These are the six most beautiful hotels in Greece

And the reasons to book them.

How do you know that a luxury hotel is not only good, but great? Anonymous review websites swamp you with metrics, stars, ratings, and comments. They boast that a hotel is 5*, but the reviews – all too often – are unreliable, or anxiously contradictory. But we don’t use ratings – and we don’t rely on anybody else except ourselves when it comes to testing their quality. After all, it’s up to our Travel Experts – people like Alys, Amy and Tom – to sample the hotels we want to sell. To sleep in their beds, try the spas, and taste the dishes (a quite thankless job, as you can imagine). When they’re done, and satisfied, we can confidently say that a hotel meets our exacting standards. And these are? That the hotel is – quite simply – one of the best in the world.

That’s why you can rely on this list. Six hotels, from Santorini to Spetses. And once you’ve picked your favorites, we’ll create the perfect Greece itinerary to go hand in hand. We’ll bag you exclusive access to temple ruins, fly you over the maze of islands at sunset and take you to the perfect swimming spot away from the busy crowds. Start scrolling to take your pick of bucket list hotels, or head to our Greece page to find out everything you want to know about our trips to this gorgeous country.

1. Feel like Greek royalty at Amanzoe on Peloponnese Peninsula

Sitting high on the east coast of Peloponnese Peninsula, with sweeping views over the Aegean Sea, Amanzoe is one angelic, secluded paradise we’re just itching to show you. Surrounded by knotty olive groves and stone-walled courtyards, choose an elegant pavillion or villa – each kitted out with a private pool – before making a swift move down to the Beach Club for some watersports and sunset cocktails. From Amanzoe in Porto Heli, we’ll whisk you off to explore Peloponnese with an expert guide. A place that was home to some of the most powerful rulers in ancient Greece, you’ll piece together the mythical history of UNESCO-inscribed sites Mycenae and Tiryns, sussing out the corbelled tholos tombs and Lions Gate.

Stay here: During our eight-night Greek escape in June. Find out what makes the month special here.

2. Stay on Spetses Island at the Royal favorite: Poseidonion Grand Hotel

Horse-drawn carriages are the transport of choice on Spetses Island. In fact, they’re the only form of transport. An affluent island a few miles from mainland Peloponnese; Spetses feels like a world away with its mystical pine forests, charming walkways and hidden coves. Boasting a prime position on the sea-front, the Poseidonion Grand Hotel in Spetses is the definition of quintessential Greek character and welcomes you in like old friends. Chill by the glass-tiled plunge pool, take your pick of the inviting cocktail menu and breathe in the lavender-infused gardens.

Stay here: And explore one of our favorite Greek islands nearby, the hidden gem of Hydra.

3. Glitz and glam at Andronis Luxury Suites in Santorini

Santorini. The most glamorous of all the Greek islands. Imagine panoramic sunsets, beguiling blue domes and white-washed buildings. And at Andronis Luxury Suites the glamor has only just begun. One of Santorini’s best hotels boasting equally fantastic island-views, fill your time at the stress-banishing spa, in the deep cave pools and dining out on fresh scallops, Jerusalem artichokes and honey parfait. Once settled, we’ll arrange a private yacht to pick you up for a cruise around the Cyclades Islands in Greece, our favorite way of seeing Greece up close and personal. Just ask your skipper when, and he’ll stop at every volcanic beach, snorkelling spot and hidden cove you wish.

Stay here: And uncover the best known Minoan site outside Crete nearby in the 5,000-year-old-town of Akrotiri.

Santorini and Spetses taking your fancy?

We thought so. But this is only the beginning of what we can do to make your Greece vacation special. Keep scrolling for more hotels or head to our Greece page to see what else tempts you.

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4. Gain private access to one of the best beaches in Mykonos at Myconian Utopia Hotel

Sitting atop the glamorous Elia Beach–don’t worry we’ve already carved out a private section for you–and a stone’s throw from the trendy bars and cobbled streets of Mykonos, Myconian Utopia couldn’t be better placed. Head out with our guide in search of the 16th-century windmills that grace the skyline and boutique art galleries that line the streets of ‘Little Venice’ before an evening tour of the buzzing Mykonos nightlife. Back at Myconian Utopia the next morning, work off the hangover with some time in the rejuvenating Thalasso Spa Center.

Stay here: Before escaping to Istanbul and Cappadocia in Turkey on our 13-night culture and coast itinerary.

5. Glide through the Ionian waves onboard the luxurious Alexa J yacht

Aboard the luxurious Alexa J yacht, it’s just the two of you and the sparkling Ionian sea. Tell us where you want to go and your wish is our command. Ancient ruins in Nicopolis? Tick. Keri Caves? Tick. Idyllic fishing villages? Tick. Kitted out with diving equipment for underwater treasure hunts and a yoga instructor for top deck meditation; Alexa J has something for everyone. During this Greek voyage, your private chef will take you on a culinary journey of his own with lavish breakfasts filled with freshly baked bread and seafood barbeques under the stars on a deserted beach.

Stay here: And ride the waves before flopping on Folegandros for some R&R.

6. Look out over the ancient Acropolis of Athens from The New Hotel

As atmospheric and fashionable as you’d hope from a luxury hotel in Athens, The New Hotel in Greece’s capital city is the perfect pad. Designed by brothers Humberto and Fernando Campana, each room at The New Hotel boasts cutting-edge furnishings and wonderfully opulent designs, from grand light shades to double glazed French doors. As the sunsets over the roof terrace, gaze out at the mighty Acropolis of Athens and get familiar with its 5th century BC structure, as tomorrow you’ll be teaming up with an expert guide for a hike up to it ahead of a private tour. The best way to get an insight into one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world; we hope you’ve got your questions ready.

Stay here: And take a foodie tour through Athens, discovering the Mediterranean delights with a local chef.