxed vibes.

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