The best boutique hotels in Greece promise a picture-perfect holiday to remember
For your big fat Greek escape.
From Mexico to Croatia, the United Kingdom to Thailand, we’re sharing our favourite tried and tested accommodations across the globe. A topographically diverse and culturally rich destination, Greece continues to charm visitors with its welcoming nature, fresh local delicacies, awe-inspiring beauty, and that hotly-desirable Mediterranean essence. Contemporary in design with a heart that’s still traditional, the best boutique hotels in Greece are gorgeous abodes promising an unforgettable vacation.
The best boutique hotels in Greece
1. The Modernist | Athens
Once a building housing the Canadian Embassy, The Modernist is a conveniently located hotel in Kolonaki with an exceedingly European touch. From an exterior with abundant balconies and Danish design inventiveness to rooms catering to solo travellers, couples, and families, The Modernist doesn’t just try but actually does please everyone.
The interiors of the rooms are a play on industrial-meets-minimalist with a darker colour palette giving the spaces a sleek look. Each guestroom features comforts such as walk-in showers, Bluetooth speakers, mood lighting, and organic toiletries. And if you’re wanting to upgrade, splurge a little on one of the larger rooms that has a terrace, jacuzzi, vinyl collection, drinks trolley, and panoramic city views.
Read our full review of The Modernist Athens.
Find out more about The Modernist
2. The Olivar Suites | Corfu
An 18th-century oil mill renovated into one of the best boutique hotels in Greece, The Oliver Suites is an idyllic hideaway featuring 120 dwellings, most with access to a private pool. The design throughout the hotel takes inspiration from contemporary architectural styles. However, there’s an earthiness infused into the setting by using colours that are more grounded and less flashy in composition.
The suites at the hotel present guests with lavishness through his-and-her sinks, showers, TVs, writing desks, terraces, private pools, and plenty of space to move around. At the same time, those wanting a bit of excitement will find the common areas, such as the main pool, to have a vibrant atmosphere, especially in the evenings.
The Oliver Suites understand that time is but a notion when on holiday, which is why both their bar and restaurant stay open all day. Flya, in particular, amazes with its seasonal menu and use of local produce, a chance for you to savour the very best in Cretan cuisine.
Learn more about The Olivar Suites
3. NUMO lerapetra | Crete
Mediterranean meets Maldivian resort aesthetics at NUMO lerapetra, a new adult-only beachfront establishment encouraging guests to enjoy an island barefoot lifestyle while on the property. Moreover, a feeling of warmth engulfs the entirety of the hotel as seductive shades of green, grey, and browns form the perfect backdrop to days spent lounging around in the company of a loved one.
Rooms at NUMO lerapetra take on their own persona, each welcoming you into a space that transcends into a dreamy interlude. Cosy and spacious at the same time, design plays an integral part yet doesn’t overpower the calmness of the colour schemes or the exquisiteness of the furnishings that dot the abodes. With hardly any distractions, you still get to stay in the lap of luxury with free WiFi, a walk-in shower, and an espresso machine.
As far as experiences go, the relatively unexplored region of southern Crete is at your doorstep. On-site, though, don’t forget to savour delicious preparations made using local ingredients at the hotel’s two main restaurants, Tamarisk and Menoa. Plus the onsite chapel is a must-visit and the spa will have you relaxed in no time.
Read our full review on NUMO Ierapetra.
Find out more about NUMO lerapetra
4. Grand Forest Metsovo | Metsovo
Often overlooked by international travellers, Mainland Greece isn’t without its hidden gems. Grand Fort Metsovo, next to Pindus National Park, is one such establishment that allows you to experience and appreciate a different side of the country.
Whether it’s wildlife you want to see, hike, or wander around a scenic mountain village, Grand Fort places you front and centre of outdoor activities that reinvigorate the mind amidst beautiful settings. In the evening, the hotel spoils with its culinary prowess, best enjoyed at Metsovo 1350m, Grand Fort’s signature restaurant serving Greek specialities made with the freshest ingredients.
