With more than 200 islands, Greece presents holidaymakers an astoundingly diverse catalog of retreats. It’s not just the instantly recognizable architecture and dreamy beaches that define a Grecian getaway, but the boutique hotels that handsomely capture the country’s ancient history, simply decadent cuisine, and incomparable hospitality. Journalist Paul Jebara shares his favorites.
Kalesma Mykonos (Mykonos)
Acclaimed design firm K-Studio raised the bar this summer with Kalesma. Located in a more tranquil section of the hedonistic isle, the hotel’s 27 suites and villas slope down a hill that looks out to Ornos Bay. From statement furniture by designer Rick Owens to locally-procured artwork, Kalesma interprets Myconian extravagance as “noble simplicity.”
Verina Astra (Sifnos)
There’s no better place to stay on Sifnos, which has a reputation for culinary excellence. With a world-class restaurant that uses ingredients plucked from its own gardens, Verina Astra caters to gourmands while gifting vistas from a hilltop perch. Inside, guests can spot an extensive collection of Sifniot ceramics, a tradition that spans over 5,000 years.
Anemi Hotel (Folegandros)
Anemi is the sole five-star property you’ll find on this trendy hippie haven. The compound is built in typical Cycladic style, but surprises with modern styling and designer furnishings. From wellness activities to dips in the infinity pool, Anemi is a sanctuary for the discerning traveler.
Katikies Garden (Santorini)
Set in an old monastery in Fira, Katikies Garden presents a refreshing alternative to the whitewashed cave hotels that cascade down Santorini’s famous caldera. Beyond its flashy design and sceney rooftop pool, the hotel’s award-winning Selene restaurant is a must-visit.
Santa Maria Village (Milos)
An exceptional base for exploring Milos’ traditional villages and lunar landscapes, Santa Maria Village is an unpretentious luxury hotel that sits ten minutes from Adamas. Accommodations range from garden suites to sea-view junior suites perfect for honeymooners. Cap off your day exploring Milos’ unique beaches with a candle massage at the spa.
Acro Suites (Crete)
The slick 49-key Acro Suites on the Greek island of Crete wins guests over with its inimitable suites built into onsite caves, each equipped with its own plunge pool. An Aegean-facing terrace, a full-service restaurant, and a tantalizing spa with heated marble beds and a hammam have us metaphorically salivating over the stay’s allure.
Apollo Palm (Athens)
Set in Athens’ hipster Psyrri neighborhood, the Apollo Palm Hotel positions itself as the ultimate hotspot for the city’s trendsetters. With its fusion of Mediterranean-meets-Palm Springs design ethos, the 48-key boutique stay boasts chic guestrooms drenched in sunlight. Breathtaking views of the Acropolis can be enjoyed from its knockout rooftop bar, attracting an eclectic crowd of artists and creatives alike.
Naxian on the Beach (Naxos)
At HAP, we are all about how “size matters”—the lesser the amount of rooms, the more intrigued we get. So when we heard Naxos boutique hotel Naxian on the Beach only had ten suites, we knew we had to write about it. Boho-Greco design narrates the hotel’s interiors, from the wicker-laced bar to the rattan lamps in the onsite restaurant Tortuga, and the soothing-toned palette lathered in every room. There’s no pool, but that’s ok since each suite has its own private balcony and outdoor spa bathtub (Plus, come summer, the beach can be your lido?).
Casa Cook Rhodes (Rhodes)
If we were to conjure up our ideal Greek island getaway, we imagine it would look something like Casa Cook Rhodes’ bohemian bedecked, box-fresh rooms—think: woven throws and pillows, rattan furnishings, polished concrete, and beds on daises. Days are meant to be spent dipping into your suite’s private plunge pool or swaying to the choons of DJs mixing by the lounger-topped terrace.
