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LUXURY HOTEL INSIDER

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The Luxury Hotel Insider: Exclusive luxury hotel deals, features and special rates from the luxury hotel experts at Five Star Alliance.
Named one of Tripbase's Best Luxury Travel Blogs for 2011, below are Five Star Alliance's newest articles featuring exclusive information on luxury hotels worldwide including special offers and deals at the world's best hotels.

| By: Rachael Weir

Porto Zante Villas and Spa

Seeking beautiful beaches, gastronomic experiences, archeological ruins, and one-of-a-kind sunsets? Join us on this Featured Journey: Greek Island Escape highlighting luxury resorts on three of Greece's top islands: Santorini, Crete, and Zakynthos. Each island offers its own unique adventures, historic sites, and beaches for enjoying the Greecian vistas. 

Santorini

Known for blue-domed churches, donkey rides, and cliffside whitewashed homes, Santorini is the destination for one-of-a-kind Greek sunsets. Visitors seeking some time in nature, hiking from Fira to Oia showcases panoramic caldera views, while a boat trip to the volcano provides an opportunity for a therapeutic dip in the sulphur hot springs. For history enthusiasts, Ancient Thira has Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins, Akrotiri is a Minoan town from 1650 B.C. that was preserved under lava until 1967. Fira is the place to go for authentic tavernas and ouzeries where appetizers are washed down with Greek aniseed-flavored liquor, Ouzo. Wine lovers will want to go to the vineyards of Megalohori and Pyrgos for the dry white Assyrtikos and the amber-colored Vinsanto. 

1. Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa 

Pool at Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa

Amidst the picturesque alleys and whitewashed domed suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa is an architectural retreat offering spacious accommodations, each with kitchenettes and private verandas with Jacuzzis and sun loungers. Guests can have a five-star gastronomic experience at Alios Ilios Restaurant serving fine modern Greek cuisine, and the Royal Spa is an award-winning facility with outdoor gazebo spa services and an indoor heated swimming pool. For visitors looking to lounge poolside, there's freshly prepared Mediterranean-inspired snacks, cocktails, and signature drinks at the main infinity pool.

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: All reservations made through Five Star Alliance receive a complimentary cocktail per person/per stay, during sunset in the Romantic Bar, and a 15 minute spa ticket per person/per stay.

Check availability at Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa

Explore more Santorini Luxury Hotels

Crete

Greece's largest island, Crete, is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors to the island can explore beaches, discover remnants of ancient civilizations, taste the island's gastronomic culture, or admire the mountainscapes. The island is the cradle of Minoan civilization, the birthplace of Zeus, and offers an expanse of scenery where travelers can go from the palm groves of Vai to the top of the snow-capped White Mountains all in one day. Food here is straight from the land and sea, with an emphasis on tomatoes, strawberries, watermelons, cheese, and yogurt. The Palace of Knossos is home of the legendary Minotaur where travelers can discover the Minoan world, the Archaelogical Museum in Iraklion is home to Minoan palace treasures, Gortyna is home to Greek remains, and throughout the island minarets and mosques reflect 250 years of Ottoman Turkish rule. 

2. Elounda Beach Hotel and Villas

Waterfront Villa at Elounda Beach Hotel and Villas

From its romantic wedding chapel to its six restaurants, Elounda Beach Hotel and Villas is a luxury property overlooking Mirabello Bay. Set upon 40 acres of colorful gardens on the island's northeastern coast, the property consists of several mini-resort-like clusters including the Yachting Club offering state-of-the-art bungalows with electric sliding glass doors and retractable television screens, while the Ambassador's Bungalows have private gyms and multi-room villas for families. For revitalization, Espace Vitalité Chenot focuses on a holistic approach to rejuvenation and relaxation with body and facial treatments, ancient traditions with Chinese medicine, and scientific advances. Plus, there are supervised programs for kids and teens, a scuba diving center, art gallery, and tennis. 

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: All guests making reservations made through Five Star Alliance will receive the following complimentary amenities: a welcome seasonal fruit and beverage in the room upon arrival; full use of gym, sauna, hammam spa, and tennis courts; WiFi; and accommodation for children 0-8 years of age sharing with parents. For guests staying a minimum of five (5) nights, a 50 Euro voucher per adult, per stay will be available at The Espace Vitalité Chenot Elounda Beach Spa.

