Greece Private Tour & Lux Cyclades Sailing

Although we are not big fans of 200+ room hotels, we certainly make an exception for the 5 Star 320-room Hotel Grande Bretagne. With no real peer in Athens, this completely restored luxury property is ideally located in Constitution Square, only a 20-minute walk to the Acropolis. Some of our favorite features here are the rooftop restaurant (striking views of the Acropolis + the best breakfast in Athens!), the full-service spa, heated indoor/outdoor pools (a must for family travel!) and the hotel’s personal, high-touch attention to detail. Many of the suites have private balconies, with all the rooms including original local artwork and antiques. The GB is truly the crown jewel of luxury hotels in Athens.

Although we are not big fans of 200+ room hotels, we certainly make an exception for the 5 Star 320-room Hotel Grande Bretagne. With no real peer in Athens, this completely restored luxury property is ideally located in Constitution Square, only a 20-minute walk to the Acropolis. Some of our favorite features here are the rooftop restaurant (striking views of the Acropolis + the best breakfast in Athens!), the full-service spa, heated indoor/outdoor pools (a must for family travel!) and the hotel’s personal, high-touch attention to detail. Many of the suites have private balconies, with all the rooms including original local artwork and antiques. The GB is truly the crown jewel of luxury hotels in Athens.

Set on an olive-tree covered hilltop complex of 38 pavilions, Amanzoe is Aman’s only Greece property and we feel worth the trek from Athens. Then minutes from the quaint yachting village of Porto Heli, the three families we sent here in 204 were enthusiastic in their praise of this high-touch idyllic place. Similar to other Aman resorts, the service here is singular and personal, with striking clean architecture, as the Amanzoe is designed to complement the Peloponnese local culture and setting. Each suite contains soaring windows, bedrooms that open onto patios and plunge pools and ultra-modern bathrooms (think huge showers!) Another added treat at the Amanzoe is its private, full-service Beach Club (10 min away by shuttle), including a restaurant/bar and two impressive freshwater pools overlooking the Mediterranean. Great food, spa, and a fitness center.

Set on an olive-tree covered hilltop complex of 38 pavilions, Amanzoe is AMAN’s only Greece property and we feel worth the trek from Athens. Then minutes from the quaint yachting village of Porto Heli, the three families we sent here in 204 were enthusiastic in their praise of this high-touch idyllic place. Similar to other Aman resorts, the service here is singular and personal, with striking clean architecture, as the Amanzoe is designed to complement the Peloponnese local culture and setting. Each suite contains soaring windows, bedrooms that open onto patios and plunge pools and ultra-modern bathrooms (think huge showers!) Another added treat at the Amanzoe is its private, full-service Beach Club (10 min away by shuttle), including a restaurant/bar and two impressive freshwater pools overlooking the Mediterranean. Great food, spa, and a fitness center.

The 5-Star 35 suite/villa Mystique is perhaps our favorite luxury property in Santorini, our favorite island of the Cyclades. Luckily, based on your late-May stay here, you should miss the huge influx of tourists visiting the island Jun-Aug. The Mystique’s vertically-accented design ensures amazing views of the blue waters of the Aegean Sea from all suites’ private balconies (great views even from the bathrooms!). The hotel’s white-washed walls and floors blend nicely with the color/tones of the many picturesque villages of Santorini. Ringed by 1,000 ft. cliffs, it is certainly not hyperbole to say that the unobstructed views from all public areas of the Mystique are jaw-dropping (!) Due to the vertical design alongside the cliffs, the hotel’s cobblestone walkways, include many challenging stairs; attention to your feet and careful walking is respectfully recommended. Other big pluses here: great dining (though expensive), nice Asian spa, curvaceous infinity edged pool, and a 150-year-old wine cave. You should enjoy the quaint village of Oia, which is a short walk from the hotel, as well as the nearby Baxedes Beach (note: no sandy white beaches here, only volcanic black/red sand).

The 5-Star 35 suite/villa Mystique is perhaps our favorite luxury property in Santorini, our favorite island of the Cyclades. Luckily, based on your late-May stay here, you should miss the huge influx of tourists visiting the island Jun-Aug. The Mystique’s vertically-accented design ensures amazing views of the blue waters of the Aegean Sea from all suites’ private balconies (great views even from the bathrooms!). The hotel’s white-washed walls and floors blend nicely with the color/tones of the many picturesque villages of Santorini. Ringed by 1,000 ft. cliffs, it is certainly not hyperbole to say that the unobstructed views from all public areas of the Mystique are jaw-dropping (!) Due to the vertical design alongside the cliffs, the hotel’s cobblestone walkways, include many challenging stairs; attention to your feet and careful walking is respectfully recommended. Other big pluses here: great dining (though expensive), nice Asian spa, curvaceous infinity edged pool, and a 150-year-old wine cave. You should enjoy the quaint village of Oia, which is a short walk from the hotel, as well as the nearby Baxedes Beach (note: no sandy white beaches here, only volcanic black/red sand).

