September 23, 2022

Eight of the best reasons to visit Greece this autumn

Magical Greece is known to keep well-hidden secrets for those who care to look closely. We’ve done just that: looked closely and selected the most special properties and adventures for those still looking for a last-minute fall getaway.

Variety Cruises

Variety Cruises, Greece’s leading small ship cruise line, has for the first time in its 70-year history, revealed a Hiking Collection Cruise that offers the best of many worlds: cruising in the Greek seas, hiking, and insider insight into the history and stories from Ancient Greece.

Guests will be joined on board by outdoor specialists on the history of the Peloponnese and a resident archaeologist. The week-long cruise will depart from Athens on Nov. 4, then through the Corinthian gulf, encircle the Peloponnese and return back to Athens. Stops will include Nafplion —Greece’s first capital city— and Ancient Epidaurus, Itea for the famed oracle Delphi, strikingly beautiful and equally mysterious, Monemvasia and Pylos. Rates start at 1,250€ per person.

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, Porto Heli

One of Greece’s best-kept secrets is Porto Heli in Argolis, situated in the eastern part of the Peloponnesian peninsula. Just over a two-hour drive from Athens, Porto Heli is home to Nikki Beach Resort & Spa. The resort perfectly combines unique lifestyle and culinary experiences with relaxation and discovery. Tucked away in this beautiful corner of Greece, Nikki Beach is the perfect base for excursions in the Saronic Gulf and road trips in the surrounding ancient sites including Mycenae, Nafplion, Corinth and Nemea and of course the architectural masterpiece of ancient theater of Epidaurus. Guests can easily catch a water taxi to Spetses and Hydra, two of Greece’s most beautiful and aristocratic islands, the latter of which is home to Jeff Koons’s Apollo, a solo exhibition on view at DESTE’s Project Space at the island’s old Slaughterhouse.

Nikki Beach remains open until Oct. 15 and invites guests to stay active and rejuvenate with a special Autumn Getaways offer which included one complimentary lunch or dinner per day, access to Nikki Beach with complimentary use of sun beds and umbrellas, and complimentary Wi-Fi and use of the gym.

Ducato di Oia Boutique Hotel, Santorini

Ducato di Oia has opened a new restaurant, Barozzi, situated on top of the caldera and overlooking the picturesque Armeni harbour. Barozzi, whose name was inspired by an aristocratic Venetian family who were also lords of Santorini and Thirassia, invites guests to participate in a gastronomic experience mixing modern Cycladic flavors with Japanese influences punctuated by local Mediterranean bounty.

Curated by renowed George Stylianoudakis, the menu includes everything from simple and renowed tzatziki and fava spreads to Fricassee: a stew with a Japanese Wagyu A5 Tartare, uni hollandaise with sea urchins and dill emulsion. Helming the restaurant is Executive Chef George Stylianoudakis, who has more than 25 years of experience in gastronomy.

The 12-seat restaurant will remain open until the end of November, and is open for breakfast from 8:30-11 a.m. and from 1-10 p.m. for lunch and dinner. Ducato di Oia will remain open throughout the year, inviting guests to experience Santorini in a much different set up than the mainstream under-the-August-sun.

Magma Resort, Santorini

Magma Resort Santorini, In the Unbound Collection by Hyatt, opened its doors this August and awaits those who want to discover the tranquil side of Santorini. Magma, the first Hyatt-affiliated hotel in the Greek islands, integrates the island’s local character while embodying a sustainable modern design with a warm and comfortable feel to it. It is designed to incorporate organic shapes from black volcanic stones alongside contrasting off-white geometric prisms, reminiscent of Santorini’s volcanic ash that is evident around the island. The resort’s culinary experience, Magma by Spondi, is curated by the renowned French Chef Arnaud Bignon and honors local agriculture and produce in a modern yet stylish way. Magma by Spondi is a sister to the Athenian Spondi restaurant, which celebrates two Michelin stars both won during the Chef’s time as head chef.

