Forbes: 5 new hotels promise heavenly holidays in Greece

Five new hotels that will operate in Greece in 2018 and promise a dream holiday are chosen by Forbes's contributor Angelina Villa-Clarke, who highlights that the modern hotel infrastructure in the country responds to the new trends in world tourism and notes:

"With a batch of exciting new openings on the cards for the summer ahead, it looks like Greece is back in the spotlight (or should that say, sunlight?) for those seeking hassle-free holidays."

Forbes describes these top Greek hotels as follows:

1. Cavo Spada Luxury Sports & Leisure Resort & Spa, Crete

Found on Crete, and re-opening this March after extensive renovations, is wellness resort Cavo Spada Luxury Sports & Leisure Resort & Spa. The glitzy beachfront property will have a new, minimalist design with all rooms having beachfront views across the Med. Aimed at families, or couples who want a little more from their holiday, it will have an emphasis on learning. Forget about your school books, however, this is all about offering an immersive experience into local culture. Expect wine and olive oil tasting classes, cooking lessons and cultural concerts. 

Wellness at Cavo Spada is also key with beach yoga classes, hydro-massage facilities, Turkish bath therapies and a packed menu of beauty treatments. It's all about the feel-good factor.

2. MarBella Nido Suite Hotel & Villas, Corfu

In May, the island of Corfu welcomes the second property from the MarBella Group. The adults' only MarBella Nido Suite Hotel & Villas is found on the south-east of the island, in Agios Ioannis Peristeron, and will offer 70 suites and villas with sophisticated interiors inspired by a typical Corfiot look – think artisan-crafted tiles, muted colours and light-drenched spaces. Two restaurants, a beach club and a spa will ramp up the luxe factor.

3. Ikos Dassia, Corfu

On the same island – and making for the third property from the Ikos group, which is renowned for its 'intelligent' all-inclusive ethos – Ikos Dassia also opens its doors in May.

With a focus on its culinary offering – all restaurants are conceived in collaboration with Michelin-starred chefs – the new property will up the ante when it comes to luxurious hotels on the island.

Found in the bay of Dassia, just 15 minutes from the historic Corfu town, the sprawling resort will have 403 bedrooms, suites and villas, set within lush gardens and with views across the Ionian Sea. Seven of the nine restaurants will feature a la carte dining, with fine wines, and offer a range of gastronomy experiences – from Asian to French, and Basque to locally-inspired menus. 

For the past few years, the brand has been championing the way holidaymakers perceive the 'all-inclusive' concept, reinventing the idea and giving its resorts a 'pre-paid' luxury feel. The new opening is no exception, and guests can expect innovative features, such as a Dine-Out experience (where you can choose to eat in a local Greek restaurant), local activities, a child-friendly gelaterie and adults-only wine bar. Detailing is well-thought-out with bedrooms showcasing an elegant interior design with large, luxury bathrooms, bars have urban-style mixologists offering the latest cocktails, while the seven heated pools will keep all the family happy. Ikos Dassia will also have a private beach, floodlit tennis courts and a huge array of fitness activities and water sports on offer. Adults-only areas and a standout spa will mean you can escape the little ones for some well-served 'me' time, if necessary.

4. Euphoria Retreat, Peloponnese

If 'me' time is what you are after, then head to the Greek Peloponnese, and the Euphoria Retreat, a new holistic destination spa, which opens this summer and promises a unique blend of treatments and experiences, based around ancient Greek and Chinese philosophies.

An hour from Kalamata, the retreat is found on the edge of the Byzantine town of Mystras, a 13th century Unesco World Heritage site, with a backdrop of mountains, forests and citrus groves. Taking Byzantine architecture and Greek iconography as inspiration, the design is dramatic with curvaceous architecture painted in gold and earthy colours.

Here it is all about transformation - of the mind or body – and programmes on offer are based around the elements of Earth, Fire, Water, Wood and Metal. Guests can book in for the signature seven-day transformational programmes. Cuisine, with ingredients sourced from the estate, has been devised by nutritional experts and served in the Gaia restaurant, which has sweeping views over the valley.

As well as a range of outdoor activities – including forest hiking trails, biking, climbing and rafting – the spa is at the heart of Euphoria and is packed with pampering facilities. The offering is based around a 25-metre waterwell, where a spiral staircase leads to contrasting hot and cold footbaths. Take the plunge in the 'sphere' pool, watsu pool, Byzantine Ottoman hammam, infrared sauna and tepidarium – just a few of the wellness amenities on offer.

5. Gennadi Grand Resort, Rhodes

Finally, it's to Rhodes and othe new Gennadi Grand Resort opening in May. Part of Lindos Hotel Group, this eco-friendly hotel has a focus on locality and an emphasis on bringing the outside in.

Most of the 266 rooms and suites have private pools and gardens - meaning equal space inside and out. Three pools, 11 restaurants and bars, a theatre, spa and shopping arcade will keep everyone happy. Restaurants include an interactive kitchen, traditional Greek tavernas, a STK outpost and bistro.

As well as spa treatments and outdoor activities, a green roof will be used as an open air public space for walking, yoga, and jogging with views of the island beyond. It's also part of the wider focus on sustainability, with the hotel using efficient energy and water management systems, the latest eco-focused air conditioning/heating system, recycling, litter separation system and energy saving bulbs. It's good for you in more ways than one.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report

Source: forbes.com