10 Greek escapes to check into for a sea change

With thousands of islands scattered across the sparkling azure waters around mainland Greece, it is little wonder holidaymakers flock to the Aegean in droves for far more than fun in the sun. Santorini remains the crown jewel, famed for its whitewashed villages, sublime sunsets and theatrical views of the caldera. From mythical Crete to nightlife-friendly Mykonos and the glamour of the Athens Riviera, there is a holiday for every kind of traveller. Here are ten high-design Greek escapes for the discerning island-hopper.

The Greek escapes to dream about all year round

One&Only Kéa Island

While much of the Cyclades revolves around the familiar circuit of Mykonos, Santorini and Paros, Kéa remains something of an insider’s secret. Just 45 minutes by speedboat from Lavrio, it’s the closest Cycladic island to Athens, making it a favourite weekend escape for those in the Greek capital, many of whom own summer houses here. As a result, the atmosphere feels refreshingly local, with little of the fanfare found elsewhere in the Aegean. Its handsome hilltop capital, Ioulida, is a maze of cobbled lanes, stone archways and traditional tavernas, while walking trails thread across the island to secluded coves and the ancient ruins of Karthea. Perched above one such protected bay on the island’s quieter western coast, One&Only Kéa Island reflects this understated character.

Designed by John Heah, the resort reinterprets traditional Cycladic architecture through a series of low-slung stone buildings that cascade down the hillside, their clean forms softened by timber and native planting. The 68 villas, each with its own infinity pool and uninterrupted sea views, are equally restrained, with tactile natural materials and indoor-outdoor living spaces that draw the landscape inside. Alongside the brand’s largest spa, the restaurants celebrate seasonal Greek produce, from the crispy lamb lollipops at Bond Beach Club to contemporary Mediterranean dishes like the pork gyros at Atria, ensuring the island’s sense of place extends well beyond its striking architecture. LH

One&Only Kéa Island is located at Keá Island 840 02, Greece

Canaves Epitome

While Santorini’s caldera is lined with whitewashed hotels competing for the best views, Canaves Epitome takes a different approach. Perched above the fishing village of Ammoudi, just beyond the bustle of Oia, the all-suite retreat sits within its own meticulously landscaped enclave, where ancient olive trees, fragrant Mediterranean planting and pathways of volcanic stone create an atmosphere that feels remarkably secluded. Eschewing the island’s familiar cave-house aesthetic, the architecture embraces a contemporary interpretation of Cycladic design. Built from locally sourced volcanic stone, the low-rise buildings blend naturally into the hillside, while earthy tones, natural textures and understated interiors allow the surrounding landscape to take centre stage.

The 53 suites and villas each feature a private pool with uninterrupted sea and year-round sunset views, offering a quieter perspective of Santorini that is increasingly hard to find. At the award-winning fine-dining restaurant Elements, executive chef Tasos Stefatos takes diners on a culinary journey around the world, weaving together international influences with Greek ingredients and traditions. Signature dishes such as the ‘Pretzel – Till the Last Crumb’, a warm pretzel-inspired course, elevates one of the meal’s humblest offerings into one of its most memorable. Together with beautifully maintained gardens and a genuine sense of privacy, it’s easy to see why those in the know return here year after year. LH

Canaves Epitome is located at Main Street, Oía 847 02, Greece

Argini Hotel

The neoclassical municipality of Ermoupolis on Syros Island is home to Argini Hotel, a property originally built in 1853 for the family of Grigoris Paikos, a prominent figure during the Greek Revolution. As such, the current hotel owners, the local Polykretis family, have honoured the property’s storied past, elevating it with modern comforts and contemporary design touches from international brands like Gessi, Flos, Artemide, Panzeri, Tooy, Astro, Poltrona Frau and Buster + Punch.

