The Greek glitterati: the best new resorts to open in Greece this summer

A pool villa at Ikos Dassia
A pool villa at Ikos Dassia

Admittedly the ongoing heatwave may have dampened the allure of a last-minute break to Greece somewhat, but even if the weather isn’t markedly better there at the moment a slew of impressive new hotel openings provide very good reason to visit. Below are eight of the best new resorts to open in Greece this summer.

Euphoria Retreat, the Peloponnese

Set within a private pine forest in Mystras on the Peloponnese, Euphoria Retreat blends Ancient Greek and Chinese philosophies and medicines to create a unique take on the typical health spa. Treatments draw from the five elements (water, wood, fire, earth and metal); advanced spa facilities include an infrared sauna and a speleotherapy-salt room; and personalised Greek- and Mediterranean-style meals are served at Gaia restaurant.

Rates at Euphoria Retreat start at £313.36 per night, based on a two-night stay and including one treatment per day. Promotional rates are available for forthcoming stays booked before July 31. confirmed 

Accommodation at Euphoria Retreat
Accommodation at Euphoria Retreat

Andronis Concept Wellness Resort, Santorini

The wellbeing premise is more straightforward at Andronis Concept Wellness Resort in Imerovigli. Each of the property’s 27 suites features its own pool and the spa - the largest in Santorini - specialises in indulgent Greek treatments. Cookery classes are on offer for guests who would like to replicate some of their most enjoyable meals at home, and ample attention is given to the needs and wants of children too. Among the kids’ activities on offer are yoga classes and age-appropriate cooking lessons.

Rates at Andronis Concept Wellness Resort start at £830.

Andronis Concept Wellness Resort Santorini
Fine dining and sunset views, at Andronis Concept Wellness Resort

Canaves Oia Epitome, Santorini

Like Andronis, Canaves Oia Epitome’s 24 villas all feature private pools and spectacular sea views. Families are likely to favour the two-bedroom villas, with their own infinity pool and private cabanas, while honeymoon suites cater to couples and butler service is available to all.

Honeymoon Suites at Canaves Oia Epitome start from £442 per night; one-bedroom villas start at £530.

A private pool at Canaves Oia Epitome
A private pool at Canaves Oia Epitome

Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Crete

Among the 152 suites at Abaton Island Resort & Spa, scores feature heated marble seawater pools. Five restaurants provide dining variety for days, there’s an Elemis spa and the team can arrange yacht hire should guests wish to while away a day on the water.

Rooms at Abaton Island Resort & Spa start at £205.

Abaton Island Resort in Crete
Abaton Island Resort & Spa in Crete

Katikies, Mykonos

Offering just 35 rooms, new arrival Katikies Mykonos aims to entice holidaymakers back to that holiday isle with minimalist styling and a prime seafront location on the exclusive Agios Ioannis peninsula. The new arrival is a sister property to Katikies Santorini, so guests should expect the same polished service and stylish, calming whitewashed aesthetic.

Rooms at Katikies Mykonos start at €345 (£305).

Mikrasia Restaurant at Katikies Mykonos
Mikrasia Restaurant at Katikies Mykonos

Ikos Dassia, Corfu

All-inclusive resorts can be problematic, but following its opening in May the feedback from Ikos Dassia has been good. The generous all-in offering includes premium-brand champagnes, wines and spirits; 24-hour room service; access to two spas; a sunset cruise; access to three of the island’s museums; and the use of a Mini for a day. Although somewhat bland in style, rooms are very comfortable and feature either a balcony or terrace. Some have private pools. For more on what to expect, read Fiona Duncan’s Ikos Dassia hotel review.

All-inclusive room rates at Ikos Dassia start at £192.

Domes Miramare, Corfu

The first Luxury Collection resort to open on Corfu, Domes Miramare launches in August as an adults-only retreat on the island’s eastern coast. A sibling property to Domes of Elouda and Domes Noruz in Crete, the property will be showcasing the results of an extensive renovation - the property was originally built for the Onassis family in the 1960s and is known throughout Greece. The revitalised address will feature a private beach, rooftop bar and impressive art collection.

Rooms at Domes Miramare start at €229 (£200) per night, excluding breakfast.

Domes Miramare
Domes Miramare

Gennadi Grand Resort, Rhodes

Gennadi’s proprietors claim Rhodes enjoys the longest summer of any of the Greek islands, which means more time for the resort’s guests to enjoy sailing trips to private islands, guided hikes, beachside yoga and tennis. Dining is resolutely Greek, the spa offering is comprehensive and there’s a commendable focus on sustainability - a reverse osmosis plant provides clean water, air-conditioning and heating systems have been chosen for their eco credentials, and significant attention has been paid to back-of-house considerations such as recycling.

Rooms at Gennadi Grand Resort start at €250 (£225) per night.