The Greek islands never disappoint when it comes to chilled-out escapes – and 2023 promises yet more laidback luxe with a host of new Greek Island hotels. From sprawling suites and private infinity pools to the freshest of seafood and spas that set a new standard, these newcomers have it all. Here’s our edit of the coolest hangouts to bookmark if you’re planning a slice of Greek island life.
The New Greek Island Hotels
Ikos Odisia, Corfu
Ikos adds to its portfolio of all-inclusive luxury beachfront resorts with Ikos Odisia on Corfu, an opening which promises to be one of the best new Greek Island hotels. It’s fair to say that the travel company has well and truly redefined the all-inclusive holiday – banish images of eat-as-much-as-you-can buffets and group activities. At an Ikos resort, you dine on menus designed by Michelin-starred chefs, enjoy first-class Anne Semonin Paris pampering at the spa and 24-hour room service. You’ll also encounter impeccable service (they even have someone to clean your sunglasses).
Odisia is set to be no different. The 60-acre resort hugs Dassia Bay with uninterrupted views across the Ionian Sea. 395 rooms, suites, bungalows and villas are tucked away amongst the fragrant pines and citrus groves, each thoughtfully designed to both harmonise with the environment and provide the utmost privacy. Aesthetics aside, this is a place to kick back and relax – there are five a la carte restaurants, mixologists on hand to make you a perfect cocktail and ten – yes TEN – swimming pools in addition to the white sand beach. You’ll even receive 30 minutes free childcare for children over the age of four…
Amyth of Mykonos
The seductive, sun-soaked island of Mykonos has long welcomed the jet set. Now they’ve further reason to visit with the opening of Amyth of Mykonos, surely one of the most exciting new hotels to stay on the Greek islands. Perched on a hilltop just outside Agios Stefanos, Amyth is the first of a series of design-led boutique properties from the Cyprus-based luxury group Thanos Hotels & Resorts – and it’s quite something.
The Aegean-inspired design blends beautifully with the surrounding landscape – an earthy palette, handcrafted wooden furnishings and natural textures complete the vibe. There are 17 one-bedroom suites, some in the garden with private terraces, others with their own pools and stop-in-your-track views. There’s a beautiful swimming pool if you don’t have your own, while the ultra-chilled Anyth Kouzina restaurant serves a fresh-from-the-sea menu. While this may be the very definition of laidback luxe, the island’s beach clubs are a stone’s throw away, making this new arrival the best of both worlds.
Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa, Kefalonia
Kefalonia, the largest of Greece’s westerly archipelago, is an island of hidden coves and white-washed villages. It now has a new five-star boutique hotel, Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa, perched above the shoreline on the south coast, with views stretching out to sea. The retreat comprises a dozen villas, designed by London-based interior architect Maike Gruna to echo the island’s earthy character, with local stone and woods adding to the discreet-luxury aesthetic. Villas range from one-bedroom for romantic escapes to three-bedroom for family adventures, each with its own saltwater pool or Jacuzzi, outdoor dining area and garden.
While the properties are wonderfully secluded, the public spaces – available to all villa residents – are divine at this new Greek Island hotel. With an emphasis on nature-based relaxation and wellness, there’s an al fresco gym; an infinity pool surrounded by wildflowers; Pilates, yoga and meditation sessions; and a spa – plus pretty-as-a-picture gardens, which wind down to the secluded beach. The more energetic might want to borrow one of the hotel’s e-bikes or take a stroll through the surrounding olive groves. The restaurant serves homegrown Mediterranean fare, with ingredients sourced from local farmers and organic producers.
BILL&COO Coast Suites, Mykonos
BILL&COO Coast Suites is the second property from the Mykonos-based hotel brand, wrapped around the glittering bay of Agios Ioannis. It’s an adults-only retreat – all ten acres of fragrant gardens and shoreline – meaning it is peaceful 24-7. The exclusive beach and beach club and the brand’s perennially hip restaurant BeefBar Mykonos are all within strolling distance of each other. The latter is where you’ll find guests feasting on grilled fish, jumbo prawns and the signature kobe beef gyros under the shade of mulberry trees.
This year, the property has a new look with the addition of ten Grand Coastal Suites, all with private infinity pools and terraces looking out over lavender plants, olive trees and prickly pear down towards the sea. Inside, expect a beach house aesthetic with white-washed walls, earthy tones and textural furnishings. There’s also a reimagined beachfront pool but it’s the new Grand Coastal Villa, which will set hearts fluttering.With its four bedrooms, expansive terrace, private infinity pool and alfresco dining area, this is the epitome of Cycladic chic.
Calilo, Ios
The Michalopoulos family – owners of Calilo in Ios – have been busy. Although the luxury resort isn’t new new, it starts the season with a never-before-seen spa and state-of-the-art wellness centre, as well as additional suites. Not to mention the fact it has upped its impressive sustainability initiatives with a raft of new measures, including a zero-plastic partnership with the non-profit organisation Common Sea and the planting of 30,000 trees across the island this year alone, as part of the brand’s Elektra Olive Tree project.
The new one- to three-bedroom suites are sleek-meets-quirk. Terraces come with one-of-a-kind water features including cute heart-shaped pools, outdoor bathtubs and huge swinging daybeds offering sweeping views over Papas Beach and out to sea. Inside, the suites are a vision of cool marble.
If anything can tear you away from your room, it will be the new three-level wellness centre, which includes a spa on the third floor. Based around the calming energy of water, the massage rooms are home to waterfalls and eye-catching sculptures. The heart motif appears throughout the centre too, alongside a series of positive life-affirming messages on the walls, inlaid in stone. Treatments incorporate Greek products including honey from the property’s own beehives and olive oil sourced from its olive trees.
One & Only Kéa Island
Kéa – in the Cyclades archipelago – has long been the secret holiday destination of stylish Athenians (it’s super close – just one hour by ferry, 30 minutes by speedboat and 15 minutes by helicopter – plus the beaches are gorgeous). Now they’ve even more reason to bookmark this seductive Greek island, with the arrival of a new One&Only resort in Spring 2024 and suffice to say, it will be ultra-luxe.
Occupying a 65-hectare beachfront stretch on the west of the island, the one- or two-bedroom villas offer a cool, airy elegance (think a traditional Hellenic design, with natural marble, timber accents and floaty white curtains), while huge glass sliding doors lead out to private decks and pools.
From the taverna to the beach club to the pool bar, the vibe is relaxed and the menu as local as can be, with just-caught fish and seafood, home grown herbs, honey, olives and cheeses. The spa promises to draw on local plants for its holistic treatments, while the more energetic can choose to join one of the resort’s curated adventures, whether that’s hiking in the surrounding wild terrain, taking a boat to discover hidden coves or exploring the characterful local towns.
