Following a couple of days in Athens, I was lucky enough to spend 3 nights at the Aman Zoe, part of Aman – Resorts, Hotels & Luxury Residences.
The hotel is in the Peloponnese, 2 and half hours drive from Athens; a fairly easy drive, until you get closer to the hotel and leave the motorway. It gets a little more complicated once you get on the smaller roads.
The hotel located on top of a hill, about 12 minute drive off the town of Kranidi. It is secluded, in a discreet gated complex; as you drive to the main building you soon get the idea of the size of the site.
The design of the hotel is inspired from Greek architecture; it’s column and granite galore. We were warmly welcomed by no less than the General Manager and some of his team. As our car got taken away, with our luggage, we got whisked into a lovely “reception” area where signature and keys were exchanged. Seamless. Quick explanation on the hotel and its services and off we went, to our 1 bedroom pavilion. We got taken there in a buggy but we could have easily walked. For pavilions further down on the site, best asking to get driven back and forth. We arrived in front of our pavilion, discreetly hidden behind a large door. A touch of the key, a turn of the lock (contactless keycard) and we were in. And we weren’t disappointed.
The pavilions are beautifully designed, with an open plan living area/bedroom and loads of amenities. Where to start?? Complimentary wi-fi, complimentary minibar… it also has “his and hers” toilet, on either side of the room – in our case “his and mine”! Did I mention the toilets are Toto? With a seat warmer function and a warm jet to clean your toosh, it takes a couple of tries but you eventually start to enjoy it! In the middle of the bathroom, a bath with amazing views or a shower with a glass ceiling, therefore you are always seeing a bit of nature/blue sky.
Did I mention that in each pavilion and villa you get your OWN PRIVATE pool?! It doesn’t get much butter than that… a 6 meter HEATED pool, perfect for a midnight swim.
The hotel has 38 pavilions, on either side of the site – you either get sunset or sunrise (I would suggest to ask for sunrise, as the sunset is best seen from the restaurant/terrace area).
Now we didn’t stay in our pavilion (nor in the hotel) for 3 days. First you should explore the hotel’s grounds. It’s huge! It has amazing facilities such as the “relaxed eating” restaurant by the pool, as well as stunning gym facilities (and free classes – we took a yoga class one morning). There’s a huge library and some shops as well.
Once you have explored the grounds I would suggest you head out to the beach club. It’s a 10 minute drive but a good 40 minute walk. You’ll be greeted by a friendly team that will tend to your every needs. There are 2 pools, lines of sun loungers, facing the clear blue sea. As we were there in May the water was around 16c but the pool is heated at 26c. I kept on going the sea and then jump in the pool. It was like jumping in a giant bath.
You can also order food and drinks; if you get bored with sunbathing they can arrange for activities : snorkelling, paddle boarding etc.
The hotel will arrange transportation if you do not want to walk back. Ensure you get there before the sunset as you DO NOT WANT TO MISS the sunset. One of the most beautiful sunset ever.
Your best bet is to order a cocktail, sit down and watch the sun go down while sipping your drinks. Bare in mind the temperature will drop as the sun sets. Staff can provide you with blankets if you forgot your jumper.
Once the sunset is over, head to the main restaurant. If you are staying for a couple of nights, get it once then head to Porto Heli the next day or Spetsai. The restaurant feels very intimate at night as there’s not much light (compared to breakfast, when the place is basking in sunshine). You will be welcomed by 2 big fire places, as it is not just the light that drops at night. The food is delicious and comes in fairly large portions. All their produce are locally sourced; the service is attentive and the staff genuinely friendly.
Same goes for breakfast… but I would suggest to get there early to ensure you get a table outside in the sun. Try their local dishes – delicious!
In regards to activities, there’s plenty to do – you can go on a bicycle ride, on walks, hire a car and do the touristy bits – the sanctuary of Asklepios in Epidaurus with its wild kittens, followed by a leisurely lunch in the side streets of the picturesque town of Nafplio.
From the individual welcome, the beautiful pavilions, the stunning views and most importantly the service, this hotel offers everything you need to switch off and enjoy a leisurely stay. The service is attentive but not over the top and ever so friendly – and nothing is never too much trouble.
I would absolutely recommend (and have been since I stayed) this beautiful hotel. Either as a city break coupled with Athens or as a destination, for a week.
Things I liked
– the genuine staff
– no signature required when you order – no need to show your room key
– the heated pool at the beach club
Things to note
– it is über luxury so not to everybody’s budget
– you can fly into the resort from Athens if you have £2000 to spare : they have a helipad.
– bees will join you for breakfast (the hotel has amazing flower beds hence the bees)
etc). My friend ordered the smoked salmon and I got the potato cakes, sausage, pudding and egg – (a slimmer version of the plated English breakfast). The great thing about
French, gay, single with a cat 