Weaved into the olive grove-dotted rolling hills of the East Peloponnese, the resort is hyper-luxurious, catering for billionaires, the Beckhams (and now Stormzy and Maya Jama) and those in pursuit of nirvana.
A world-class spa, private pavilions (Aman don’t do hotel rooms here) and a secluded beach club provide the backdrop for an unbeatable escape.
Where is it?
Perched high in Porto Heli in mainland Greece with sweeping views across the Peloponnese and Aegean Sea. A two-and-a-half hour drive from Athens or a 20-minute ride on the resort chopper. The charming islands of Spetses and Hydra are a short ferry journey away.
Style
Along with (Amangiri in Utah where the likes of Hailey and Justin Bieber and the Kardashians post photos of themselves against the otherworldly backdrop), Amanzoe is the most famous of the Aman group’s pitch-perfect hotels.
Towering marble colonnades and an actual amphitheater give off more than a hint of Acropolis (in the glory years). Reflection pools appear to bleed seamlessly into the ocean, colours are serene and everywhere smells incredible. The palette is expensive neutrals.
Food & drink
Breakfast at The Restaurant is languid with views over the Aegean. The menu is vast with all the usual suspects served - most with a Greek twist. We loved the Tsoureki French Toast with pear jam and toasted almonds.
If you’re spending a lazy day at the beach club (highly recommended), lunch will be at the seafood restaurant. Grilled octopus is served alongside stuffed vine leaves or perhaps the orzo pasta with shrimp will do the trick after a busy morning of doing nothing on your sun lounger. Greek salads, moussakas and pizzas are all available.
Up at the pool restaurant you’ll have your pick of Mediterranean classics like Sea Bass Tiradito and Greek chickpea kebabs. Veggies are mostly sourced from the hotel’s garden. For a taste of home, there’s always the chicken club sandwich.
Things are further flung at dinner time where Japanese restaurant Nama is the hot ticket. ‘Nama’ means ‘raw’ and this sushi is as fresh as it gets. Don’t worry, there are hot dishes too.
Facilities
There are two ideal ways to pass the days at Amanzoe: either hop in the air conditioned shuttle down to the private beach club for icy rosé delivered to your sun lounger and refreshing dips in the Aegean Sea. Or book in at the world-leading spa to experience what Aman properties do best. The spa menu has everything from oxygen treatments to red carpet facials. The gym offers TRX, Bootcamps, HIIT, several types of yoga, meditation and Pilates. There is a LUX Tennis Academy where world-class and world-famous players host sessions. Previous champions have included Medvedev, Tsonga, Tsitsipas and Zverev. Throughout the summer season, Amanzoe also has a roster of impressive visiting practitioners.
There are also slick speedboats for island-hopping and two sublime swimming pools.
Extracurricular
There are plenty of nearby archaeological sites of interest including the Epidaurus Unesco-protected amphitheatre and the Sanctuary of Asklepios, which was a renowned healing centre of the ancient world - so basically the Aman of Ancient Greece. Ask for a private tour. But really, Amanzoe is a place to just be still.
Which room?
Villa 20 is the preserve of the ludicrously wealthy and discerning - but one can dream (or pool together with a group of monied friends). A design triumph by architects Ed Tuttle and Marios Angelopoulos, it sleeps 18 with one member of private staff for each guest. The majestic building blends into the olive grove-strewn countryside and comes with six pools, a private spa, Technogym, library and its own traditional taverna.
But really each type of accommodation at Amanzoe is extraordinary. They don’t do rooms, or even suites. Instead private pavilions, complete with pools and perfectly positioned to take advantage of the dreamscape views. Beds are gigantic, there are his ‘n’ her bathrooms and outside terraces are bigger than most London flats. You may never leave your pavilion.
There are four cabanas by the beach club, if waking up to the gently lapping ocean is your go-to holiday dream mode.
Best for…
Honeymoons and trips of a lifetime.
Details
Stays at Amanzoe start from $1,877.82 per pavilion per night, based on double occupancy and including taxes and daily breakfast for two; aman.com
