3 months ago
5 Twenty-three million international air arrivals were recorded in Greece from January to October last year, an increase of 11.5 percent. According to a National Bank of Greece (NBG) survey, Greek tourism is poised to shatter arrival records in 2024; forecasting that the number of visitors will surpass 35 million.
In response to growing demand, several airlines from Europe and North America have announced plans to boost the number of available seats to Greece, with some increasing capacity by up to 30% this year. Additionally, two new carriers will begin serving Athens for the first time, and three new destinations in Europe and Asia have been added to the travel routes.
Airlines are not the only ones investing in Greek tourism. Major hotels and resorts are also undergoing renovations and expansions to meet the demand of travelers seeking a luxurious experience in Greece.
According to Allied Market Research, the country’s luxury tourism sector is expected to reach $2.7 billion by 2030, with an 11.5% annual growth rate. This news is supported by a report from luxury travel experts Virtuoso, which identified Greece as a top destination for upscale travelers in 2024.
Increased disposable incomes, high-end investments, and Greece’s diverse tourist offerings, including island destinations, gastronomy, and events, drive this surge.
The country enchants with its millennia-old history, sun-drenched landscapes, and vibrant culture. Beyond its ancient ruins and azure waters, exploring Greece lures many travelers to its regions, each offering distinct experiences.
Four standout properties promise exceptional stays from Athens to Mykonos and Santorini: New Hotel in Athens, Semiramis in Kifisia, Kalesma Mykonos, and Nous Santorini. Each hotel blends a unique design with Greek hospitality, providing an intimate and exclusive experience.
Image Credit: Casandra Karpiak
Athenian Accommodations
Athens has become more than a stopover for tourists en route to island destinations. The Greek metropolis’s rich history melds with contemporary culture, propelling a recent renaissance that has put the city on travelers’ radars.
Athens’ archaeological sites, especially the Acropolis, experienced record visitor numbers in 2023, highlighting the enduring global fascination with Greece’s cultural heritage. According to Greece’s statistical authority, more than 3 million people visited the Acropolis last year.
Amid historical monuments and archeological wonders, modern lodging awaits area tourists. Among them is the five-star NEW Hotel located in the heart of Athens. With award-winning Brazilian designers Fernando and Humberto Campana at the renovation’s helm, the hotel is now an eco-conscious art piece. Each of its 79 sustainable, luxurious rooms combines modern aesthetics with recycled materials from the original Olympic Palace Hotel.
“The hotel’s name is called NEW because it’s a bridge between the past and present through this upcycling project,” shares Nadia Paschali, Marketing Director at YES! Hotels.
The NEW Hotel is close to must-see landmarks like the Acropolis Museum, National Gardens, Syntagma Square, and the Parliament Building. Rooftop bar patrons can sip cocktails while savoring panoramic city views.
Hotel staff arranged for a private guide to meet us in the lobby and take us on a tour of the Acropolis. Afterward, we enjoyed a memorable dinner at Art Lounge on the 7th floor.
In the wealthy Kifisia neighborhood, boutique hotel Semiramis’ eclectic look is the brainchild of contemporary artist Karim Rashid. The property is Instagram-worthy at every turn, with kitschy décor and pops of neon colors in every corner.
Bold colors and fluid shapes create a whimsical atmosphere that feels futuristic yet welcoming. All 51 rooms and suites uniquely blend functionality and style, featuring state-of-the-art amenities and playful decor. The hotel’s outdoor pool is its own art installation, with its wavy lines and bright hues offering an escape from big city hustle and bustle.
“It was unlike any other hotel I’d experienced in Greece,” shares Andy Medearis, founder of Deals Points. “In my opinion. It offers travelers an unforgettable experience celebrating bold contemporary aesthetics coupled with timeless Greek warmth and hospitality.”
