A global brand with 11 beach clubs and five resorts, Nikki Beach is internationally synonymous with indulgence and hedonism. Established in 1998 in memory of Jack Penrod’s daughter Nicole, Nikki Beach has a well-earned reputation as the pinnacle of luxury beach clubs. Their perfectly apt tagline, ‘celebration of life’ fuses art, fashion, and music neatly into iconic venues and blissful memories. The theme is understated luxury. Think soft pines and aquatic hues, contrasting crisp whites, plus a smattering of teepees (aka the Nikki Beach logo).
This year, they celebrate 25 years of barefoot escapism across their 13 coveted destinations. To celebrate, we headed to the Aegean to visit Porto Heli and Santorini.
Nikki Beach Resort and Spa Porto Heli
Tucked away on the so-called ‘Greek Riviera’, Nikki Beach Resort and Spa Porto Heli offers absolute seclusion and relaxation amid uninterrupted views of the dramatic Peloponnese coastline. The property sweeps invitingly up wide white steps to a gloriously spacious open-plan foyer which, in turn, spills out to the dining area (inside and outside seating options), and down to the pool area.
On which note: the pool. Infinity, crystal blue, hugged by achingly on-brand white day beds and parasols. Informal groupings of sofas and cabanas sporadically wind their way across the vast decking, while half-submerged single loungers and bar stools surround the swim-up bar.
There is a feel of time standing still at Nikki Beach Resort and Spa Porto Heli. Days are spent wistfully drifting between meal-times and spa treatments, either inside the decedent spa or on the sand in specifically appointed cabanas. These lazy daytimes are significantly more chilled than the resort-less Nikki Beach Clubs, lending themselves to strolls on the beach and the occasional paddleboard drift from the jetty. Staff – clad in signature Nikki Beach khaki and white – are attentive but not invasive.
Food at Nikki Beach Resort and Spa Porto Heli follows a similar pattern to their other properties – bountiful, fresh, and with influence from the local cuisine. Lunch can be taken on the shaded decking or poolside, featuring global favourites like the Dragon sushi boat and Sexy Salad, as well as classic Greek dishes – think tzatziki, mezze boards, and olives of just about every variety.
Evenings are generally spent on the exquisitely appointed rooftop at Qurio, a diverse drinking and dining concept headed up by two Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Bignon. Perfect for both dinner a deux or larger groups, the menu is a take on tapas and is very much designed for sharing. DJs serenade the setting sun and long into the night.
Rooms are exceptionally spacious, complete with balconies and some with an enticingly named ‘water feature’. The exact nature of this varies room-to-room, but it can be anything from a large bath to a hot tub or private pool.
Factbox
Nikki Beach Resort and Spa Porto Heli is approximately a three-hour drive from Athens airport. Rooms start at €170.
Address: Epar.Od. Porto Cheli – Kosta, Porto Cheli 210 61, Greece
Phone: +30 2754 098500
Website: porto-heli.nikkibeach.com
Nikki Beach Resort and Spa Santorini
Blissfully close to Santorini airport, Nikki Beach Resort and Spa Santorini is a sprawling beachfront resort on the south-east coast of the island. Waves lapping at the Monolithos beach shoreline makes an idyllic contrast with the stark white backdrop of the property – since Santorini is a volcanic island, the sand is naturally black.
Rooms meander around the resort in two-story blocks, with an eclectic map of pathways, sporadic palm trees, and classic Santorini-style staircases to signpost the route home.
Days start lazily drifting between pool and beach via the wooden walkway, before the pool-party kicks off at 11am. Post-breakfast, guests assemble on luxuriously large daybeds, the DJ starts, and the resort enjoys a gradual crescendo to party. Bringing an exceptional energy to the island, Nikki Beach Resort and Spa Santorini has an infectiously lively, playful vibe.
Meals at Nikki Beach are taken at either Café Nikki, Escape, or poolside. The carefully curated menus herald fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with references to local favourites like souvlaki and galaktoboureko rolls. Shisha and cigars are available on request, and – naturally – everything is fuelled by signature cocktails and juices. Frozen pina colada jugs are a must-try – if only to marvel at how perfectly Nikki Beach blue they are.
With just 62 rooms and suites, Nikki Beach Resort and Spa Santorini has the intimate, personable feeling of a boutique hotel, but with the amenities of a much larger property. The Tone Gym is impressively well-equipped, the pool is Olympic-sized, and guests have access to the sprawling spa. Rooms are exceptionally large, each with their own lighting system that guests can manipulate to suit their mood.
In typical Nikki Beach style, the resort fuses on-brand boho chic with references to its natural surroundings and local materials – like the hair and nail salon, which is nestled away in an original windmill structure.
Factbox
Nikki Beach Resort and Spa Santorini is approximately a ten-minute drive from Santorini airport. Rooms start €360.
Address: Unnamed Road, Ag. Paraskevi 847 00, Greece
Phone: +30 2286 037093
Website: santorini.nikkibeach.com
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