Check availability at Elounda Beach Hotel and Villas

Explore more Crete Luxury Hotels

Zakynthos

Known for its stunning beaches, Zakynthos is an island offering a range of natural beauty. Also known by its Italian name, Zante, the island's top beaches can be found along the southern and southeastern shoreline. Visitors seeking forests and rural villages should venture inland to explore the island's forests, wilderness, and traditional villages. For truly picture-perfect scenery, head to the rugged west coast where the limestone cliffs cascade into turquoise waters. 

3. Porto Zante Villas and Spa

Royal Infinity Villa at Porto Zante Villas and Spa

Showcasing a beachfront setting, Porto Zante Villas and Spa is an all-suite property offering luxurious villas with private pools, paintings by prominent Greek artists, Armani Casa furnishings, and bathrooms with Jacuzzi bathtubs, separate showers, and Dionysian antique marble. The waterfront Spa and Thalassotherapy provides rejuvenating treatments, while the fitness center by Technogym has state-of-the-art exercise equipment. For dining, Maya restaurant provides a beachfront setting for contemporary Asian cuisine, and the Club House Restaurant showcases an exclusive setting for Greek cuisine. 

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking through Five Star Alliance receive a bottle Champagne and Fruits upon arrival, freshly prepared breakfast, complimentary kids entertainment and complimentary butler service.

Check availability at Porto Zante Villas and Spa


| By: Rachael Weir

Overlooking the Ionian Sea, the Royal Infinity Villa provides an exclusive setting at Porto Zante. Set above the resort's private beach, the two bedroom suite welcomes guests via an entrance hall. From there, the suites is infused with high-end amenities including state-of-the-art Bang & Olufsen TVs and entertainment systems, an Apple TV, and bespoke amenities. Each of the two bedrooms are furnished with king-size beds and walk-in dressing rooms. Continue reading below the photo of the resort's private beach.

Porto Zante Resort's Private Beach

The luxe living room can be converted into a sleeping area, there's a work desk with an iMac desktop computer, and a small kitchen. Within the suite there are three antique Dionysian marble bathrooms, plus two Jacuzzis. But the crown jewel of this supreme suite is the private pool, which showcases sea views and provides an idyllic retreat for relaxation in the Greek sunshine. From the suite's private pool deck, there's a stairwell leading guests directly to the resort's private beach. Learn more about an exclusive Five Star Alliance Perk below the photo.

Royal Infinity Villa

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking through Five Star Alliance receive a bottle Champagne and Fruits upon arrival, freshly prepared breakfast, complimentary kids entertainment and complimentary butler service.

Check availability at Porto Zante


| By: Rachael Weir

Showcasing one-of-a-kind Santorini sunset views, the Deluxe Junior Suite at Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa is an idyllic retreat for honeymooners or couples seeking a luxe space for a romantic retreat. Featuring modern Greek styling, the suite is furnished in shades of white with lush textures and finishes. There's a separate lounge area, kitchenette, and a private veranda ideal for enjoying privacy while taking in the views of the sea and sunsets. Read more about the property below the photo.

Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa

Amidst greenery, whitewashed domed suites, and picturesque alleys, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa provides guests with exclusive Aegean Sea views  and world renowned Santorini sunsets. All of the accommodations have private verandas with Jacuzzis and sun loungers, as well as kitchenettes. The property's Royal Spa is one of the largest spas in Santorini with an indoor swimming pool, steam bath, cryotherapy, sauna, and outdoor gazebo experience. While the hotel's Alios Ilios Restaurant provides guests with a five-star modern Greek gastronomic experience. 

Check rates at Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa


| By: Rachael Weir

Destination Spotlight: Santorini

Destination Spotlight: Santorini

From spectacular scenery showcased in multiple Hollywood films (including the new Mama Mia! Here We Go Again), to unbelievable sunsets over the Caldera, Santorini is reknowned for white washed houses amidst cliffs and blue-roofed churches. As one of the more well-known Greek islands, Santorini is a popular destination for couples and honeymooners due to it's romantic scene. But there's something for everyone on this island, including a variety of beaches to archaeological sites to vineyards. Looking to take in some of the island's best views? Hike along the Caldera rim from Fira to Oia. 

To experience local flavors, Fira is home to authentic tavernas where visitors can dine on mezedes (appetizers) and sip on anis-seed flavored ouzo. The island's vineyards of Pyrgos and Megalohouri are known for volcanic wines like the amber-hued Vinsanto and the dry white Assyrtikos, perfect for pairing with the Santorini's grilled fish dishes. 

History enthusiasts will want to visit Ancient Thira which straddles a high promontory, and is home to Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins. While the Museum of Pre-Historic Thira in Fira has frescoes and pottery on display from the Minoan town of Akrotiri that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1650 B.C. 

