Virtuoso: The five latest travel trends for 2018 and the 19 best Greek hotels

NEW YORK (January 4, 2018) – To discover what’s trending in 2018, travelers need only to browse
through Virtuoso®’s newly released 2018 Best of the Best catalog of the world’s best hotels and experiences.
The largest edition to date, featuring 1,250 hotels, resorts, villas and private island retreats in 108 countries
alongside 54 one-of-a-kind experiences, Best of the Best showcases Virtuoso’s Hotels & Resorts Program, a
hallmark of this renowned global luxury travel network. New this year: a record-setting addition of 110
properties, courtesy of unprecedented expansion.
Virtuoso’s curated collection of hotels boasts diversity in both size and feel, with properties ranging from
four to 4,004 rooms. The portfolio’s impressive breadth spans hotels, resorts, lodges, tents, camps, private
islands, villas and apartments. More than 550 of the featured hotels work exclusively with Virtuoso, choosing
not to associate with other travel organizations. Almost half of Virtuoso’s hotels are under 100 rooms, and
a similar number are independent properties not affiliated with a collection or brand.
Here are the most significant trends observed among the new additions to the industry-leading collection:
The Cool Factor: Stunning design, on-point amenities and unique character define a new breed of Virtuoso
lifestyle hotels and resorts, which deliver a cutting-edge experience unlike traditional properties.
• Trusted luxury brands grew their Virtuoso presence with Pendry San Diego, Thompson Seattle,
Andaz Scottsdale and The London EDITION.
• NUO Beijing offers a dynamic atmosphere where Ming Dynasty tradition meets hip modernity.
• Sao Paulo’s innovative Hotel Unique is where architecture, design, gastronomy and service intersect.
Adventure Abounds: With its wide appeal to all travelers, the allure of adventure remains hot, with
experiences ranging from soft adventure to nature immersion all the way to the extreme.
• Guests at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort in Sri Lanka can discover the area by bicycle, go
whale watching and explore national parks.
• Tutka Bay Lodge and Winterlake Lodge in Alaska offer activities such as deep-sea and freshwater
fishing, river rafting, bear viewing, glacier trekking, ocean kayaking and hiking.
Cities Rule: Virtuoso stayed ahead of the curve by adding an array of properties in the world’s most alluring
cities. Shopping, spa treatments, art and architecture, and culinary wonders abound at these urban retreats.
• European grande dames steeped in history are what define properties such as Hotel Kamp in
Helsinki, the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich and the Hotel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris.
• Understated elegance reigns at properties including London’s The Langham and Four Seasons New
York Downtown.
• Indulge passions such as art at The First Hotel Roma and cultural immersion at Hoshinoya Tokyo.
Exotic Glamping: Demand for luxury camping thrives as interest in authentic, off-the-beaten-path
experiences grows.
• Minor Hotel’s tented camps in Kenya and Tanzania provide valuable perks for Virtuoso clients. At
Loisaba Tented Camp, guests learn about preserving the local wilderness, then enjoy a private
sundowner with cocktails and canapes. The Manor at Ngorongoro offers a coffee tour of the estate
and private gourmet picnic with sparkling wine.
• The Ultimate Travelling Camp offers unprecedented access to India’s mountains, deserts, jungles
and festivals. These deluxe camps include spacious tents, complete with a private butler.
Family Fun: The 2018 Virtuoso Luxe Report identified family travel as a dominant niche, bolstered by the
network’s portfolio of family-friendly properties.
• Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Pennsylvania houses a Wildlife Academy with animals from all over
the globe to educate and entertain guests.
• Switzerland’s Kulm Hotel St. Moritz offers a variety of perks as part of its Very Important Kids
program, including free hot chocolate and ice cream.
• VILA VITA Parc Resort in Portugal provides an array of children’s activities including an adventure
playground, painting and baking.
Best of the Best is currently being distributed to the homes of 150,000 of Virtuoso’s best clients worldwide, as
selected by their advisor. To view the directory online, click here.
Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts is the longest running and most prestigious program of its kind, with more fivestar
properties than any other. Virtuoso provides guests with exclusive benefits valued at up to $450 per stay
such as spa treatments, golf and dining experiences. Now travelers can reserve luxury properties either
through a Virtuoso advisor or online via the network’s website at www.virtuoso.com/hotels.