Beautiful ceiling and wall frescoes grace the property’s 11 rooms; an experience guests have already mentioned is like ‘sleeping in history.’ ‘The Renaissance influences, mythical creatures and portraits of notable Greek Revolution personalities seen are the byproducts of collective efforts by 19th-century artists,’ the Polyktretis family explain. Spend the morning in the temple-like indoor pool – where there is also a Jacuzzi and hammam – or on the rooftop sipping cocktails. Follow this with a bite at Elexis, which serves a menu of traditional Greek plates with a modern twist, alongside rare labels from both local and international wineries. SDLC

Argini Hotel is located at Apollonos 11, Ermoupoli 841 00, Greece

One&Only Aesthesis

Long overshadowed by the Acropolis and Athens’ historic centre, the Athenian Riviera is slowly reclaiming the glamour that made it the city’s playground during the 1950s and 60s. Occupying the former Asteria beach club in Glyfada, around 30 minutes from the city centre, One&Only Aesthesis is leading that revival, offering a resort-style escape within easy reach of neighbourhoods such as Glyfada and Vouliagmeni, while remaining close enough to combine with a city break.

Set within 21 hectares of protected coastal forest, the low-rise resort has been designed by architects A6, K-Studio and AUDO, with interiors by Muza Lab, who looked to the site’s mid-century heyday for inspiration. A collection of bungalows, villas and residences are scattered among fragrant pine trees and native planting, their clean-lined architecture combining locally sourced stone, timber, marble and warm brass detailing with a palette of seafoam greens, sandy neutrals and soft terracotta that echoes the colours of the Riviera. Elsewhere, Greece’s first Guerlain Spa sits alongside a collection of restaurants that include Peruvian beach club Manko and the Japanese restaurant Sumosan, where dishes such as wagyu beef tacos and grilled miso black cod are best enjoyed as the sun sets over the Saronic Gulf. LH

One&Only Aesthesis is located at Leof. Poseidonos 110, Glifada 166 74, Greece

Canaves Oia Suites

Part of the family-owned Canaves Collection, which began in 1985 when the Chaidemenos family transformed a series of 17th-century wine caves into what is now Canaves Ena, Canaves Oia Suites continues that legacy from its own historic cave setting, becoming the first hotel on Santorini to introduce private cliffside infinity pools. Following a complete redesign in 2025, the suites pair the property’s sculpted cave architecture with a restrained palette inspired by Santorini with soft limestone tones, bespoke oak furniture, handcrafted ceramics and tactile natural fabrics that lend warmth to the pared-back interiors, while gently curved forms echo the volcanic landscape beyond.

Many of the suites feature private terraces and pools that appear to spill seamlessly into the Aegean, while the hotel’s central location means guests can step straight into Oia’s winding streets, boutiques and galleries. At Petra Restaurant, the culinary experience is equally refined, from the beautifully executed dishes like the Amfilochia Shrimp with wild mushrooms and ravioli, to an indulgent à la carte breakfast served against some of Santorini’s most captivating views, completing an experience that explains why Canaves has remained one of the island’s best hotels for four decades. LH

Canaves Oia Suites is located at Main Street, Oía 847 02, Greece

Domes Novos Santorini

Domes Novos Santorini hotel seeks to offer an unhurried and understated design-led vacation experience that facilitates the enjoyment of the caldera landscape, picturesque villages and cobalt-blue waters without the crowds. Found on the island’s north-western corner, in the Tholos region, the property sits away from typically trodden paths. Its 50 spacious suites and two villas, each with its own private pool and terrace, promise sweeping views across local vineyards and the Aegean Sea. The exterior radiates an earthy atmosphere with its terracotta-hued, angular structure. Kiros Pagkalidis Architects sought to punctuate the landscape with heavier, local materials, including volcanic stone and blonde oak.