Time to relax? Santorini's perpendicular coastline offers a beach for every style. The family-friendly Monolithos is backed by rock formations, those looking for windsurfing and jet skiing can head to Perivolos or Perissa, and couples seeking seclusion can hop on a donkey for a trek to one of Oia's initimate beaches along only-in-Santorini blue waters. 

 

5. Grace Santorini

Villa view at Grace Santorini

Perched on the Caldera, Grace Santorini is an exclusive boutique hotel providing guests with one-of-a-kind views and sunsets. Rooms and suites have contemporary styling interspersed with handcrafted pieces, while bathrooms have rain showers with mosaic feature walls, and marble carved sink basins. There's a new Champagne Lounge offering Chef Spyros' signature dishes and the finest Champagnes, plus there's a variety of wellness amenities including a fitness area, yoga, and Pilates studio. 

Five Star Alliance Perk: All guests making reservations with Five Star Alliance will also receive a welcome gift that includes a glass of champagne and bottle of wine and fruit platter; a private arrival transfer per room/per stay; full breakfast for two daily; and a private yoga class for two per room once during stay.

Check availability at Grace Santorini

4. Canaves Oia Epitome

Canaves Oia Epitome

Featuring all-villa accommodations, the newly opened Canaves Oia Epitome is situated just outside of the cosmopolitan town of Oia, and within walking distance to the beach. Accommodations feature modern Greek styling with a color palette of white, large windows, and pristine linens, accented by amenities such as SONOS speakers, minibars, and Nespresso machines. There's children's amenities, fine dining, a shuttle to town, and daily yoga sessions. 

Five Star Alliance Perk: Reservations booked under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate or "Best Available Rate" will also include full breakfast for each guest daily, a welcome gift of fruit and wine, and an 80 Euro food and beverage credit per room/per stay.

Check availability at Canaves Oia Epitome

3. Mystique Santorini

Terrace Dining at Mystique Santorini

Combining high-end service and authentic local experiences, Mystique Santorini provides an exclusive hideaway in a natural setting. Amidst a legendary location, the property has uninterrupted views of the Caldera and waters of the Aegean. The property's Asian Spa Resort provides "whole being" treatments, and the Charisma Restaurant has open-air dining overlooking the infinity pool with a menu featuring local ingredients. 

Five Star Alliance Perk: Reservations booked under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also include full breakfast for two daily (also available through room service), one wine tasting for two at Secret Wine Cove and one bottle of Santorini Wine, and a welcome amenity that includes a bottle of local liqueur and traditional sweets.

Check availability at Mystique Santorini

2. Katikies The Hotel

Dining at Katikies The Hotel

Popular with couples, Katikies The Hotel hugs the dramatic Caldera, and offers white washed suites with arched ceilings and majestic Aegean Sea views. A recipient of Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2018, the boutique hotel is comprised of a complex of bridges, cubist cottages, and infinity pools. While the Dinner Restaurant consists of just four candlelit tables, and the Kirini Pool Restaurant has panoramic views and traditional Mediterranean dishes.

Check availability at Katikies The Hotel

1. Canaves Oia Hotel

Canaves Oia Hotel

Perched above the Caldera, Canaves Oia Hotel provides a location convenient to Oia's beaches and tranquil blue waters. The all-suite property mixes 17th century Canaves carved into the cliffside with state-of-the-art amenities and antiques. Designed for guests 13 years of age and older, the exclusive retreat is popular with couples, and offers a Honeymoon Suite with soaking tub and private pool with sea views. 

Five Star Alliance Perk: Reservations booked under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also include arrival airport transfer, full breakfast for each guest daily, and a welcome amenity that includes a bottle of wine and fresh fruit.

Check availability at the Canaves Oia Hotel

Explore more Santorini Luxury Hotels


| By: Rachael Weir

Situated about a 5-minute walk from the Mykonos City Center, Absolut Mykonos is an adults-only retreat with contemporary design and a stylish atmosphere. Guests are greeted at the Welcome & Goodbye Desk, and the entire property is "Social Media Friendly"...meaning there's plenty of instagram-worthy spaces throughout the resort sure to make everyone back home just a bit jealous. Continue reading below the photo.

Welcome & Goodbye Desk at Absolut Mykonos

The all-suite property features minimalist-inspired furnishings along with premium linens, slippers, and bathrobes. Accommodations are loaded with a variety of amenities including Nespresso coffee machines, minifridges that can be pre-filled with minibar boosters, and flat-screen TVs providing guests with access to on-site services like scheduiling massages or getting important island tips. Read more below the photo.

