Sizzling stays and romantic retreats for loved-up newly-weds
Hot pink bougainvillea climbs up whitewashed walls, gin-clear waters lap honey-hued, horseshoe-shaped shores, and pastel-painted villas cling to rugged clifftops. The sun-soaked landscape of Greece oozes romance, with charming coves and enchanting beaches at every turn. The idyllic islands have long drawn honeymooners to relax and revel in the Aegean, but the recent scene of postponed ceremonies and micro weddings has given rise to the bigger-than-ever honeymoon. And where better to splash out than Greece? Here we handpick hotels with honeymoon suites you’ll want to hideaway in, where the sunsets are soul-stirring and the atmosphere breath-taking.
1. Panoptis Escape, Mykonos
From its exclusive, hilltop position, surrounded by the wild, natural sun-kissed beauty of Mykonos, Panoptis Escape is an island sanctuary which promises romance and relaxation in every sense. Think soft sea breezes, soul-affirming views, and mesmerising sunsets. Bask in the island’s peachy pink glow during a sunrise yoga session for two, gallop along the beach on horseback or set sail on a private yacht for wild swimming in remote coves and cook your freshly-caught fish in a bohemian-style barbecue as the sun sets over the waves. Return to your Honeymoon Retreat with an outdoor Jacuzzi or pergola-shaded, private pool to cool off in before tumbling into the king-size bed.
2. Bohème Hotel, Mykonos
A wonderfully laid-back ‘boho’ style runs throughout the crisp white, citrus-scented interiors of Bohème which houses just 20 sexy suites which command unbeatable views of the Aegean Sea from the pretty balconies and flower-filled terraces. Love birds are welcomed into a world of understated luxury with a glass of fragrant lemonade, homemade from fruit grown in the hotel’s walled herb garden. The Honeymoon Sea View Suite comes with its own outdoor Jacuzzi, so you can pad around in your super soft slippers and fluffy robes in between dips. Indulge in a couples’ massage overlooking the glittering sea and under the shade of rustic reed awnings, breathing in the healing powers of the landscaped gardens.
3. Canaves Oia Suites, Santorini
The pristine white suites at Canaves Oia Suites are carved into the cliffs and set into the dark volcanic rocks, with glittering private plunge pools and individual terraces. Minimalist and modern, whitewashed walls frame impossibly blue caldera views overlooking the Aegean Sea in spacious, open plan spaces designed with relaxation in mind. The Honeymoon Suite boasts its own plunge pool, along with an alfresco dining area for candlelit dinners under the stars. For a one-of-a-kind experience, the River Pool Suite brings the outside in, with a plunge Jacuzzi flowing into the bedroom creating a contemporary oasis for couples.
4. Canaves Oia Boutique Hotel, Santorini
Cut into the volcanic cliff face on the northwest tip of Santorini, Canaves Oia Boutique Hotel boasts some of the most romantic accommodation on the island, mixing traditional Cycladic architecture with contemporary furnishings. Spend your days beside the infinity pool, with the sea and sky stretching out before you. Or, for a truly luxurious way to explore Santorini, take a chartered cruise aboard the hotel’s private, fully crewed sailing yacht. Retreat to the private terrace of the freshly renovated Honeymoon Suite for sweeping caldera views.
5. White Coast Pool Suites, Milos
Named after the ethereal white rock formations on the resort’s privately owned waterfront nature preserve, White Coast Pool Suites is an adults-only boutique hotel where every spellbinding suite comes with an individual infinity pool overlooking the Aegean Sea. The recently opened hotel champions cubist, minimalist design where whitewashed walls melt into moonlike surroundings of ethereal Milos. Facing west, White Coast gives guests a front row seat to those famous Cycladic sunsets – wine and dine on island-inspired cocktails and catches-of-the-day from the coastline after romantic strolls along the lunar-like landscape of nearby Sarakiniko beach.
6. On The Rocks, Santorini
Perched on the cliffs over the deep blue of the Aegean, On The Rocks is all about living luxury on the edge. In an idyllic ‘out of the way’ spot in the pretty village of Imerovigli, the hotel is carved into the rocks high above the caldera basin where every room comes with volcano-facing views and access to the most romantic sunsets. Hideaway in the spacious Honeymoon Suite complete with its own hot tub, then head down to the poolside bar to sip signature cocktails as the sun sinks below the apricot-coloured horizon.
7. Summer Senses Luxury Resort, Paros
Just minutes from a beautiful beach, the fragrant gardens and elegant rooms of Summer Senses Luxury Resort overlook the sparkling Aegean Sea. Sink-into sunbeds line the outdoor pool of the Honeymoon Suite as the private Jacuzzi bubbles away, beckoning couples into a blissful Cycladean setting to call their own. Step aboard the resort’s luxurious sailboat to see more of Paros from the water, stopping for a beach picnic and dips in dinky coves. Tuck into Michelin-starred dishes beneath the Mediterranean stars at Galazia Hytra in collaboration with renowned Hytra Athens, before kicking back in the warm evening air at Irida lounge bar.
8. Cosmopolitan Suites, Santorini
The setting at Cosmopolitan Suites is undeniably romantic with an ambiance within the hotel to match. Nestled in the heart of Fira, this is a chic and sophisticated base from which to explore the postcard-worthy surroundings. The open-plan Cosmo Honeymoon Suite puts couples right on the cliff’s edge with dramatic caldera views from the veranda situated within touching distance of the picturesque pool area. Sign up to one of the hotel’s wine tasting sessions to get a true taste of Santorini, or enjoy an in-room massage for two to really unwind.
9. Mykonos Ammos Hotel, Mykonos
A pretty sugar cube property right on the powder white beach at Ornos, Mykonos Ammos Hotel is all about luxury barefoot living. The hotel is just steps away from the sand, where there’s a relaxed beach bar and rows of stylish sun loungers and nautical-striped umbrellas. The dreamy Honeymoon Suite crowns the upper floor and comes with its own large, sea-facing balcony plus a hot tub to soak in with a glass of chilled bubbly. Treat your loved one to a private toes-in-the-sand dinner on the beach, available on request.
10. Naxian Collection, Naxos
The Naxian Collection is a chic cluster of sugar-cube villas sitting prettily in cedar-scented gardens on the wild and windswept island of Naxos. There’s one very special villa that’s reserved for lovers – book the two-floor Honeymoon Villa for complete and utter privacy, which boasts its own pool, fully-fitted kitchen, and in-bedroom bathtub. This is the kind of place you could happily do very little at all, but if you fancy a foray, the treasures of Naxos town are a stone-skim away. The same goes for beautiful beaches, walking and horse-riding trails.