Greece saw the grand opening of a number of high-end 5* hotels and a dedicated Maria Callas museum this year, welcoming visitors to an unprecedented level of opulence and cultural immersion. Manessis Travel, our partner DMC in Greece, shares their top picks.
Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino Hotel 5*
In August 2023, the Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino Hotel, located within the picturesque Costa Navarino in Peloponnese, debuted to guests from across the globe. Boasting 99 beautifully designed suites and villas, with private pools and expansive terraces, this exclusive establishment invites guests to indulge in its upmarket offerings.
Overseen by Chef Bertrand Valegeas, the hotel’s five restaurants and bar concepts present a diverse range of international cuisines. The world-class spa, drawing inspiration from Far Eastern traditions and local flora, offers holistic treatments alongside a 25-meter indoor-outdoor pool overlooking the bay.
Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the 18-hole designer golf course that surrounds the resort. They also have access to three more designer golf courses across Costa Navarino, all providing panoramic views of the stunning coastline.
Maria Callas Museum in Athens
October 2023 marked the opening of the Maria Callas Museum in Athens, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the birth of the legendary Greek-American soprano. Housed in a three-story neoclassical building in the heart of Athens, the museum showcases a permanent collection of over 1000 items associated with the iconic opera singer. Visitors will gain a glimpse into her life, career and persona. Live recordings and audiovisual materials further enrich the museum’s exhibits.
The museum aims to inspire and entertain while highlighting the distinctive technical prowess that rendered Callas an unparalleled talent in the world of opera.
One & Only Aesthesis Hotel 5*
November 2023 witnessed the grand debut of the One & Only Aesthesis Hotel, a stunning coastal retreat reminiscent of the Athenian Riviera’s golden era. Spanning 21 hectares of protected forest reserve in Glyfada, this resort is only 30 minutes away from Athens.
The resort has 95 stylish bungalows, 18 residences and two iconic villas. They all boast private pools, gardens filled with Greek flora, outdoor showers, and fireplaces. There are two fine dining restaurants: Ora by Ettore Botrini and El Bar De Paco Morales. French luxury beauty house Guerlain brings its wellness philosophy to the Aesthesis with the first Guerlain Spa in Greece.
A second One & Only resort is expected to open in Greece on the island of Kea (Tzia) in 2024.
The Dolli at Acropolis Hotel 5*
Open in May 2023, The Dolli, a five-star gem situated in Athens’ historic center, has already earned accolades as one of Europe’s 50 best hotels and ranked as the second-best hotel in Greece for 2023 by Condé Nast Traveler’s readers. A perfect location to spoil your incentive winners.
Boasting 46 rooms with stunning views of the Acropolis and Plaka district, The Dolli seamlessly integrates historic charm with modern design elements. The hotel’s spaces, including the lobby, library, Secret Bar, rooftop restaurant, and the swimming pool that as CNT notes “creates the illusion that you’re floating in the Parthenon“, showcase rare artworks and collectible design pieces by Cocteau, Picasso, and Calder.
These new establishments offer unrivaled luxury and cultural experiences, setting a new standard for hospitality in the region. Manessis Travel is your hands-on local DMC to curate your luxury group and corporate getaways in Athens and throughout the Greek Islands.