Away from the glaring lights of central Athens is a stretch of coastline with beach side bistros, yacht filled marinas, and tanned bodies taking dips in secluded coves.
This is the Athens Riviera and its most tony area is Vouliagmeni, known for its sea viewing mansions, condos and beach homes. That’s where you’ll find Somewhere Boutique Hotel Vouliagmeni, an exclusive boutique hotel and excellent place to get away from it all.
Vouliagmeni is Greece’s version of St Tropez where Athens’ elite go to play and stay by the sea. Nearby there are bistros with large white canvas umbrellas, great seafood restaurants, and plenty of beach clubs with a string of convertibles parked out front.
The boutique hotel is perfect for a week long or weekend getaway and also makes a perfect break for those vacationing in Athens. Guests can expect a stress free relaxed and laid back type of stay with friendly and personalized service from the staff.
This is an exclusive boutique hotel with only 11 rooms and suites and really does have a home away from home feeling about it. You’ll never feel like just another room key there. The hotel is private and secluded which is why the penthouse is a favourite place for visiting celebrities from Athens.
Guests will find that the hotel has a sophisticated yet warm décor with comfortable outdoor spaces with contemporary furnishings perfect for having a snack or a cocktail.
There is a communal living area with a fireplace, large screen television for watching sports or having a drink at the adjacent bar. The pool area is sublime with a good size and ample lounge chairs situated on soft grass ready for barefoot steps.
The suites are exactly what you’d desire in for a holiday in the Athens Riviera. All the 11 exclusive rooms and suites have wide terraces with a day bed and sweeping views of the sea, garden or pool area.
Indoors is tastefully decorated with light wood paneling, neutral colours, chic furnishings and the latest in high tech electronics. The Junior Suite is generously sized at 375 square feet and features a separate sitting area.
On the rooftop sits the penthouse with multiple terraces and sweeping views of the coast. There’s also a sunken Jacuzzi pool and outdoor living space with couches and dining area.
The dining experience is exquisite at their Mediterranean Restaurant, Lutetia Bistro. The chef behind each dish is Thanos Stathoulia, who creates flavourful dishes with fresh high quality ingredients.
Do try the Black Angus Tartare Fillet with raisins, caper and spring onions; on the side, Aubergine & yoghurt salad, poached egg yolk and homemade BBQ sauce.
Expect a first rate breakfast with an ample buffet of Mediterranean dishes and eggs ordered your way. Room service is available 24 hours a day and you can pretty much dine where you wish by the pool or lounge area, the friendly staff is always ready to accommodate.
Should guests choose to leave the respite of Somewhere Vouliagmeni there is plenty to do and enjoy in the area. A short distance from the hotel are two pine tree covered peninsulas with popular beach front areas that line the bay.
There are marinas as well as several upscale restaurants, taverns, waterfront walking areas and beach clubs. Astir Beach is the most exclusive beach club in the area with plenty of lounge chairs and facilities as well as cocktail and food service.
Also nearby is the suburbs namesake, the Vouliagmeni Lake. This is an unusual geological formation and a must see destination when travelling to the area. It is a cavernous lake of clear blue brackish water surrounded by porous coral like rock formations and a stunning and naturally beautiful sight to behold.
The lake is known for its healing and restorative properties and has been a place where worn out bodies have flocked for hundreds of years. Today it’s the place for visitors from around the world who come for a day of lounging and sun bathing in between dipping and swimming around the lake.
Another must see while in the area is Poseidon’s Temple. About a half hour away at Cape Sounion on a bluff overlooking the Aegean sea still stands the temple to the god of the sea built 2500 years ago in 445 BC.
The staff at the hotel is able to arrange for this worthwhile excursion. After exploring the temple and grounds you’ll want to stick around for the mesmerizing sunset over the Aegean Sea, watching the sun descend as the colours of the sky change from orange, then purple to magenta. It is the perfect place for romantic couples to visit before heading back to the hotel.
Somewhere Vouliagmeni is not a massive hotel with a disco or a promenade of luxury shops. For the guest who is looking for that, it is not here.
What the Somewhere Boutique Hotel Vouliagmeni is, is an intimate boutique hotel offering privacy and seclusion with a warm staff, and a relaxed luxury that just happens to be close to all that the Athens Riviera has to offer.
Address: Agiou Panteleimonos, Vouliagmeni 166 71, Greece
Phone: +30 21 0967 0000