Located on a private mountain, all the guestrooms of Grand Fort are spacious with living space, en-suites, and look out over the garden or mountains. In-room amenities include marble bathtubs, a stocked mini-bar, HD TVs, and patios where you can sit and take in the serenity of the surroundings.
Learn more about Grand Forest Metsovo
5. Kenshō Ornos | Mykonos
Overseeing Ornos Beach, Kenshō bathes in the free-spiritedness of Mykonos, giving its guests an unmatched insight into the island’s infectiously seductive culture and lifestyle. Designed by CMH, the property features stone and wood throughout and is home to a selection of furniture from Rive 1920, Kenneth Cobonpue, and Patricia Urquiola.
The hotel coddles you with state-of-the-art tech that ranges from in-room iPads featuring music and custom apps to lighted makeup mirrors, ergonomic workstations, and 40” TVs with over 100 channels. The design, though, remains honest yet modern, with graceful shades of browns and whites along with stone walls keeping the interiors humble. At the same time, walk-in showers and hanging chairs add a hint of fun and frolic to your private space.
Moreover, one can enjoy a similar scene at the hotel’s restaurant and bar. Both use natural design fundamentals for decor while impressing guests with carefully selected Mediterranean menus that never fail to excite the taste buds.
Find out more about Kenshō Ornos Mykonos
6. Casa Cook Rhodes | Rhodes
Casa Cook exudes a young Californian-bohemian aura permeated with a community-centric culture that puts it among the best designer boutique hotels in Greece. Encouraging guests to mingle, the hotel provides ample opportunities through its “hangout” offerings. Among these, the Kitchen Club is a place to satiate your cravings, be it seafood, burgers, or vegan, and savour a jovial atmosphere accentuated by DJ events come evening. Alternatively, one can enjoy a communal setup from their pool-bordering private patios that feature day beds and hammocks.
A collaboration between creative heads Lambs and Lions, architect Vana Pernari, and interiors by Annabell Kutucu, the hotel includes familiar elements from the island and its mountainside setting into texturally diverse spaces that bask in sunlight from morning till evening. Stone walls, unpolished wooden furniture, tiling, and bare wall finishes run throughout the property, be it the common spaces or the rooms.
The latter, in particular, are roomy and consist of low-rise double beds, air conditioning, satellite TV, en-suites, direct access to the pool, and branded bath amenities. Couples wanting more privacy can opt for the Prestige Suite, which gives you access to a private pool with a Jacuzzi and a larger veranda.
Find out more about Casa Cook Rhodes
7. Istoria Hotel | Santorini
Istoria Hotel is the embodiment of all the images that wide-eyed travellers often conjure up whenever someone says Santorini. One of the best boutique hotels in Greece, conceptualised by Interior Design Laboratorium, Istoria, meaning “story,” celebrates the elemental beauty of the island. The property’s architecture and earthy colour tones merge with the rustic surroundings, creating a harmonious bond and welcoming guests to relish an immersive sojourn.
The 12 suites at Istoria have an amiable simplicity to them. Comfortable and minimalist, they take on a subdued persona with muted interiors that help highlight the blues of the outside. Nevertheless, you’re spoiled with all modern conveniences ranging from free WiFi, air conditioning, and TVs to en-suites, terraces with hot tubs or plunge pools, and courtyard or sea views.
Gourmands staying at Istoria have something special that awaits. The hotel’s Mr E Restaurant is a pastoral eatery where you sit under a canvas ceiling with feet in black sand. The menu, a curated composition of age-old Santorinian recipes, is delectably fresh and guaranteed to tantalise your palate with exotic Mediterranean flavours.
Find out more about Istoria Hotel
8. Aristide Hotel | Syros
Less than 10 minutes from the town centre and beach, Aristide gives its guests peace amongst the crowds of Syros during the tourist-heavy summer months. With only nine suites, intimacy is omnipresent, as is the feeling of grandeur submerged in Art Deco and Neoclassical architectural facets that give the place its alluring disposition.
