Greece: My Favourite Luxury Hotels

Greece is one of those destinations that offers far more depth than most travellers expect.

Beyond the iconic postcard islands sits a country with exceptional variety: refined city hotels, dramatic mainland retreats, design-led boutique properties, and quieter islands that feel genuinely undiscovered. The challenge is rarely where to go, but knowing which hotels actually deliver the right experience.

These are the Greek properties I consistently rate, recommend, and return to.

The Rooster, Antiparos

Athens

The Dolli at Acropolis

There are several Athens hotels with impressive Parthenon views, but The Dolli arguably delivers the most dramatic vantage point of them all.

The rooftop infinity pool creates the surreal feeling that you could swim straight toward the Acropolis itself. Housed within a neoclassical building dating back to 1925, the interiors feel distinctly residential, with high ceilings, oversized windows, and a refined, contemporary design language.

With just 46 rooms and suites, the hotel strikes a rare balance of intimacy, location, and visual impact.

The Dolli at Acropolis, Athens

A77 Suites

Set along one of Athens’ most iconic pedestrian streets in Plaka, A77 Suites offers a far more discreet urban experience.

A beautifully restored 19th-century neoclassical building now reimagined as a compact, design-forward retreat. The atmosphere feels calm, contemporary, and refreshingly removed from larger hotel formality.

An excellent fit for travellers who appreciate boutique scale and a highly walkable location.

One & Only Aesthesis

For those wanting coastal glamour without the logistics of island transfers, One & Only Aesthesis is an exceptionally compelling option.

Located on a private peninsula near Athens, the resort draws inspiration from Glyfada Beach’s 1960s heyday, blending modern-retro design with a distinctly relaxed Riviera atmosphere. Luxurious bungalows, strong dining venues, and the Guerlain spa create a remarkably polished yet effortless escape.

Ideal for a stylish, stress-free Greek getaway.

Mykonos

Kalesma

Kalesma Mykonos delivers a distinctly calmer interpretation of the island.

Set on a bougainvillea-scented hilltop just minutes from town, the property feels intimate and highly considered. Each of the 25 suites and villas features its own heated infinity pool, while interiors lean toward a minimalist, design-led aesthetic.

A particularly strong choice for travellers wanting Mykonos beauty without the party intensity.

Kalesma, Mykonos

Belvedere Mykonos

Belvedere remains one of the island’s most consistently well-balanced luxury hotels.

The whitewashed architecture wraps around a central pool like an elegant village, while terraces and sea views are integral to the experience. Dining at Nobu adds a refined culinary anchor, complemented by understated bars and a location that is both walkable and politely removed from the noise.

Classic Mykonos, done properly.

Cali Mykonos

Cali offers one of the island’s most visually striking resort layouts.

Positioned on a private beach in Kalafati, the property is naturally sheltered from Mykonos’ seasonal winds. The design centres around villa-style accommodation, each with its own private pool, alongside an extraordinary 110-metre infinity pool.

A compelling option for travellers prioritising privacy, space, and scenery.

Santorini

Andronis Concept

Set in Imerovigli, Andronis Concept leans heavily into space, views, and wellness.

With just 28 suites and villas, the atmosphere feels private and relaxed. Infinity pools, caldera views, and a strong lifestyle offering — from yoga sessions to cooking experiences — shape the stay.

Particularly appealing for travellers wanting Santorini’s scenery without Oia’s intensity.

Canaves Epitome

Canaves Epitome offers a quieter, more refined Santorini experience.

Located just outside Oia, the west-facing views deliver exceptional sunsets without the crowds. The all-villa design, muted tones, and volcanic textures create a distinctly calming aesthetic, reinforced by a superb infinity pool and strong dining venues.

Santorini, but noticeably more relaxed.

Canaves Epitome, Santorini

Grace Hotel Santorini

Grace Hotel embodies Santorini minimalism at its most polished.

Expanses of crisp white, uninterrupted caldera views, and one of the island’s most dramatic infinity-edge pools define the experience. The location feels quiet and removed, while sunsets here are genuinely among the best you will find anywhere on the island.

A consistently elegant, adult-leaning retreat.

Crete

Phaea Blue Palace

Blue Palace combines strong design with one of Crete’s most iconic views.

Rooms and suites balance island textures with refined detailing, while the private beach setting delivers uninterrupted sightlines toward Spinalonga Island. Dining, particularly at the Blue Door Taverna, reinforces the hotel’s connection to local character.

A highly atmospheric coastal retreat.

Daios Cove

Daios Cove delivers scale, drama, and a remarkably complete resort offering.

Set within a secluded cove near Agios Nikolaos, the property centres around expansive sea views, private pools, and one of the region’s most impressive spas. Dining venues and overall design lean modern and polished rather than overtly traditional.

A very strong choice for travellers wanting contemporary resort luxury.

Daios Cove, Crete

Mainland Greece

Amanzoe

Amanzoe remains one of Greece’s most extraordinary hotel experiences.

Set high above the Peloponnese coastline, the architecture channels a contemporary interpretation of classical Greek design. Villas offer exceptional privacy, while speedboat access to nearby islands adds a unique layer of flexibility.

The scale, serenity, and overall atmosphere are difficult to rival anywhere in Europe.

Amanzoe, Porto Heli

Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino

Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino offers a distinctly different mainland experience.

Positioned along Navarino Bay, the resort feels immersed in an unspoilt landscape. Suites and villas blend seamlessly into the terrain, with understated design and expansive sea views defining the aesthetic.

A particularly compelling option for travellers seeking space, scenery, and seclusion.

Island Escapes Beyond the Obvious

Parilio (Paros)

Parilio delivers laid-back luxury on one of Greece’s most appealing under-the-radar islands.

The all-suite layout, striking pool design, and relaxed atmosphere make this a natural fit for travellers wanting Cycladic beauty without Mykonos or Santorini intensity.

The Rooster (Antiparos)

The Rooster champions slow living, privacy, and understated design.

Set within Antiparos’ rugged landscape, suites feature private pools, outdoor showers, and a distinctly calm aesthetic. Dining and spa offerings reinforce the hotel’s restorative, barefoot-luxury appeal.

OKU Kos

OKU Kos offers a highly polished adults-focused retreat.

Secluded beach setting, minimalist design, strong wellness programming, and a calm, restorative atmosphere make this a particularly strong choice for travellers prioritising relaxation.

OKU Kos

Greece offers one of Europe’s most diverse luxury hotel landscapes, but these are the properties that consistently stand out for design, setting, and overall experience.

If you are considering Greece and would like guidance on choosing the right hotel, feel free to get in touch.