As the summer season in Greece officially begins, new properties are set to open to lure visitors to this perennial favorite. The marquee islands Mykonos and Santorini are, as usual, the setting for new vacation options but so are islands across the island chains that aren’t usually in the conversation.
Santo Mine Oia Suites Set to open April 20th in the village of Oia in Santorini’s northwest, this 37 suite resort was carved into the famous island cliffs above Ammoudi Bay, site of dueling tavernas on its beach. Each of the suites has its own pool or Jacuzzi and clear, private views of the sunset that crowds gather elsewhere in Oia to observe. The interiors of the suites are neutral in color and contemporary with a few striped or print accessories, leaving the drama to the outdoors. And if gazing at that view isn’t relaxing enough, there’s also a spa with a traditional hammam.
Nearby, those who need more space and privacy can find both in the new Villas by Santo Collection, two four bedroom villas, one 2508 square feet, the other 2766 square feet, also perched on the cliffs with sunset and sea views. Both have extensive outdoor spaces, pools and personal concierges to organize private chefs and exclusive excursions. And they can be combined to accommodate 16 guests.
DEOS Mykonos The busy Daktylides brothers, who have expanded their father’s original hotel presence on Mykonos that started with a bed and breakfast into the 12 resort Myconian Collection spread around this popular island, open DEOS, their newest, in May. (It’s also a member of The Set Collection.) Set on a hilltop overlooking the sea, the island’s famous windmills and across to the islands of Delos, Syros, and Tinos, but within a five minute walking distance of Mykonos Town, the resort provides a private, calm environment despite its proximity to town. Accommodations within the classic whitewashed Cycladic architecture range from 323 square foot rooms with a private hot tub or pool to the 1,292 square foot, two bedroom Alpha Residence with an extensive terrace and large private pool. The brothers’ emphasis on well executed, local cuisine is showcased in the Epico Restaurant and wellness practices in the full service Sana Spa with treatments utilizing local botanicals plus Pilates, yoga and a marble indoor pool.
Gundari Secluded Folegandros, northwest of Santorini and with a permanent population of just 600 residents, has had some tourist development over the years with simple hotels near the main town but the tone here is still sleepy and authentic. Gundari, opening mid-May, is its first reach into the luxury market, but one designed to fit into the environment with natural materials taking center stage including the façade created with stones excavated from the 80 acre cliffside property. The 25 suites and two villas all include timber and stone plus neutral hued contemporary designs from the Athens studio Block722 that fuse Greek and Scandinavian lines. The restaurant Orizon will feature modern interpretations of Greek cuisine by Michelin starred chef Lefteris Lazarou with ingredients from its organic farm; the spa, an array of healing treatments from holistic practice and ancient Greek rituals. The staff will also organize private boat and diving experiences to explore the region.
One & Only Kéa Island Part of the Cyclades but without the typical whitewashed architecture, blue domed churches and tourist hordes, Kéa is only 30 minutes away by speedboat or 15 minutes by helicopter from Athens, making it a popular weekend spot for well heeled city residents. Starting June 1, travelers will be able to discover the island for themselves while checking into this cliffside resort situated on 161 acres on the island’s west side. The 63 one- and two-bedroom villas are spacious, open, airy and contemporary with private pools and views, some 360 degrees, of the sea or the mountains. And the rich cuisine for which the island is known is on display in the main restaurant Atria, the Kaiki Pool Bar, Epicora Wine Bar and Bond Beach Club. Excursions include sailing, diving/snorkeling or a trip across to Cape Sounion on the mainland and the 5th Century B.C. Temple of Poseidon.
Patmos Atkis, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Greece In the Dodecanese island chain in the eastern Aegean close to Türkiye, Patmos has long been regarded as a deeply spiritual place as the site in which Saint John wrote the Book of Revelation; the Monastery of Saint-John the Theologian and the Cave of Apocalypse are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Apart from its religious significance, though, the island is also known its natural beauty, beaches and fishing villages. Patmos Atkis, located in Grikos Bay, is reopening in June after a major renovation and rebranding as a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. The 56 rooms, suites and villas (more will open next year) will be designed in a soothing color palette of creams, whites and soft blues accessorized with local artifacts and artwork. The local Greek cuisine in Plefsis Tavern will have a relaxed frame: a taverna on the beach, a setting that could not be more perfectly Greek.
