Words by Jonathan Chambers
Experience the riches of Naxos in a setting of luxury and outstanding Greek hospitality. The Naxian Collection offers space and comfort while enabling guests to fully engage in authentic Cycladic life. This most characterful and versatile island teems with unique experiences and natural beauty: Exquisite beaches and dramatic hills are the backdrop, with cultural wonders at your fingertips. A stay at this eco-friendly property is full of lasting memories that will enrich the soul.
Hotel
The Naxian Collection is a cluster of private villas and suites that occupy a uniquely beautiful yet practical location on the easternmost spur of the island. Elevated above the surrounding properties, the guests can enjoy quiet refinement without sacrificing proximity to cultural sites and beachfront. Its position on a rocky outcrop is cleverly utilised to give beautiful views of the landscape on all sides while protecting from the winds that are renowned for lashing the island’s north-facing shores in colder months.
This eco-friendly property prides itself on maintaining a ‘green philosophy’ and the abundance of verdant garden space softens the impact of the villa buildings on the surroundings. Olive and cedar trees create natural divisions for the outdoor areas as well as refuge for native wildlife. Much of the fresh produce on the restaurant menu is sourced from the kitchen gardens when in season: A highlight being the irresistibly succulent figs, nourished by the ever-present sun and fertile soil. If sand and sea is more your priority, there is additionally a sister outpost, Naxian on the Beach, which is situated on a prime stretch of the popular Maragkas beach to the south.
Room
There is a range of private villas to choose from as well as a few suites. All look out onto modish private pools with outdoor lounge areas, sheltered and prime for capturing the sun’s rays. The more extravagant also come equipped with Jacuzzis. The villas are in typical Cycladic style: cubist in form with clean, modernist lines and painted all white.
Inside, the spaces have a minimal aesthetic but feel warm and welcoming due to the soft lighting and carefully matched materials. Particularly, the use of natural wood and bamboo throughout creates a unity between the outdoor landscape and the interiors, blending the structures more naturally into surrounding terrain. In contrast, the dark stone and hidden lighting in the bathrooms invoke a feeling of calm, and a sense of space and airiness is provided throughout by high ceilings.
Service and facilities
The hospitality and attentiveness of the staff is a standout quality. This affords guests the independence and privacy of a villa rental without compromising on the services offered by a luxury hotel. Most staff are local to the island and have special insight into its secrets: They will be able to arrange almost any island activity and will guide you through the ways to maximise your stay on Naxos.
There is an extensive breakfast buffet every morning served in the central lobby with its huge panoramic windows, or alternatively take your breakfast al fresco in the gardens. A favourite spot outside is at the huge rustic long table, where special memories are made over an intimate communal dinner. Gastronomy is a huge part of Naxian life and the hotel offers a range of cooking classes that share traditional knowledge and culinary techniques. In the evening, enjoy a glass from the wine cellar or the exhaustive collection of whiskys, amassed by the hotel’s owner and proudly on display in the main foyer.
To do
The Naxian Collection is located on the edge of Stelida, the main resort area and in walking distance to the exquisite beachfront, while only a short drive from the Naxos old town and port. A car is strongly recommended to explore with the greatest freedom. Naxos is the most varied of the Cycladic isles, which makes for a very complete trip. Needless to say there are abundant archaeological treasures, including classical temples and early Byzantine churches adorned with frescos, but it’s rare to find this sitting among such diverse natural beauty.
Sandy beaches sit alongside fertile plains which themselves give way to dramatic hills and mountains; the-thousand-metre tall peak, Mount Zeus, is a spectacular centrepiece. Each morning you can discover a new secluded beach with crystal blue water, then take in the majesty of the landscape with a mountain hike in the afternoon, and stop for dinner in the hilltop towns for a striking sunset. Naxos is also known as the gourmet capital of the Cyclades, with a rich tradition of authentic local cuisine. The island’s small airport is nearby as well as the ferry port and harbour – convenient for island hopping.
Factbox
The Naxian Collection is the ideal location for a refined island getaway full of variety. Villas start from £248 in low season with suites starting from £175.
Address: Naxian Collection, Stelida, Naxos 843 00, Greece
Phone: +30 22850 24300
Email: info@naxiancollection.com
Website: hotel.naxiancollection.com
