Athens, Spetses & Porto Heli: A Luxury Escape to the Aegean

Greece is one of those locations we never tire of and nor will you. It’s the perfect combination of old meets new, beach meets city. We’ve found the best locations for you to satiate your lust for culture and longing for endless beaches by leaving behind the stresses of home in this eight-night unforgettable escape. Stopping off in three dazzling locations, you’ll return home feeling completely refreshed and full to the brim with unforgettable memories.

Sunset at the Temple of Poseidon and Sunrise from the Acropolis

Touching down in Athens you’ll spend three nights exploring this ancient city, the home of democracy. By day, immerse yourself in ancient ruins and by night, rest your head at the luxurious Four Seasons Astir Palace. Tucked away on a pine-fringed peninsula just half an hour outside the city center, it strikes the perfect balance of explore and restore. In the shadow of the Acropolis, you’ll join an expert guide early the next morning on a guided hike up to the top. Refuel that afternoon with a food tour full of Greek culinary delights before unwinding back at the hotel. Then on your final night in the city, in a perfect bookend to your time in Athens, we’ll arrange for you to head to the Temple of Poseidon just in time to catch the sunset.

Culinary Delights and Untouched Islands

Tomorrow, we’ll transport you the 54 nautical miles by private water taxi to the glamorous island of Spetses. A lesser-visited gem, you’ll be resting your head at The Poseidonion Grand Hotel for the next two nights. Established 100 years ago, this elegantly decorated hotel has long been a destination for high society, royalty and the wealthy alike. Rest up in the spa, then head out to Spetses’ Old Harbor. The area is a rabbit warren of mansions, built in the island’s heyday, the grandest of which is now the state museum and covers 5000 years of the island’s history. There are no cars on this heavenly island, and so the best way to reach the Old Harbor is by horse buggy.

Tomorrow, you’ll head out to discover by private boat one of our favorite Greek islands, Hydra. A hotbed for the arts, it’s the island that everyone has heard of – but no one has been to. Spend some time wandering the quaint cobbled streets, strolling the harbor and enjoying a glass of ouzo with the locals before returning back to Spetses. Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, why not take to the mountains for a day hiking or biking or head out to see with a private boat charter for the day. If you’re here in June, we definitely recommend catching the Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta for a day as the well-heeled Greeks do.

From civilization to sanctuary

For the final stretch of your vacation, you’ll hole up in one of Greece’s most luxurious corners with three nights at Amanzoe. Set on the east coast of the Peloponnese, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of sea and olive groves, giving way to a private beach below. Whilst here, we recommend paying a visit to the spa with the treatments here taking advantage of the natural powers of the local olive groves. With an onsite art gallery, horse riding facilities, helicopter trips, yoga classes, water skiing and wine tasting all offered by the resort, there’s no need to leave. But we’d recommend completing your trip with a final dose of the local history at the ancient sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, just a short drive away.