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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

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: Five Star Alliance

Porto Zante Villas an Spa
Porto Zante Villas and Spa is a private Greek getaway perfect for blissing out and relaxing. But, if you prefer your vacations with a little more adventure, here are some suggestions for things to do during your stay.

Navagio Beach
Sometimes referred to as Smugglers’ Cove, Navagio Beach is one of the most popular attractions in Greece, with crystal-clear waters and the shipwreck of a notorious Greek smuggler ship. One of the best beaches in the world (as chosen by Condé Nast Traveler) awaits you only 20 minutes away from your villa by private speedboat or motor yacht. 

Blue Caves
A succession of caves reflecting the striking deep azure color of the sea, the Blue Caves invite you to admire their wild beauty and dive in their marvelous waters.

Caretta-Caretta Turtles
Visit Marathonisi Island, home to the endangered species Caretta-Caretta, and swim side by side with these beautiful creatures. Protected by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, it is an absolute must-see is only 20 minutes away from your villa by private speedboat or motor yacht.

Dafni beach
Under the protection of the National Marine Park, Dafni beach is one of the most important turtle nesting beaches in Greece. Ideal for those looking for a secluded spot to relax and swim.

Kefallonia
Treat yourself to a private cruise with the resort's private speedboat, motor yacht, or sailing yacht. 30 minutes is all you need to reach Kefallonia, the biggest island of the Ionian Sea.

Bochali
Astonishing views of the capital of Zakynthos and other parts of the island, the Castle and the church of Virgin Mary of Chrysopigi, along with the traditional architecture and aristocratic allure, will make Bochali one of your favourite spots on the island.

Book your stay at Porto Zante Villas and Spa >>


| By: K. Clare Johnson

 

Contemplating a villa getaway to Greece? May we suggest a stay at Porto Zante Villas and Spa

Porto Zante Villas and Spa, located on a beautiful sandy beach on the island of Zakynthos, combines the privacy & space of world class luxury villas with the amenities and services of a leading five star hotel. This intimate boutique hotel is comprised of award-winning villas right on the beach, all with private heated pools. Each of the luxury villas offers privacy and splendid views of the nearby island of Kefalonia, the Peloponnese peninsula, and the endless crystal blue Ionian Sea.

Here are a few villa options:

-The One-bedroom Deluxe Spa (85 m²), located on the beachfront, has a private heated swimming pool. It is comprised of a large master bedroom with a king size bed and an open plan living area with a Kitchenette. There's also a separate additional living room with a sofa bed, and a desk with a personal computer. The large en-suite bathroom is lined with Dionysian antique marble and features a Jacuzzi bath tub and separate shower cabin with hydro-jet devices.

-Taking the family with you? Try the The Presidential Spa Villa, also located on the beachfront. This 2-Bedroom luxury villa (170 m²)  has panoramic glass doors that lead out to a private deck which has direct access to a private swimming pool and a beautifully landscaped garden with sun beds, teak garden furniture, and dining area. This luxury villa consists of an entrance hall, two master bedrooms with king size beds, two en-suite marble lined bathrooms featuring a Jacuzzi bath tub and separate shower cabin with hydro-jet devices, walk-in dressing rooms, a luxuriously decorated living & dining area, a desk with a PC, and a small kitchen.

-Taking all your friends with you? Consider the Imperial Spa Villa, which sleeps 8-12 people.  It's perfect for those who want to rent a private estate with its own private area on the beach and large tropical gardens. The Imperial Spa Villa, offers a private area on the beach with personal sun beds & umbrella. It is a 4-Bedroom luxury villa (420 m²) with a private heated swimming pool and an outdoor Spa pool. The villa’s private estate entrance & gated back yard  makes for the ultimate in privacy & security. This luxury villa consists of an entrance hall, four master bedrooms with king size beds, four en-suite antique Dionysian marble lined bathrooms featuring a Jacuzzi bath tub and separate shower cabins with hydro-jet devices, large walk-in dressing rooms, a luxuriously decorated living & dining area with a fireplace, a desk with a PC, and a large fully equipped kitchen.

Guests at Porto Zante Villas experience an exceptional level of personal service, away from the stress of large impersonal hotels.  If the private pools and beaches aren't enough, guests can choose from a number of activities during their stay, from scuba diving & snorkeling to a spa treatment and private in-villa dining. 

See rates, details, and more photos of Porto Zante Villas and Spa >>

 


| By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Porto Zante

Turquoise water, crescent-shaped beaches, a perfect Mediterranean climate... Paradise found in the Greek Isles. Porto Zante Villas and Spa is located on the island of Zakynthos, the third largest of the Ionian Islands, just west of the Greek mainland. Its contemporary-style villas-- some equipped with private pools-- all face the sea, and boast dreamy amenities (like Bulgari bath products and Valentino robes). No wonder this place is frequently named one of the "best hideaways" in the Greek isles.

Porto Zante