Lindian Village Resort, Rhodes

Lindian Village is situated in southeast Rhodes, bordering a nature reserve and backed by undulating hills. Open until the end of October, the five-star resort features 188 accommodations arranged into neighborhoods where archetypal Greek cubist whitewashed houses, cobblestoned alleyways, and flower-filled grounds create a sense of place. Rooms include more than 70 suites with private pools or verandas with Jacuzzis.

Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort, Elounda, Crete

The iconic Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort, Elounda Crete set on a coastal hillside in northeast Crete, promises a destination abounding with rich history, intriguing culture and wild natural beauty. Through the end of October, the resort will continue to bring a variety of thoughtfully curated services to the legendary resort showcasing timeless Cretan culture, local sustainable gastronomy, unforgettable family experiences and au courant amenities while further celebrating the region’s legacy. Guests can enjoy up to 15 per cent on rates with the Autumn Delight offer, which also includes daily complimentary buffet breakfast at the Olea restaurant with the utterly unique view of Spinalonga Island, a National Monument of Greece.

Cretan Malia Park

Proudly local, enveloped by an idyllic locale and the bearer of a finely crafted Greek identity, Cretan Malia Park presents a hideaway in every sense, welcoming families and couples alike. From its boundless slow-paced aura, carefully aligned with the tempo of the island, to an authentically Cretan gastronomic experience, Cretan Malia Park will remain open until the end of October, inviting guests to discover it as a microcosm of the island on which is resides — an accurate and detailed snapshot of Crete, where travellers are offered ample opportunity to explore, experience and live.

Cosme Resort, Paros

Photo shoot May 08, 2022

Set in the soulful, whitewashed village of Naoussa—the jewel of Paros—with the clear-blue Aegean at its feet, the brand-new Cosme embraces the energy of the sea and reciprocates the joyful pulse of the town. The architecture by ID Laboratorium reflects the shapes of the surroundings, including the iconic half-moon pool that mirrors the bay and the meandering pathways that recall Naoussa, inspiring chance encounters and opening up possibilities. It’s also home to Greek-American Andria Mitsakos’s Anthologist boutique celebrating Greek artisanal craft, which Vogue called “impeccably curated.”

Latest

The Canadian government just introduced a new Canada travel pass—here’s what’s on it

June 16, 2025

This summer, Canadians can enjoy the very best Canada has to offer with the Canada Strong Pass. From museums and railroads to national parks and camping spots, the federal government is making it easier for families to choose Canada as they make their summer plans—and enjoy the places and experiences that bring us together and make Canada strong. “Transportation is more than just a means to

These travel experiences are top picks for Canadians this summer—and some of them might surprise you

June 11, 2025

Summer 2025 is shaping up to be a good one for Canadian travellers, with homegrown nature, European escapes, and meaningful experiences leading the way. Booking.com has uncovered new data on Canadians’ summer travel plans. Here’s a snapshot of what’s shaping the season: Travel optimism is high, with 72% of Canadian leisure travellers reporting feeling excited about exploring the world this summer, and the

In Prince Edward Island, a waterfront spa redefines sustainable luxury

June 9, 2025

I’m not used to resting for an entire day. It doesn’t come naturally to me, and I often get anxious if I’m not being productive. A trip to Mysa Nordic Spa in Prince Edward Island, just under an hour’s drive east of Charlottetown, quickly changed that. My zen switch, which I thought was broken, finally switched on. As I dipped

Canadians invited to own one of 32 Ritz-Carlton Residences in Muskoka

June 6, 2025

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Muskoka, is a new, private oasis where nature and hospitality meet. Offering a rare opportunity to live on pristine waterfront property on a forested private island, the residences are nestled within one of Canada’s most storied and naturally beautiful destinations. With only 32 architecturally distinct homes this private sanctuary, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Muskoka are designed for those seeking