Peloponnese, Greece
Amanzoe
Classic Greek elegance and serenity
What it is
A Greek temple to the gods of luxury and relaxation.
What it isn't
Endlessly stimulating. There are a few activities and some sites nearby, but the quiet setting is better suited to sybarites than ADD types.
What we think
Like a latter-day Acropolis, Amanzoe is perched high on a hill with commanding, 360-degree views over the Peloponnese countryside and coastline. Designed by Ed Tuttle, an Amanresorts regular, the resort is stately and sublimely proportioned. A colonnaded main building wraps around a long reflecting pool; the 38 freestanding guest pavilions have been arranged, amphitheater-like, to maximize views and privacy. The open-plan rooms flow seamlessly from marble-floored living space to outdoor terrace to massive bed to even more massive his-and-her bathrooms. Each has a private pool whose infinity edge seems to blend into the distant sea. Most guests are content to stay in these palatial accommodations, but the resort also has a beach club (about a seven-minute drive in one of the hotel's chauffeured Mercedes SUV's), a large pool area, a restaurant serving locally inspired cuisine, and an actual amphitheater that hosts musical and theatrical performances. The highlight of the property, however, is the spa, which goes beyond the usual treatment menu to offer a holistic wellness program combining yoga, Pilates and Watsu therapy.
You're here because
You want something utterly tranquil and constructed with a grace and elegance befitting the gods.
The Moment
The night air is perfectly dry; a small breeze brings the scents of rosemary, lavender and sunbaked soil. Sitting at the edge of the pavilion, you curl deeper into the sofa. The stars are so bright you swear you can hear them twinkling. Soft footsteps approach and quietly, your wineglasses are refilled.
Restaurants & Bars
Restaurant - Greek
Pool Restaurant - Casual, all-day dining
Beach Club - Casual fare and Greek specialties
Living Room
Fireplace
Location
Ten minutes from the resort town of Porto Heli on the eastern Peloponnese peninsula, southeast of Athens. From the capital, it's about 2 1/2 hours by road or 30 minutes by helicopter. The car-free islands of Spetses and Hydra are easy to reach by boat, and the area is rich with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from Greek ruins to Byzantine monasteries.