10 Hot New Hotels Opening In Greece

Exciting new hotels are making their debut across Greece ahead of the country’s reopening to tourism in May. 

Earlier this month, the Greek tourism minister Harry Theoharis announced Greece’s plans to reopen to tourism on May 14 for all people who have had the full COVID-19 vaccination or have a negative test to enter. This news has ignited excitement as it presents potential for summer travel across Greece.

Tying in with the reopening of Greece’s borders is an influx of, some highly anticipated and others more under-the-radar, luxury hotel openings.

OMMA Santorini

The new OMMA Santorini, which is set make its official debut in May following a soft opening in 2019, is a part of the brand-new boutique hotel company, Epoque Collection, bringing together properties across Greece. This idyllic Santorini hotel offers 360-degree views of both the Caldera and Aegean Sea from its position on a secluded hilltop in Imerovigli. Altogether, this boutique hideaway has just 25 rooms and suites, along with five pool villas, in 1.23 acres of land. This accommodation is set around a double-level infinity pool, the tranquil OMMA Spa and sea-view OMMA Restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine.

Kefalari Suites, Athens

Taking over a 19^th-century Athenian mansion, Kefalari Suites, which opens this May, is the second hotel in Epoque Collection’s portfolio. This hotel is located in the leafy area of Kifissia, which is around 40 minutes from the center of Athens. The property houses just 13 luxurious rooms and suites, along with two restaurants. This hotel is set to offer private club services for business and leisure travelers as well as people from the local area.

Kalesma Mykonos

Opening on May 20, Kalesma will host guests in panoramic suites set on a hilltop above Ornos Bay, just two miles from Mykonos town, amid five acres of lush landscape. The two Greek design firms, Studio Bonarchi and K-Studio, collaborated on this modern Cycladic project where 25 indoor-outdoor suites and two villas pair custom furnishings and artwork referencing the mythical history of the area with uninterrupted sea views. Overall, the property, which is on land the family of one of the owners has owned for over 100 years, aims to share a modern expression of Mykonian traditions. 

MarBella Elix, Parga

The newest addition to The MarBella Collection of five-star hotels in Greece, the April opening MarBella Elix will provide a place to stay in the Parga region of the Greek mainland. Positioned on the top of a pine-forested hill, commanding views over the islands of Paxos, Antipaxos and Corfu, this property is designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind. The hotel sits above the beach of Karavostasi. Set amid lush greenery and surrounded by olive groves, this is the ideal setting off point for cycling and hiking along trails as well as making the most of the on-site restaurants, bars, sea-view pools and Elixir Spa.

The Royal Senses Resort & Spa Crete

The first Hilton hotel in Crete, this new addition to the Curio Collection will open in April with the promise of celebrating timeless Cretan hospitality in a contemporary way. Located on the northern coast of Crete, The Royal Senses Resort & Spa Crete accommodates guests in stylish rooms, suites and villas distinguished by their use of natural materials and uninterrupted views. Guest facilities here will include a collection of indoor-outdoor restaurants and bars, as well as a spa.

Numo Ierapetra, Crete

Making its debut in May, this new hotel will shine a light on the area of Ierapetra in southern Crete. Numo Ierapetra sits on the beachfront amid evergreen gardens home to design-led rooms and suites with an earthy palette and outdoor living areas, along with swimming pools, cocktails bars and restaurants paying home to the hotel’s Cretan roots. The hotel’s wellness offering and gastronomy will be complemented by experiences that immerse you in the culture and environment of the area.

The Modernist Athens

Having opened in September, The Modernist Athens is among the country’s newest properties waiting to be discovered as tourism reopens.  Combining proximity to the city center with the feeling of seclusion, this hotel, which is housed in the former Canadian Embassy, provides a convenient base on the southern slopes of Lycabettas Hill. This property has been transformed into a luxury retreat pairing contemporary style with minimalist Danish design and mid-century detail. Public spaces here include a café, gym and roof garden.

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa, Crete

After making its debut last summer, Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa is set to open this April for its first full season. This new design hotel is tucked into the village of Plaka, near Elounda Bay and with uninterrupted views of Spingalonga islet, on the northwest coast of Crete. Here, suites and villas come with their own terraces and private pools, with the resort’s terraced architecture blending into the mountainous landscape. Guests can dine at the hotel’s four gastronomic restaurants, unwind at Armonia Spa and explore the surroundings on kayaking, hiking and cycling excursions.

Santorini Sky

The new boutique luxury resort, Santorini Sky, is making its official debut this May following a soft opening last summer. This exclusive hotel sits at the highest point on Santorini, 2,000ft above sea level, with views over the Aegean Sea from each of its eight villas featuring indoor-outdoor showers, private terraces and plunge pools — the impressive master villa comes with the highest infinity pool on the entire island. The renowned architect Vassilis Zorzos designed Santorini Sky using local materials where possible and the hotel is dedicated to minimising environmental impact. The property works closely with the community to provide guests with the most authentic experiences possible.

Aristide Hotel, Syros

Another hotel to have first opened its doors last year, Aristide takes over a restored mansion in the Vaporia neighborhood of Hermoupolis on Syros island. Combining original architectural features with contemporary design, the mansion now houses nine suites, along with an art gallery, artists’ residence and workshop, as well as two bars — the garden bar and rooftop bar with sea views. Breakfast and brunch focus on seasonal local ingredients used in Cycladic recipes and cocktails are served on the rooftop each evening.