Bloomberg pays tribute to the luxury resorts and hotels that will open their doors for the first time this year in Greece, ahead of the tourist season.
As the publication notes: “Last summer, everyone from Elon Musk to footballer Mo Salah was in Mykonos, enjoying the sun, the Aegean Sea and the island’s famous nightlife.” He then adds that Greece’s tourism industry, which accounts for 25% of the country’s GDP, is booming, with a boom period gradually doubling or even tripling in length.
Citing the words of the Minister of Tourism that holidays in Greece are no longer just about the three months of summer – a trend that began with the recovery strategy from the coronavirus pandemic – Bloomberg lists six new luxury hotels and resorts which will open this year, noting that they attract all kinds of visitors, from those looking for a hidden island getaway to those looking for seaside retreats a short drive from the historic center of Athens.
Noruz Kassandra Domes, Halkidiki
It opened on April 28.
Looking for entertainment throughout the night? This adults-only, 182-room beach club can become your base for exploring the vibrant nightlife of this northern Greek coastal region. Noruz has a fire-lined pool that stays open until late at night for a midnight swim.
A cantina on the beach specializes in pita sandwiches, where bakers (“psistes,” Bloomberg reports) prepare gyros, souvlaki and other favorites. After partying until the wee hours of the morning, you can visit the hotel’s open-air gym, which offers sunrise yoga sessions. Rooms from 182 euros.
Eliamos Villa Hotel & Spa, Kefalonia
Opens May 1
On the south coast of Kefalonia, an island known for its turquoise waters, Eliamos is a family-friendly retreat with 12 villas and maisonettes, all overlooking the shimmering sea or the neighboring olive grove.
Wellness offerings include professional yoga, Pilates sessions in an open-air gym, and nutritious meals made from local ingredients.
A secluded beach is a short walk from the property, while Argostoli, the island’s capital, is a 20-minute drive away, with its seaside shops and restaurants.
It is also worth visiting the Ainos National Park, to gaze at the stars in the crystal clear sky. Divers can see the famous loggerhead turtles in their natural habitat, while a stop at the famous Melissani cave is a must.
If you’re not in the mood for adventure, the hotel’s saltwater infinity pool is perfect for relaxing on a sunny day. Rooms from 430 euros.
Cali Mykonos, Mykonos
Opens May 10
In one of the most secluded parts of the island, 13 kilometers from the old port, the Cali Mykonos resort sits on its own private beach. There is also a 110m infinity pool on the edge of the cliff with stunning views.
Getting to the party side of Mykonos, or neighboring islands like Tinos and Paros, is easy, thanks to a private fleet of boats and yachts available for charter.
Some of the hotel’s unique features are things you don’t see often: a self-sufficient water system that doesn’t deplete the island’s local water supply, and an array of solar panels make your stay more eco-friendly. Rooms from 900 euros.
Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino, Messinia
Opening August 15
Mandarin Oriental’s long-awaited Greek debut will offer wild coastal landscapes in a less crowded part of the country. The Costa Navarino spa will have 99 rooms, including 48 villas with swimming pools, some of them with two or three bedrooms, ideal for families.
Built into the hilly terrain, the villas offer a sense of seclusion. All rooms have outdoor terraces and sea views, as well as décor reminiscent of the nearby historical monuments of the Peloponnese.
Five restaurants and bars, an indoor and outdoor pool overlooking the bay, access to four golf courses, and a world-class spa round out the amenities. A short distance from the complex there is a village with a food market and an open-air cinema. Room rates will be announced.
Santo Mine Oia Suites, Santorini
Opens in summer 2023
This adults-only Santorini retreat features 37 self-contained suites, each with its own private pool or Jacuzzi, where you can enjoy the island’s famous sunsets. The hotel is carved into the rocks, just an 11-minute walk from the heart of the picturesque town of Oia.
The minimalist interiors evoke the rugged landscapes of the Cyclades, with warm color tones and raw stone from local suppliers: the hotel takes its name from the old mine in which it is located. Rooms from $895.
One & Only Aesthesis, Athens
It opens in early fall.
Luxury brand One & Only opens its first accommodation in Greece on the chic Athenian Riviera, just a 30-minute drive from the Acropolis. With equal access to the sea and the city, guests can start the day with a dip in the Aegean Sea or the natural springs of nearby Lake Vouliagmeni, then head to the Ancient Agora before lunch.
The complex is built on approximately 1.5 kilometers of private beach, one of the two beaches is exclusively for adults. There will also be a bar and a beach club with poolside cabanas to relax overlooking the Saronic Sea. Rooms from 1,800 euros.