The highlight of a stay at the Aristide is immersing yourself in its design. With bold colour schemes, eye-catching chandeliers, a bar with sea views on the rooftop, and another one in the courtyard, there’s plenty on-site for the eyes to feast on. Add to that the in-house art gallery featuring works by the likes of Riccardo Vecchio and Christy Lee Rogers, and suddenly you’re transported to an alternate destination where imagination and obscurity become an integral part of your inhabitance.
The rooms follow suit, imbuing a hint of quirkiness along with indulgence. Think of a large cactus plant beside the bed, marbled en-suites with stand-alone bathtubs, and walk-in showers, a private plunge pool, designer chairs and lighting, wooden flooring, air conditioning, and innovative technology.
Learn more about Aristide Hotel
9. Yayaki Spetses | Spetses
Yayaki Spetses is an expression of passion and love, emotions ingrained into every nook and corner of this attractive property by its owners, Hannah and Karl. As a result, this gorgeous 15-bedroom escape on the island of Spetses is a novelty wherein guests enjoy boutique sophistication but also the personalised homely service of a family-run guesthouse. On-site features like the outdoor pool, studio space, plant-based breakfast, island activities, and concierge service add to its extravagance factor.
The rooms at Yayaki Spetses are private cocoons, unique and individual in their appeal. A sense of Mediterranean meets bohemia runs through the interiors, where splashes of bright shades stunningly offset muted colour tones.
While all the rooms are splendid, we recommend opting for the Panorama Suite. Not only is it the only abode with sea views, but the room also comes with a hammock in a Greek-style balcony, outdoor and indoor showers, hand-picked art, a Nespresso machine, and the possibility to order in-room breakfast if you’re feeling too lazy to get out of bed.
Learn more about Yayaki Spetses
10. ON Residence | Thessaloniki
For design enthusiasts, ON Residence is a treasure trove packed with vintage and modern features, some dating back almost a century. Situated inside a seafront mansion built by Jacques Mosse in 1926, the hotel’s present-day architectural avatar combines Belle Epoque, Art Deco, and the Neoclassical elegance of the past with creature comforts so dearly required by travellers of today.
Renovated to accommodate 60 rooms that exude mid-century interior aesthetics, guests can expect to bask in the luxury of black-out curtains, air conditioning, Nespresso machines, walk-in showers, 50” TVs, and Marshall radios during their stay.
However, On Residence doesn’t get to be one of the best boutique hotels in Greece simply based on its immaculate service record and bespoke ambience. The presence of the famous Olympos Naoussa Restaurant, revived after being closed for three decades, has an equal hand in the hotel’s popularity. Under the helm of Chef Dimitris Tasioulas, the restaurant promises an unmissable epicurean affair highlighting the ingredients and traditional recipes of Thessaloniki. Book a table here as soon as you check in to avoid disappointment.
Read more about the opening of ON Residence.
Learn more about ON Residence
11. Olea All Suite Hotel | Zakynthos
Natural materials, shadows playing hide and seek with the furniture, curves and straight lines merging in perfect unison, and views that make you stop and wonder, Olea All Suite Hotel in Zakynthos boasts a vibe that borders contemporary minimalism soaked in unmatched understated luxury.
A design project by architect firm Block722, the idyllic, award-winning, hilltop romantic getaway offers 93 suites featuring floor plans that seamlessly flow between the outside and the inside. Room amenities at Olea, such as private and swim-up pools, sea views, equipped terraces, and en-suites, are no less than bejewelled embellishments that help create a romantic atmosphere steeped in sun-kissed design and ambience.
Olea further wows with its four specialised gastronomic settings. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Omikron, keeping lunch light and sweet at Cocoon, which serves ice cream, cocktails, juices, and light snacks. Evenings are ideal for wining and dining at Flow or indulgence in Peruvian culinary classics at Pacifico by Nikkei. For guests wishing for a more hands-on relaxing experience, Olea’s Royal Spa is the destination to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.
Learn more about Olea All Suite Hotel
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