DESTINATIONS WHAT’S NEW | GREECE & CYPRUS exper expert ASK THE


Noel Josephides, chairman, Sunvil


“As Greece and Cyprus grow in popularity, Sunvil


remains true to its ‘Find the Real Country’ ethos, with a focus on lesser-known islands and areas. New for 2024 is the island of Kéa, just one hour by ferry from


The all-villa One&Only Kéa Island, which will feature a Guerlain spa, opens in May PICTURE: Rupert Pearce


first five-star hotel: the design-led Gundari will comprise 27 villas and suites built from local materials, a restaurant with a Michelin-starred chef and a wellness programme that takes its inspiration from ancient Greek medicinal rituals. While the arid, hilly landscapes of southern Greece are appealing, luxury lovers should not neglect the country’s verdant north. This spring, Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection brand Zoëtry will open its second European outpost, in western Halkidiki, within a stone’s throw of Mount Olympus and a short glass-sided lift ride from the blue-hued beach.


Louis Hotels, meanwhile, is expanding in the cypress-covered hills of Zante. The adult-only King Jason Zante, opening on June 1, is a grown-up water park, with overwater bungalows atop a stunning infinity pool, six swim-up pools, 12 private pool suites and even a hydrotherapy pool in the hammam-style spa. The group is also welcoming a new hotel in Paphos, Cyprus. Cali


travelweekly.co.uk


33While the arid, hilly landscapes of southern Greece are appealing, luxury lovers should not neglect the verdant north


Resort will open at the start of the summer season, just 300 metres from Coral Bay, the island’s most famous stretch of sand. Independent hotels and new holiday homes are also in abundance this year, particularly in lesser-known areas that can


offer clients a true taste of Greek filoxenia (hospitality).


CV Villas has added the family- oriented Villa Amalia on little Paxos to its sizeable Greek roster, while close to the Byzantine walled town of Monemvasia in the Peloponnese, independent boho-chic Quattro Suites is set to open in March.


TRENDING TOURS Walking on ancient paths through olive groves or sailing into the sunset on board a small ship – an escorted tour makes this kind of Hellenic magic a little more accessible. Intrepid Travel’s eight-day


Greece Sailing Adventure, breezing through the Ionian Sea from Corfu to Kefalonia, lets guests explore the region on an eight-person yacht. Setting out from the 15th-century Venetian harbour at Corfu Town, clients can learn how to sail with a team of local sailors as they journey south. This new itinerary also offers the chance to explore private Ionian islands that other cruise operators pass by, such as glamorous Skorpios and goat-filled Atokos. On Greece’s southernmost island, Jules Verne’s new Walking in Crete tour launches in April – then resumes operations in October, to beat the summer heat. From a base in the historic city of Chania, this seven-night romp reveals the mountainous interior of Greece’s largest island, pays a visit to a


² 25 JANUARY 2024 81


Athens, and increased choice of flexible island-hopping itineraries taking in the


more remote islands of the Dodecanese and Cyclades. We find more clients are looking for an escape from


the stresses of modern life – a ‘back to basics’ holiday of simple pleasures, great food and warm hospitality, all of which Greece and Cyprus deliver with aplomb.”


top top tiip


Greece is introducing a daily climate tax that guests pay at their accommodation. Rates


are based on a property’s star rating and the time of year: from €0.5 to €4 per night from


November to February and €1.50 to €10 from March to October.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96