Guests won’t go hungry with the resort’s exceptional breakfast buffet spread, and travelers can’t rave enough about the exceptional service, with employees going above and beyond for its guests. Fiona Spinks from Following Fiona agrees. “The service at the hotel was excellent. The staff was incredibly friendly, helpful, and always attentive, which made my stay even more enjoyable.”
The hotel also caters to business travelers or remote workers with well-equipped meeting rooms and event spaces. Those looking to indulge in retail therapy can walk to the Kifisia shopping district, just a stone’s throw away.
Image Credit: Casandra Karpiak
Island Vibes in Mykonos
On the sun-kissed island of Mykonos, known for its mix of vibrant nightlife, an intimate escape awaits at the luxurious Kalesma resort, perched on a hill overlooking Ornos Bay. The property blends seamlessly with the natural landscape, its Cycladic architecture and minimalist design oozing a “cool factor.”
Aby Saltiel, a former fashion executive and co-owner of Kalesma, often welcomes guests and shares exploration tips. While traveling with my two pre-teen boys, he suggested we visit the local go-kart track and enjoy souvlaki at a nearby restaurant before visiting the island’s more wind-sheltered beaches.
Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2024 honored Kalesma Mykonos, naming it the No. 1 Resort in Greece, No. 4 Resort in Europe, and No. 45 Resort in the World.
Each suite and villa offers unobstructed sea views, private terraces, and plunge pools, all crafted to highlight Aegean beauty. Intentional decor, like handcrafted furniture and bespoke artworks, blends traditional Mykonian elements with contemporary luxury.
The marble in the bathrooms is sourced from Tinos, while the rock comes from the Peloponnese region. The entrance design pays homage to the triangular pigeon houses, a staple of nearby Tinos Island.
Guests can enjoy the Aloni Sunset Lounge, where they can savor breathtaking sunset views over the Aegean Sea while sampling a selection of local wines and cocktails.
“Philoxenia,” a Greek term meaning “friend to the stranger,” perfectly captures the essence of the Kalesma team. This authentic spirit of “philoxenia” is the foundation of every stay at Kalesma.
Image Credit: Casandra Karpiak
Santorini Escape
Santorini, renowned for its iconic cliff-hugging architecture, attracts more visitors than any other part of the country. Selfie-snapping sightseers pack the northern town of Oia, obstructing onlookers’ views of the sunset with selfie sticks. Skip the crowds and head to Messaria on Santorini for a more authentic experience.
Located in this charming village, Nous Santorini offers a fresh take on luxury. The island’s volcanic origins inspired the hotel’s design, which features natural materials and earthy tones. The colors used represent well-known beaches: red, white, black, and, of course, sand.
All 119 rooms and suites have private terraces, while 65 rooms have plunge pools and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea or the hotel’s lush gardens.
What’s special about Nous Santorini is the amount of space it holds on the island. The on-site corporate conference space accommodates up to 120 people, and the entrance allows check-in overflow to prevent large group arrivals from disturbing guests.
Large donkey ears loom over the infinity pool, an art piece reflective of the island’s heritage and the hotel’s core brand design concept. The zero-entry pool is the largest on the island and the property’s centerpiece, flanked on one side by the pool bar and restaurant.
Each morning, guests can enjoy a fabulous breakfast featuring one of the finest buffet selections in the country. Indulge in endless pastries and cakes, a variety of fresh and unique fruits, a smorgasbord of meats and cheeses, hot Greek dishes, and traditional American favorites.
The spa here is something else: an indoor pool, relaxing sauna and steam room, cold plunge pool, and cozy sun-lit relaxation areas. The full-service spa offers massages, facials, and other body treatments.
Nous Santorini provides a luxurious escape, honoring the island’s authenticity and charm. It’s no wonder that Condé Nast Traveler recognized it as one of the “Best Hotels in Santorini.”
For those looking to explore Oia or Fira, both are just a short drive away. But with so much to enjoy within the hotel grounds, guests may find it hard to leave this oasis on Santorini.
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