Guest suite at Absolut Mykonos

Providing guests with stylish amenities, the property has the Meet Feed Me restaurant offering modern interpretations of Greek specialties for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Heming Bar has an indoor minimalist setting for cocktails, and the Wetbar serves poolside drinks. Continue reading below the photo.

Wetbar at Absolut Mykonos

In need of a massage or a workout? The Enso Spa & Fitness Center offers a stylish destination for massages and cardio activities. 

Five Star Alliance Perk: Guests booking through Five Star Alliance receive complimentary arrival and departure transfers from the port or airport, 15% discount for massage services, pool & beach towels, and access to the Enso Spa & Fitness Center.

Check availability at Absolut Mykonos


| By: Rachael Weir

Providing an ultra-luxe and secluded setting down the cliff from Agios Giorgios Church, the Elite Luxury Suites Santorini offers a sumptuous experience. Featuring a cliffside location down the hill from the Agios Giorgios Church, the chic property accepts guests age 12 and older. Offering just four villas, the exclusive retreats have Cycladic-style architecture, private pools, kitchens, and living areas with flat-screen TVs and satellite channels. Continue reading about each of the four villas below the photos. 

Private pool at Elite Luxury Suites Santorini

Featuring a pampering and romantic retreat, the Elite Suite is a 60 square meter (645 square feet) one bedroom cave house. The outdoor terrace has a private pool, there's a spacious living room with a full kitchen, and the intimate bedroom has a walk-in closet and two private bathrooms. Read more below the photo of the Elite Suite's master bedroom. 

Elite Suite Bedroom at the Elite Luxury Suites Santorini

Offering a tranquil setting for up to four people, the Premier Suite has 100 square meters (1,076 square feet) of space. There are two bedrooms, each with walk-in closets, king size beds, and private bathrooms. Plus, there's a living area with a full kitchen, and a private terrace with panoramic views and a private pool. Continue reading below the photo of the Premier Suite's kitchen. 

Premier Suite Kitchen at the Elite Luxury Suites Santorini

Built into a cliff, the Grand Suite is 130 square meters (1,399 square feet), and offers one master bedroom with two private bathrooms, two additional bedrooms each with their own bathroom, and walk-in closets in each room. The open-concept living room has a furnished kitchen, and there is a fully-equipped gym (shown below) within the suite. Capable of accommodating up to 6 people, there's a private terrace with a pool, as well as Caldera and Aegean Sea views. Continue reading below the photo of the Grand Suite's fitness room. 

Grand Suite Fitness Center at the Elite Luxury Suites Santorini

Providing unrivalled views to the Caldera and Aegean Sea, the Presidential Suite is set within a tradtional Cycladic cave offering 140 square meters (1,507 square feet) of space. Within the suite there is a fully-equipped kitchen, spacious living room, private gym, and an outdoor terrace with a pool. Providing space for up to four people, the suite has a master bedroom with a king size bed and bathroom, plus an additional bedroom with a smaller private bath and walk-in closets. Read more below the photo of the Presidential Suite. 

 Presidential Suite at the Elite Luxury Suites Santorini

Within walking distance of shops and attractions along the island's main road, the Elite Luxury Suites Santorini has four villas with modern styling, providing guests with a unique and private setting.

Learn more about Elite Luxury Suites Santorini


| By: Rachael Weir

Perched along a sandy beach on a quiet bay, Porto Zante Villas and Spa offers a secluded luxury retreat on the island of Zakynthos. The all-villa resort has one-, two-, and four-bedroom villas, all with private pools (some with beachfront areas) and high-end amenities such as Armani Casa & Gervasoni furnishings, Bang & Olufsen entertainment systems, Bernardaud design porcelain, Christofle Paris cutlery and glasses, BVLGARI guest amenities, and artwork by prominent Greek artists. Continue reading below the photo for more about the resort and a special perk for Five Star Alliance guests.

Porto Zante Villas and Spa

Open seasonally from April to October, the beachfront Porto Zante provides guests with an array of unique experiences and activities. For water sports, the resort has sea cycles, canoes, stand-up paddle boarding, parascending, water skiing, wakeboarding, and jet-skiing. Fitness options include beachfront yoga, a fitness center, personal training, tennis, and horse riding, while family options include a kids' club with organized activities, a water park with water slides, and the Kids' Corner playground. Guests interested in culture and off-site excursions can visit wineries, the Kiliomeno mountain village, St. Dionisios Monastery, Byzantine Museum, Ancient Olympia, and the Museum of Dionisios Solomos or explore the Navagio Beach shipwreck, Blue Caves, Bochali, as well as see the endangered Caretta-Caretta Turtles in their natural habitat on Marathonisi Island. Continue reading below the photo.