Interior designer Olivia Siskou oversaw the resort’s interior spaces, etching out a subtle palette and minimal furniture that playfully contrast with the building’s strong character. The hotel’s restaurant, Maitr & Margarita, brings the best of Greek cuisine – mezes, handmade alipastas (traditional appetisers), pickles, cured meats and seasonal dishes inspired by the land and the sea that are best shared. SDLC

Domes Novos Santorini is located at Tholos, Oia, Santorini, Greece, 84702

Deos Mykonos

A member of The Set Collection and established by the family-owned brand, Myconian Collection, Deos hotel sits perched on a hilltop above Mykonos town that overlooks the Aegean Sea and the neighbouring islands of Delos, Syros and Tinos. Designed by GM Architects, the property slots into its surroundings with a contemporary Cycladic look; its sun-drenched white facades are complemented by lush indigenous landscaping and rustic stone walls made from locally sourced materials. Inside, a warm minimalist design showcases artisanal craftsmanship through natural textures and bespoke elements.

Each of the 42 rooms opens onto large scenic terraces with hot tubs or plunge pools – the perfect retreat after a long lunch at Epico, where chef Ilias Maslaris sends out dishes like Greek mezze platters or grilled octopus using the best homegrown, seasonal produce. While Mykonos town is just a 20-minute walk away, you will likely find yourself at the hotel bar, which overlooks the infinity pool, or the spa, which has an indoor pool, two treatment rooms and a menu of therapies using products infused with local botanicals. LC

Deos Mykonos is located in Mykonos 846 00, Greece

Tierras Villas

A quiet departure from the thumping beats of Mykonos and the hordes swarming Santorini, Crete’s newest refuge, part of the family-owned Omicron Hotels group, focuses on heritage and halcyon. Designed by Manos Kipritidis, Tierras Villas embraces a peacefulness that’s both visual and visceral, signalling a shift in how the island is being discovered – slower, more intentionally, with a stronger orientation toward nature and an eye for aesthetics. Set against the sweeping backdrop of the Mediterranean, each of the five minimally designed villas features calming hues and organic materials such as stone and wood, along with a private pool and expansive terraces for sipping a crisp, chilled glass of Vidiano while soaking in sweeping views of the sparkling sea and blue sky. LC

Tierras Villas is located at Mononaftis, Ag.Pelagia, 715 00 Crete, Heraklion 715 00, Greece

Gundari

A couple of miles from Chora, on an 80-acre, southeast-coast, cliff-edge plot, Gundari is the vision of Australian advertising director-turned-hotelier Ricardo Larriera and Athens-based architecture and interior design studio Block722. The latter has form for creating serene, sanctuary-like spaces in harmony with the landscape (it is behind the Olea All Suite Hotel on Zakynthos and Casa Cook on Samos). Here, that translates to 25 suites (plus two villas), each with an infinity pool; seven of the accommodations are subterranean, and all built from stone excavated onsite and sand-coloured cement. Inside, the aesthetic centres around calming neutral hues and natural materials: marble floors, custom-made wooden furniture, linens and paper lampshades.

A real boon is the collaborators bringing Athens’ buzz to the food and drink: Lefteris Lazarou, chef-owner of Michelin-star Varoulko restaurant, has dreamt up the seafood-centric menus, and Line Bar’s mixologists created the cocktail list. Equally important to the concept is the small spa, where Greek Olive Era oils are used for massages, and the offered experiences – cooking classes, a guided tour of Chora, and wine tasting – that celebrate the island’s traditions and culture. EL

Gundari is located at 1, Petousis 840 11, Greece

Sandblu

Unravelling at the base of Thira Mountain on the southeastern coast of Santorini lies Sandblu. A short five-minute stroll from the black volcanic sands of Kamari Beach, the resort’s 51 rooms and suites, each with balconies and some with their own pools, all have sweeping Aegean Sea views. New York-based firm Rockwell Group brought the outside into the pared-back light-filled interiors with a simple, clean-lined design featuring natural timbers in a neutral palette of white and sandy tones with hints of blue.

With four drinking and dining outlets, including a bakery with a selection of the flakiest pastries, as well as a wine bar that offers wine tastings and a speciality restaurant that serves modern Greek food, you definitely won’t go hungry at Sandblu. This along with three pools, including an indoor one at the spa, which also offers yoga and meditation classes. SDLC

Sandblu is located at Kamari 847 00, Greece