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As home to some of the globe’s most ethereal sunsets, the Greek Islands are heavenly hotspots for romantics – who aren’t just spoiled when it comes to sundowners and scintillating views, but also served with couples’ spa treatments, secret cave suites and intimate dining spots. An adults-only getaway isn’t just about making memories with a loved one, however, and many of the country’s most luxurious lodgings are ideal for those seeking a spot of sun and fun with grown-up friends. Think DJ sets by the pool, Maldivian-style overwater bungalows, hip hideaways near buzzy towns, and stylish boutique retreats. Whatever you’re planning, here’s our pick of the best Greek Island hotels for a well-deserved post-lockdown holiday.
Becalming views of sparkling Vlycha Bay, dinner at Five Senses restaurant (one of the island’s most highly regarded), and exemplary service are what make this refined resort a stellar local vanguard of what five stars represent. The overall look is an elegant fusion of indigenous stone, steel, glass, dark timber and water canals on the outside, while indoors, abundant natural light flows in through floor-to-ceiling windows and shades of spirit-lifting azure dominate the contemporary rooms. Guests can easily reach Lindos and its ancient acropolis from the door, as well as explore lesser-visited and relatively undeveloped southern Rhodes. Back at base, the Blue Flag beach has a well-serviced section for guests.
From
£
245
per night
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• The best hotels in Greece
Cool sophistication is the vibe of this Luxury Collection hotel in Oia. Hidden behind tall studded doors, the cluster of cave-like suites and villas with Cycladic-white façades spill like melted wax over the caldera rim. Guests are welcomed with homemade lemon drinks and snacks before heading to their adobe-style enclave of cool colours and mineral textures (with good-sized terraces and picture-frame windows). Four villas have pools, but for the best views pick the two-bed Mystery villa with its own gym and infinity pool. Elsewhere, there’s a spa plus two shared pools; the infinity is near the bar, so great for sunset cocktails. For seafood and sea views head to Asea. Other spots include a 150-year-old wine cave restaurant.
From
£
566
per night
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With a soothing sense of privacy and peace, sea-view suites and several good restaurants, this adults-only resort is ideal for honeymooners or a romantic break. A stylish aesthetic brings together muted tones, modernist sculptures and water features, while a large, waterfall-fed infinity pool and clipped lawns descending to a small shingle beach with cabanas around a bar add to the beachy luxe factor. A deft massage using luscious Germaine de Capuccini products can be booked at the spa and concierges are on hand for tips and trips. In terms of rooms, all have sea views, some have private pools or an outdoor whirlpool bath, and most are open plan with either a classic (parquet flooring, white walls) or more modern (funky furniture) look.
From
£
219
per night
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Built around one of Europe’s largest lagoon pools, this stylish resort near Hersonissos is an adults-only water wonderland where couples lounge in sunken seating areas and islands dotted with beds and hammocks. The tropical ‘Love Island’ vibe is accentuated by a minimalist style (all white with blonde wood, canvas and bamboo) and glossy light-filled spa, while rooms are all about the retro décor. Expect mirrors above the bed, hanging lamps and large bathrooms clad in marble. Best for privacy are nine South Pacific-inspired over-water bungalows with private terraces, or 12 Island Villas with private pools. There are several restaurants and guests can use the beach and facilities of neighbouring sister property Stella Village.
From
£
249
per night
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This luxurious Mykonos pad is located on a slope just outside the quiet coastal town of Agios Ioannis, giving guests a beautiful view of the Aegean and access to a private beach. Guests can use the spa at sister property Bill and Coo Suites and Lounge (five minutes’ drive away) which offers therapies by Valmont, as well as arrange VIP services such as private jet services, yachting and sailing excursions. There are 15 suites, all with balconies and sea views that include Delos island, but book a Coast Suite to add a private hot tub or plunge pool. Intimate dinners can be arranged on the beach, while fine-dining options on-site include a Greek taverna, Beef Bar Mykonos, and a degustation menu crafted by executive chef Dinos Fotinakis who is behind the award-winning restaurant at Bill and Coo Suites and Lounge.
From
£
542
per night
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This romantic bolthole is a Paxos utopia, with thoughtful service, seven beautifully styled suites, and excellent breakfasts served on a shaded terrace overlooking the pool. There’s a real Secret Garden vibe to the property, owing to its concealment behind a high stone wall with elaborately carved wooden doors, but once through, guests are met with the tranquil burbling of a fountain, spiky-leafed vegetation and a dazzling sea view. The design aesthetic is an eclectic mash-up of Greek and Moroccan influences, featuring terracotta urns and chunky floor cushions in bold prints, while the suites come with snuggle-inducing sofas, bold wooden furniture and tactile rugs. Each includes an outdoor space, small kitchenette and Korres amenities.
From
£
303
per night
A sprawling beachside resort inspired by Chania’s Venetian shipyards. The domed rooms and suites cluster around two large pools, one of which offers panoramic sea views and its own swim-up bar (where DJs play chilled music at sunset), the other in the quiet zone. The ambiance is beachside hip, and with exercise areas, a pretty spa, beanbag loungers and scatter cushions dotted around, plus a restaurant serving lashings of healthy food, a casual cool vibe permeates this adult-orientated hotel (no under-16s). Style in the 83 rooms is ultra modern with quirky details, from minibars stocked with vitamins and healthy snacks, to hammocks or rocking chairs, and plunge pools or outdoor bathtubs.
From
£
195
per night
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• The best Greek Island hotels
Spread across a large, lofty site, all-inclusive La Grotta Verde is designed to capitalise on the seaside setting. Contemporary rooms and dining areas, tastefully furnished in white, maximise views of the water. The resort has been sculpted to immerse guests in nature’s beauty: rooms have great views, there’s a rooftop bar, and you can gaze out to the Ionian Sea from the pool. There is also a heated indoor pool and swish modern spa, while five restaurants keep things interesting at dinner. The finest dining is in à la carte Areti restaurant (all-inclusive guests can enjoy an evening meal here once per week, by reservation).
From
£
117
per night
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• The best hotels on Corfu
Adults are in for a restorative treat at this hip yet understated hotel near Mykonos Town (10 minutes’ walk away). There are just 18 suites, all of which have furnished sea-view terraces, enormous four-poster beds and marble showers; 11 have private infinity pools. The hotel itself is small but there’s an impressive spa next door shared with sister hotels Korali and Kyma. Chances are you’ll spend much of the day lounging around on the circular loveseats, swings or thickly cushioned green loungers by the main pool. The all-day restaurant serves local seafood and meat dishes, as well as pasta and some excellent desserts. There’s also a pool bar menu. Almost everywhere offers views of the sea and Mykonos’ famous windmills.
From
£
414
per night
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Nothing was left to chance in the reimagining of this legendary Miramare hotel, which opened in 1962 and swiftly turned into a celebrity magnet. This is reflected in its interior design, drawing on the Sixties style with contemporary flair in shades of white, grey and teal and objets d’art such as the flower-like gold light fixture in the lobby. Centuries-old olive trees stand proud amid palms and lawns fronting a 400m-long beach where it’s deceptively easy to spend a day unwinding on sun loungers and cooling off in the aquamarine Ionian Sea. Standard rooms are close to the beach and pool, but it’s worth splashing out on a more spacious sea view or waterfront pavilion retreat; these have hot tubs or private pools, or both.
From
£
170
per night
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Contributions by Catherine Cooper, Helen Iatrou, Caroline Shearing and Marissa Tejada
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This article was originally published by Telegraph.co.uk. Read the original article here.