The 19 best Greek hotels according to Virtuoso's catalogue are as follows:
1. Grande Bretagne
2. King George
3. The Romanos, Costa Navarino
4. Amirandes Grecotel
5. Blue Palace
6. Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites
7. Amanzoe
8. Belvedere Hotel
9. Bill and Coo Hotels Mykonos
10. Kivotos
11. Myconian Villa Collection
12. Mykonos Blu Grecotel Exclusive Resort
13. Santa Marina
14. Grace Santorini
15. Vedema
16. Canaves Oia Hotel
17. Canaves Oia Suites
18. Canaves Oia Sunday Suites
19. Mystique
About Virtuoso
Virtuoso® is the leading international travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This byinvitation-only
organization comprises over 800 travel agency partners with more than 16,000 elite travel advisors in
over 45 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the
Middle East. Drawing upon its preferred relationships with 1,700 of the world’s best hotels and resorts, cruise lines,
airlines, tour companies and premier destinations, the network provides its upscale clientele with exclusive amenities,
rare experiences and privileged access. More than (U.S.) $21.2 billion in annual travel sales makes Virtuoso a
powerhouse in the luxury travel industry. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.
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
03/10 23:22
The biggest beer festival in Greece broke the attendance record
03/10 18:59
Iro Hatzigeorgiou | Public property is becoming a catalyst for growth
03/10 17:04
Crete Bakery School (Heraklion) | New Department - Start 11/11/2025
03/10 17:02
Ryanair calls for protection of overflights when controllers strike – Fire on the Commission
03/10 16:12
Reform in tourism education | Reviving the hotel - educational institution with modern means
03/10 16:09
03/10 16:07
Air Serbia | New visual identity with Tradition at the center
03/10 15:15
New UN Tourism and FIA Awards for Sustainable Development in Sports Tourism
03/10 14:52
Ryanair | New attack on the EU for air traffic delays - Greece's position
03/10 14:18
GNTO: Promotion of "unknown" Greek destinations in the French tourism market
03/10 13:31
Sfakia | In the global spotlight of thematic tourism for the solar eclipse of 2027
03/10 11:34
British Tourism | Package Holidays: EasyJet Holidays and TUI Increase Atol Permits
03/10 10:37
03/10 07:48
03/10 07:43
Lesvos: Crossroads of volunteering and tourism through Meeting of Greek Guiding Association
03/10 07:40
Airbnb message to hosts: Take part in the EU consultation on housing
03/10 07:10
Greece's big "bet": Connecting renewable sources with maritime transport
03/10 07:07
03/10 07:02
03/10 06:59
Tourism supports Greek gastronomy products in the Belgian market
03/10 06:53
Hundreds of Short-Term Rental Properties Declared Illegal as of October 1
03/10 06:21
Bilateral tourism relations between Greece and Bosnia and Herzegovina
03/10 06:19
03/10 06:16
02/10 20:44
Kefalogiannis meets with the Ambassador of Armenia – Strengthening tourism cooperation
02/10 20:42
6th International Folklore Festival “FOLKWAY” in the Municipality of Hersonissos
02/10 18:47
Save the balance of Athens – No tourist mall around the Acropolis
02/10 16:53
FORUM OF THE POLISH CHAMBER OF TOURISM | Getting to know the culture of Thessaloniki
02/10 16:50
Hotel investments are the big winner of the Greek real estate market
02/10 16:06
Selene Vedema 2025: Santorini at the Center of the Global Wine Stage
02/10 16:03
02/10 16:01
Yougov Survey | How “spiked” prices are changing Germans’ travel habits
02/10 15:58
02/10 15:56
TASTE ZAKYNTHOS – Zakynthos highlighted its gastronomic and nutritional wealth
02/10 14:37
TUI | Autumn "crazy" of Germans for Crete - Which Greek destinations are in demand
02/10 14:21
02/10 14:18
DKG Development delivers Safe House for victims of domestic violence in Piraeus
02/10 14:16
02/10 14:09
02/10 11:26
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays: Extending the summer season in Kefalonia until the end of October 2026
02/10 11:23
02/10 10:46
02/10 10:40
Corfu Hoteliers: Request for "freeze" of new short-term rental permits on the island
02/10 10:37
STAMA – MOBIAK collaboration for fire safety in short-term rental accommodation
02/10 07:51
01/10 18:42
A.Fiorentinos | Greece more friendly to tourists with investments of €380 million in infrastructure
01/10 16:45
01/10 16:33
Hilton | Interest in new investments in Greece - Olga Kefalogianni meets with the president
01/10 15:54
01/10 15:50
2nd Day High School of Elliniko “Elli Alexiou” | Bridge of Solidarity with Sikinos on October 28th
01/10 15:48
Event | “The Future and Present of Cruising in Agios Nikolaos”
01/10 14:07
British Airways | 850,000 seats to Greece in 2025, strengthening the winter season
01/10 14:05
Stefanos Kollias: “Faros” sheds... light on the first national super-computer
01/10 14:01
01/10 13:57
Europe’s independent hotels saw rise in bookings and revenue during summer
01/10 11:15
01/10 11:12
Food recognized as cultural resource at IGCAT World Gastronomy Congress
01/10 11:09
The Region of Central Macedonia at the IFTM Top Resa exhibition in Paris
01/10 10:30
Milestone for Agios Nikolaos: Largest Cruise Ship Ever Berths Following Infrastructure Upgrades
01/10 10:28
Evaluation of Olympus as a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site
01/10 10:25
How does a government shutdown affect tourism in the United States?
