Greece was a hot topic this year at Virtuoso Travel Week, and we spent some time gathering the latest updates and insights from our top travel partners for Greece luxury travel. Here’s what we have our eye on:
Canaves Oia Epitome, Santorini
The biggest news is the opening of the 5th property at Canaves Oia called Epitome, as pictured above. I met with Markos Chaidemeos, the Managing Director, and he is very excited to finally have a family-friendly option within his portfolio. This hotel is not on the cliffside like the others; instead, it is located on the northern part of Oia (still within walking distance of town) where there’s a little more space to spread out and far fewer safety concerns for the kids. Epitome features suites and villas, all with private pools. The 2-bedroom pool villas are the winners here – finally, a true Santorini luxury experience is available for families!
Four Seasons Astir Palace, Athens
We know our clients are loyal to the Four Seasons brand, and in Athens, Four Seasons Astir Palace has quickly become a best-seller. The convenient location outside of Athens makes this a no-brainer for the start of any Greece luxury travel itinerary – the resort is the perfect spot to recover from jet lag. We’re most excited about the opportunity to add golf to a Greece itinerary, and the resort’s private marina will make sailing excursions a breeze. The new suites with private pools are a nice bonus, too!
Katikies Resorts & Club
Our good friends over at Janine Cifelli Representation have put us on to a new member of their portfolio, Katikies Resorts & Club. This collection of hotels includes the newly opened Katikies Mykonos and Katikies Santorini, Kirini Santorini, Chromata Santorini, Sun Rocks, and Kirini Mykonos. The largest hotel in the portfolio has 35 rooms, so you can count on a true boutique experience here. The newest addition, Katikies Mykonos, is a great option if you’re looking for exclusivity and seclusion without giving up on style or amazing seaside views! Not all of these hotels are part of the Virtuoso network, but we work closely with JCR to be sure our clients get the best value and VIP consideration.
If you’re looking for a party in Mykonos, head to the Belvedere Hotel where you can easily stumble home after a few too many shots of Ouzo. The Belvedere also features a Nobu on site. For a family-friendly option on Mykonos, look to the Myconian Villa Collection!
Corfu Joins the Luxury Market:
We predict that Corfu will be a buzz-worthy destination, and there are several new hotel developments to help push travelers’ interests. The one prominently on our radar is Angsana Corfu, opened in 2019. This family-friendly resort will be nestled into the hillside with 199 rooms and 50 private pool villas and will feature a private beach club, spa, kids club, multiple dining venues, and a rooftop lounge.
Also on the radar in Corfu is the adults-only Domes Miramare, a Luxury Collection Resort which opened in August 2018.
Get Off-the-Beaten-Path:
Mykonos and Santorini are popular for a reason! They offer amazing experiences and some of the best luxury hotel options anywhere in Greece, but that also comes with a price in both rates and crowds. So, we recommend including a lesser-known region of Greece in your itinerary to ensure you get the best balance. Last year, we told you about Crete. This year, Naxos has been our go-to island for a little something different; it is an especially good fit for foodies. The Naxian Collection and Naxian on the Beach are our hotel picks here, and they have high reviews from our travelers.
For families, we recommend Paros and Antiparos, which has a nice villa collection, or Halkidiki, where you’ll find the new member to Virtuoso, Sani Asterias at Sani Resort. Calm, shallow ocean waters and fun, kid-friendly activities like the resort’s unique soccer camp in partnership with players from the Chelsea football club make this resort a perfect fit for families. Nearby UNESCO heritage sites, as well as new parks and museums in Thessaloniki, will make this area a unique cultural destination.
Folegandros is great for anyone looking for something charming, traditional, and authentic. Folegandros is a small island located at the center of the Southwestern Cyclades next to Santorini. Its deep blue waters are in complete harmony with its landscapes of wild beauty and pristine beaches. Hiking lovers will be thrilled on this amazing island. For accommodations in Folegandros, we recommend either Anemomilos Boutique Hotel or Anemi. For a good dose of drama, look to Milos, with its French influences and dramatic coastlines; book a private yacht for a true luxury experience.
Plan Early!
The number of travelers visiting Greece has doubled over the past few years, and there is no denying that Greece is a hot destination. we felt a few growing pains in the form of planning delays and inconsistent service during our clients’ trips this year. Each year, we’ve supported over 20 departures to the destination, and we expect this number to continue growing. Our preferred on-site for local support and trip logistics are BluCove and Eclectic Greece — they are investing in stronger relationships with local transportation companies and expert guides to help us make sure you get a unique, personalized experience with the smoothest itinerary operation possible.
For travel in the year ahead, you can expect a stronger (and stricter) portfolio of services on offer, and availability will continue to be a challenge. We estimate that our top hotel picks for 2025 will be sold out by February. So, if a trip to Greece is on your radar, start your planning early!
If you would like more information about availability and rates for Greece, fill out a Travel Request Form and we will respond as soon as possible.