Activities at Porto Zante

Five Star Alliance Perk: Guests that book through Five Star Alliance receive complimentary butler service, kid's entertainment, and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne upon arrival.

Check rates and availability at Porto Zante Villas and Spa

 


| By: Rachael Weir

Offering an ideal retreat for well-being and relaxation, the Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso is situatated in the Vouliagmeni area of the Athenian Riviera, along the Saronic Gulf. Situated about 30 minutes from Athens, the property offers the region's only Thalassotherapy center, along with a spa providing an extensive selection of treatments focused on the healing effects of the sea. Continue reading below the photo of the Thalassotherapy Pool.

Thalassotherapy Pool at Divani Apollo Palace & Thalasso

Providing a beachfront setting, the ultra-luxe property has a private sand beach with sun beds and umbrellas, plus a variety of water activities including jet skiing, scuba diving, and waterskiing. There's also two outdoor swimming pools, including one with sea water. For lounging, guests can rent private "Love Seats" around the pool, or lounge in plush chaises while enjoying signature cocktails, juices, and smoothies. 

Divani Apollon Palace

Surrounded by extensive gardens, the hotel has four Mediterranean-inspired dining options, including the Mythos of the Sea Restaurant providing a unique setting for chef-prepared cuisine while watching Kavouri Bay sunsets. The Anemos Restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining with sea views, the Atlantis Lounge has a contemporary setting for afternoon tea, and Meltemi Poolside Snack Bar provides casual poolside dining. 

Check rates and availability at Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso

Swimming Pools at Divani Apollon Palace Hotel


| By: Rachael Weir

Perched on the eighth floor of the Divani Caravel Hotel Athens, the Presidential Suite 815 provides unparalleled views of the Acropolis. Offering an ultra-luxurious setting, the two-bedroom suite has a private gym with a treadmill, fully equipped office, opulent living room with a 55-inch flat-screen TV and stereo, bar with premium beverages, and an elegant dining room. Continue reading below the photo.

Living Room of the Presidential Suite 815

The suite's master bedroom has a plush king size bed, pillow menu, and a private marble bathroom. There's an additional bedroom with twin beds, and both of the suite's marble bathrooms have deep soaking tubs, separate steam baths, vanity sets, lighted makeup mirrors, and premium bathroom amenities. There's an in-suite sauna, plus the private gym for relaxing and rejuvenating while in Athens. Plus, the suite's crown jewel is the fully furnished terrace providing exquisite views of the Acropolis. Read more below the terrace photo. 

Divani Caravel Hotel Athens

The Divani Caravel Hotel Athens is located in the heart of the historic city. Close to the airport and metro system, the luxury hotel is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. There's a spa, rooftop health club, and an indoor/outdoor swimming pool with a bar and panoramic views of the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill. For dining, JuJu Bar Restaurant provides an elegant setting with chandeliers and Mediterranean cuisine, Amalia Restaurant serves American and local breakfasts, while the Constantinople Cafe offers casual dining. Plus, there's the Cigar Lounge with an array of premium cigars, cognacs, and whiskeys. 

Check rates and availability at Divani Caravel Hotel Athens

Divani Caravel Hotel Athens


| By: Rachael Weir

Situated in historic Syntagma Square, the NJV Athens Plaza is within walking distance of the upscale Stadiou and Voukourestiou Streets. Featuring a modern atmosphere and luxurious amenities, the hotel provides breathtaking views of the Acropolis as well as easy access to shopping, archeological sites and tourist attractions. There's also three on-site dining options including a British-style bar, all-day café and the Parliament Restaurant with authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Plus, a terrace with stunning vistas.

Guest rooms at the hotel feature contemporary styling with a mostly white color palette, designer furnishings and smart TVs, plus views of the Acropolis and downtown Athens.
In addition, all guests enjoy:
-    Discounted rates to the prestigious Holmes Place Athens Club and Spa
-    Car rental service
-    Multilingual staff
-    Traditional Greek and American-style buffet breakfast choices

Check availability and rates now at NJV Athens Plaza Hotel >>

NJV Athens Plaza Restaurant
 


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