The 21-room 5-Star Grace Santorini offers a more modern/minimalistic contemporary aesthetic. Based on the past few years clients’ feedback, we feel the luxury Mystique and Grace Hotels to be the highest quality properties in Santorini. Rest assured the 2-bedroom villa here is truly spectacular; total 400 sq. m. (4,305 sq. ft.!) with its own private spa treatment room with steam bath and Jacuzzi. The villa’s double-level seating area and sundecks overlook your heated pool and outdoor fireplace. The hotel’s amenities include a striking infinity pool, a small gym and spa, and a noteworthy Greek restaurant (seafood specialty). The 2-bedroom villa even has an open-planned kitchen (fully equipped and pre-stocked), with a private chef available upon request.

The 21-room 5-Star Grace Santorini offers a more modern/minimalistic contemporary aesthetic. Based on the past few years clients’ feedback, we feel the luxury Mystique and Grace Hotels to be the highest quality properties in Santorini. Rest assured the 2-bedroom villa here is truly spectacular; total 400 sq. m. (4,305 sq. ft.!) with its own private spa treatment room with steam bath and Jacuzzi. The villa’s double-level seating area and sundecks overlook your heated pool and outdoor fireplace. The hotel’s amenities include a striking infinity pool, a small gym and spa, and a noteworthy Greek restaurant (seafood specialty). The 2-bedroom villa even has an open-planned kitchen (fully equipped and pre-stocked), with a private chef available upon request.

Along the Aegean Sea sits the luxurious Katikies Santorini. The pristine white interior and the crystal clear blue waters of the Aegean make up the tranquil hues that surround you at this hotel. Katikies is carved into the Oia cliffs, formed from volcanic rock at the fringe of Oia’s great caldera. The Greek origin of the word katikies, meaning “homes,” was kept in mind, coupling immaculate and simplistic design with contemporary amenities.

Katikies is comprised of white, cottage-like suites and plenty of amenities such as three infinity pools, an onsite restaurant and champagne bar, a spa/wellness center, and two lounges overlooking the Oia cliffs.

Along the Aegean Sea sits the luxurious Katikies Santorini. The pristine white interior and the crystal clear blue waters of the Aegean make up the tranquil hues that surround you at this hotel. Katikies is carved into the Oia cliffs, formed from volcanic rock at the fringe of Oia’s great caldera. The Greek origin of the word katikies, meaning “homes,” was kept in mind, coupling immaculate and simplistic design with contemporary amenities.

Katikies is comprised of white, cottage-like suites and plenty of amenities such as three infinity pools, an onsite restaurant and champagne bar, a spa/wellness center, and two lounges overlooking the Oia cliffs.

Built at Belleville-sur-Vie and launched at Les Sables-d’Olonne in France, the Lagoon catamarans are developed with skilled craftsmanship and a nautical attention to detail.

As one of the 6,000 catamarans produced by this prestigious boat manufacturer, the impressive, 45-foot Madicon Lagooon 450 catamaran is a the ultimate way to sail throughout the Cyclades. The catamaran design offers a steady voyage through waters with two hulls that help stabilize the vessel even on the rockiest of waves.

The Lagoon 450 is just one of the many vessels designed and made by Lagoon-Bénéteau, based in Bordeaux. The Madicon can comfortably accommodate up to six guests in three spacious guest cabins designed with modern furnishings, including private ensuite bathrooms with walk-in showers, a full kitchen, and lounge area.

Built at Belleville-sur-Vie and launched at Les Sables-d’Olonne in France, the Lagoon catamarans are developed with skilled craftsmanship and nautical attention to detail.

As one of the 6,000 catamarans produced by this prestigious boat manufacturer, the impressive, 45-foot Madicon Lagooon 450 catamaran is a the ultimate way to sail throughout the Cyclades. The catamaran design offers a steady voyage through waters with two hulls that help stabilize the vessel even on the rockiest of waves.

The Lagoon 450 is just one of the many vessels designed and made by Lagoon-Bénéteau, based in Bordeaux. The Madicon 450 charter can comfortably accommodate up to six guests in three spacious guest cabins designed with modern furnishings, including private ensuite bathrooms with walk-in showers, a full kitchen, and lounge area.