The European summer is only months away and if you’re planning on visiting there’s no better place to soak up the sun than the Greek Islands. The area off the coast of Greece comprises of 6,000 islands and is home to a smattering of spectacular hotels and resorts where you can live it up like a king.
Once you’ve decided what island to stay at, the hardest decision you’ll be faced with is choosing suitable accommodation. Do you book a 5-star resort on the party island of Mykonos or get back to the simple life in a boutique cottage on Crete? To aid your decision we’ve selected the best places to stay while on the Greek Island to help make your holiday that bit more luxurious.
White River Cottages, Crete
The supposed birthplace of Zeus, Crete is a historic island with landscapes ranging from white sandy beaches to Instagram worthy mountain ranges. A great spot for those who love rural areas, White River Cottages is an unforgettable hideaway surrounded by rocky hillsides, aromatic herbs and ancient olive trees.
While not overly luxurious compared to others on this list, the former farmers’ homes might tickle the fancy of those who enjoy luxury in simplicity i.e. quaint, authentic cottages influenced by the region. Each cottage features stone floors, wooden ceilings, marble bathrooms and shaded verandahs. This is a great spot for those who want to escape the urban life and enjoy some rustic yet well-appointed peace and quiet in nature.
Domes Miramare, Corfu
A sophisticated adults-only resort, Domes Miramare was once the holiday home for the Onassis family in the 60s. Now a lavish 113 oasis just a few metres from the crystal clear waters of Moraitika beach, Domes Miramare has everything you expect from a luxury resort.
Rooms are decorated with classical white furnishings and marble bathrooms, with impressive sea views. If you can afford to splurge more than the standard rate you can stay in the Pavilion Suite that also includes a 25-metre swimming pool, outdoor shower and jacuzzi.
Olea All Suite Hotel, Zakynthos
Surrounded by olive trees and grassy areas on a picturesque hill on the island of Zakynthos, Olea All Suite Hotel is a minimalist’s paradise. All 93 suites have their own private outdoor spaces – the Honeymoon Suite and Presidential Suite having their own pools – with each room simply decorated in a natural hue of colours reflecting the island’s environment.
Olea is big on wellness, offering a royal spa, fitness and beauty salon and outdoor fitness centre. Once you’ve got your mind right you can treat your body to a succulent meal at one of three restaurants, or knock back a few drinks at O Bar or F Bar.
Casa Cook, Rhodes
The capital of the Dodecanese islands region, Rhodes is home to the laidback adult hideaway Casa Cook. Merging Nordic style with traditional Greek architecture in a bohemian space, each of the 90 rooms includes private verandas and access to shared pools.
For a little extra you can stay in an executive suite with your own private pool. Each room is decorated with earthy tones and includes handpicked furnishings. There are a variety of activities on offer for guests to partake in – including mountain hikes and sailboat rides – if you get bored of sunning yourself on the pool deck or lazing in one of the many hammocks on the property.
Myconian Kyma, Mykonos
Mykonos is often associated with drunk Brits making a scene but you can escape all that and enjoy this famous Greek Island by staying at the incredible Myconian Kyma. Located high above the town of Mykonos, this 5-star hotel is designed by architect Galal Mahmoud and is draped in white with touches of colour, giving it a 1960s Hollywood vibe.
There are 81 rooms and suites to choose from, each fitted with a king size bed or twin beds, while balconies offer impressive views of the ocean or surrounding gardens. The pool deck at the hotel’s centre includes a lounge and bar area, while the adjacent Noa restaurant serves up the freshest seafood and Mediterranean cuisine.
Perivolas Hideaway, Therasia
If you’re planning on travelling with a group of friends look no further than Perivolas Hideaway. Accessible only by boat, this private villa is built on a pumice mine – originally dating back to 1850 – now consisting of four large bedrooms, five bathrooms, an indoor jacuzzi, two steam rooms and pool.
The waterfront property has its own beach and guests have access to private boats and water sports facility, where you can find kayaks, water skis and wakeboards along with windsurfing, snorkel and diving equipment. If water sports aren’t your thing, you can sunbath on the many sun decks or explore the nearby island of Santorini and soak in its historical significance.
Andronis Luxury Suites, Oia
Santorini is as close as you’ll come to paradise on earth, so it makes sense this beautiful island accommodates dozens of 5-star hotels and resorts. Out of all the possible options, Andronis Luxury Suites in the village of Oia stands out amongst them all. An assortment of 29 suites and villas make up the tranquil grounds of Andronis where you can take a dip in the local cave pools or your own private swimming pool.
There are 11 different types of accommodation options available, each with their own perks, such as the Deluxe Suite with outdoor jacuzzi or the Superior Suite with infinity pool. The on-site Lycabettus Restaurant prides itself on delivering modern Greek cuisine while the hotel will happily organise tours of Andronis and the greater island.
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