01/10 07:46
M. Vlatakis: Flight Delays Hurting Last-Minute Bookings - Bill Should Be Discussed After Season
01/10 07:41
Delays, screeches and air battles between the Ministry and controllers at airports
01/10 07:36
Alimos Marina: The road to a 100 million euro redevelopment for tourism and yachting is open
01/10 07:35
Theatre Season 2025–2026: Ten Productions That Will Make Headlines
01/10 07:10
01/10 07:07
N. Charalambous on TN | Seaplanes start in 2026 - Greece can become a global center
01/10 07:02
Caretta-Caretta and sustainable tourism: Conditions for the new Camping Thelia camp
01/10 07:00
01/10 06:56
01/10 06:52
New model for buying a Corfu home – Housing and investment in fast track | Roula Rouva in TN
01/10 06:12
30/09 21:18
Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) cooperation with British Airways is strengthened
30/09 21:14
Olga Kefalogiani at the WTTC summit | Emphasis on promoting cultural tourism
30/09 20:23
Crete Hosts the CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final, November 6–9
30/09 20:20
Record-breaking growth in global air travel in August - Which regions "took off"
30/09 18:30
President of the Ioannina Chamber of Commerce at the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce
30/09 18:27
30/09 16:35
30/09 16:03
Athens hosts the “heart” of international cinema and television (October 4 - 7)
30/09 13:06
Crete’s dynamic presence at the TOP Resa 2025 International Tourism Exhibition in Paris
30/09 12:23
Emirates | Open Days to recruit new cabin crew members in Greece
30/09 12:18
Radisson Hotel Group doubles its presence in Greece with 5 new hotels
30/09 12:16
GNTO Serbia: Strong interest from Bosnia for tourism in Greece
30/09 11:59
ForwardKeys | September Vacations: Couples and Solo Travelers Dominate
30/09 11:52
Civil Aviation Authority: | Flights as normal in Greece on October 1
30/09 11:35
30/09 11:32
Honoring the memory of Spyros Kokotos at the 6th Cretan Street Cooking Festival
30/09 11:30
Chania: Record cruise ship and passenger arrivals in the first nine months of 2025
30/09 11:27
Pieria | P.O.T.A.P. Meeting with executives of the Polish tour operator “Grecos”
30/09 11:25
Greece is the fifth most expensive European destination in 2025
30/09 10:38
30/09 08:48
30/09 08:43
TikTok is dynamically entering tourism with new advertising and booking tools
30/09 07:58
Kimolos seems to be the first to “win” the bet on extending the season
30/09 07:53
30/09 07:53
Play Airlines: Sudden “stop” in all flights – the connection with Athens
30/09 07:50
Transavia & Condor | New connections to Karpathos, Mytilene, Skiathos, Kalamata and Zakynthos
30/09 07:46
30/09 07:18
“An Evening Under the Olive Tree”: The Naxos Autumn Festival Returns
The biggest beer festival in Greece broke the attendance record
Bilateral tourism relations between Greece and Bosnia and Herzegovina
British Tourism | Package Holidays: EasyJet Holidays and TUI Increase Atol Permits
Lesvos: Crossroads of volunteering and tourism through Meeting of Greek Guiding Association
Ryanair calls for protection of overflights when controllers strike – Fire on the Commission
Airbnb message to hosts: Take part in the EU consultation on housing
Sfakia | In the global spotlight of thematic tourism for the solar eclipse of 2027
Tourism supports Greek gastronomy products in the Belgian market
Hundreds of Short-Term Rental Properties Declared Illegal as of October 1
GNTO: Promotion of "unknown" Greek destinations in the French tourism market
New UN Tourism and FIA Awards for Sustainable Development in Sports Tourism
Air Serbia | New visual identity with Tradition at the center
Ryanair | New attack on the EU for air traffic delays - Greece's position
Reform in tourism education | Reviving the hotel - educational institution with modern means
Iro Hatzigeorgiou | Public property is becoming a catalyst for growth
Crete Bakery School (Heraklion) | New Department - Start 11/11/2025
Crete | Concert for Mikis Theodorakis in Chania, Water Festival in Zaros
Greece's big "bet": Connecting renewable sources with maritime transport