Greece with Grecotel Hotels and Resorts

Recently, I was privileged to be invited on a trip to Greece to sample a selection of some of the wonderful Grecotel Hotels & Resorts. With properties in 15 destinations throughout Greece Mainland and the Greek islands, and the leading hospitality group in Greece, Grecotel Hotels & Resorts really do have something for everyone.

Unique locations, different property styles offering a variety of concepts and of course the wonderful Grecotel team, all work in combination to deliver unforgettable holidays. No two properties are alike, however despite contrasting experiences, Grecotel delivers consistently excellent service. Each property has its own unique character, which means that regardless of individual requirements, there is something for everyone.

We began our journey about an hour south of Athens at the Cape Sounio. In a unique location overlooking the Aegean Sea, with a prime view of the Temple of Poseidon, this property offers understated luxury in a stunning location. Modern luxury combines with ancient ruins in the gardens, believed to be the remains of the houses of the workers who built the Temple of Poseidon. My room for this first night was the 2 bedroom Family Villa with private pool.

Following an exquisite evening meal in ‘The Restaurant’ at Cape Sounio and a breakfast ‘to die for’ the following morning, we departed and travelled up the coast to the Athenian Riviera to sample The Roc Club. A new edition to the Grecotel portfolio, this property has undergone refurbishment and is now a stylish offering in the chic Athens suburb of Vouliagmeni. We dined in the roof top restaurant, opened especially for us, where we enjoyed a delightful lunch of fresh Greek dishes, whilst taking in the view of the Astir Marina and Vouliagmeni Peninsula. With luxury shopping at the newly developed Astir Marina and a selection of bars and restaurants by the beach within walking distance, this property offers a stylish Athenian Riviera stay.

Next stop, The Dolli! Breathtaking is the only way to describe The Dolli. Located in the centre of Athens, this makes a very special city break. It is truly unique. All rooms offer something different, with one even having a bathtub view of the Parthenon at the Acropolis. Having surveyed the quirky artwork and pieces of furniture, the real highlight of The Dolli is the rooftop with its amazing restaurant and iconic infinity pool all with an uninterrupted view of the Acropolis.

From Athens we travelled on to Heraklion, Crete and the LUX.ME White. LUX.ME in Grecotel terminology means Luxury Made Easy and is the Grecotel all inclusive concept. This is a contemporary property, which as the name suggests has a white theme throughout. Clean lines, simple decor and fresh interiors make this property perfect for families and couples alike, wanting luxury all inclusive. Grecotel has 7 LUX.ME properties within the portfolio which offer their comprehensive all inclusive, providing a wide variety of dining and activities available for all ages. During our 2 night stay we ventured to the Agreco Farm for dinner. Included within the all inclusive, this is a traditional farm, offering truly authentic Cretan cuisine in a beautiful hillside setting. It’s very special with the possibility to purchase some of the locally made produce.

Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands so there is plenty of scope to explore here. The LUX.ME White is approximately 15 mins by taxi to the town of Rethymnon, where guests will be able to explore the old town and harbour. If being closer to Rethymnon is required, Grecotel Creta Palace is the answer. A short hop from the LUX.Me White, we enjoyed a wonderful few hours at the Creta Palace. This property exudes a feeling of calm, whilst offering a resort based holiday suitable for both families and couples. The beach is a major feature of the Creta Palace as it’s one of the few which is sandy. Another wonderful lunch of culinary delights, this time taken in the Ariadne Restaurant, and with 23 different room categories, its own village square and three different board offerings, this has everything needed to create a perfect holiday for anyone.

For a smaller boutique style property, then Caramel ticks the box. With just 67 rooms and 8 villas with pools, this is a place to unwind. Perfect for an adult break but also offering all the wonderful standard Grecotel family facilities. Caramel has a venetian feel throughout, with the villas showcasing stunning Italian tile floors and exquisite decor. We fine dined for lunch at the Gourmet A La Carte, on a delicious and beautifully served selection of dishes.

The finale of our journey was the stunning Amirandes. Staged around an impressive lagoon, Amirandes is a stylish property, which exudes elegance from the moment you step over the symbolic threshold. With the feel of a Minoan Palace, it is a true sanctuary. And as always, the warm Grecotel welcome did not disappoint. With a beachfront Villa for my one night stay and a delectable a la carte dining experience at the Minotaur surrounded by genuine Picasso ceramics, this one certainly left a lasting memory.

Greece is a destination I truly love as it never disappoints.

Our trip was hosted by Exsus Travel and Grecotel Hotels & Resorts; we travelled outbound with British Airways from Heathrow to Athens and inbound from Heraklion to Gatwick; our internal flight from Athens to Heraklion was with Sky Express.