As summer reaches full swing, lazy days spent sipping cocktails poolside or beachside are top of mind.
Nikki Beach, with two locations in Greece – one just a short drive from the country’s capital, Athens – offers an opportunity to soak up the Greek sun in style.
The Story of Nikki Beach
Nikki Beach is the pioneer of sleek beach clubs. The now well-known clubs began in 1998 as a butterfly garden and café in Miami Beach, Florida, created by Jack Penrod to celebrate the life of his daughter, Nicole Penrod, who tragically passed away at the age of 18. It was an homage to his daughter’s favourite things, including butterflies, orchids and sunflowers.
Despite global expansion, the brand’s 11 beach clubs and five resorts worldwide still pay homage to Nicole’s spirit and the philosophy of ‘celebrating life.’ Whether guests seek high-energy experiences such as dancing all day at the beach club, or more tranquil escapes such as relaxing on a cosy day bed, Nikki Beach has something to offer.
As it enters its 25th year, the barefoot luxury aesthetic continues to captivate guests all over the world. And Nikki Beach Greece – like in Thailand, the UAE and Montenegro – is more than a beach club, though that exists too; it’s a resort that invites you to stay a few nights, to indulge in spa treatments and to join in with outdoor activities.
With two Greek locations: in upmarket Porto Heli and much-loved Santorini, Nikki Beach is an ideal choice for a two-way Greek getaway this year.
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Porto Heli
In the Greek Peloponnese region, just a couple of hour’s drive from Athens, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Porto Heli beckons travellers seeking to explore more than the country’s islands. Set in an area with a fascinating history, charming towns, and more than its fair share of untouched beaches, you’d be wise to take heed.
Porto Heli is one of the more upmarket areas on the Greek mainland and Nikki Beach Porto Heli – the first Nikki Beach resort in Europe – spans 8,000 square meters and is a testament to refined luxury. With 66 modern hotel rooms and suites that feature private terraces, open-air jacuzzis and private pools, this is a sanctuary of both comfort and style.
At the beach club, sink into in-pool lounge chairs, catch some rays on plush, white, poolside sunbeds, or enjoy a cocktail or two at the swim-up bar. On the pristine beach, rows of daybeds line the coast, inviting guests to unwind and soak up the sun. No matter which option you choose, expect impressive entertainment in the form of live musicians and a lineup of guest and resident DJs – each filling the air with hot beats creating an unforgettable atmosphere and a vibrant energy.
But here, as a resort plus beach club there’s more. During the day, take to the crystal-clear waters by paddle-board, join the outdoor yoga class overlooking the coast, or unwind with relaxing spa treatments. For those seeking to venture further, the resort organises water taxis to the nearby islands of Hydra and Spetses. Between 15 and 30 minutes away, these car-free islands offer a captivating escape filled with rich history, scenic beauty, vibrant culture, and greek salads a-plenty.
But you don’t have to venture out for good food. The beach club restaurant offers coastal cuisine, served either in the restaurant or directly to your daybed while QURIO, is an ideal place to make a booking as the sun begins its descent. Expect an elevated and sophisticated culinary journey under the stars; the seafood-rich menu is curated by acclaimed chef, Arnaud Bignon, and sets the stage for a memorable evening.
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini
On Santorini’s eastern coast, the opposite side of the island to the famous (and famously busy) Caldera, Nikki Beach Santorini is built in keeping with the traditional style of the island, and offers a refreshing take on its beauty. Boasting views of the island’s volcanic beaches, their black-grey sands contrasting with the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea, it’s ideally situated for exploring small neighbouring villages.
From the moment you arrive at the resort, the unique feel of the island embraces you. The sight of the gleaming domes in a refreshing palette of whites and blues is spectacular, and the gentle caress of the Mediterranean breeze envelops you, inviting you to stop, relax, and stay a while. With 62 spacious rooms and suites – half with an outdoor jacuzzi or private pool – this is a place to savour your morning coffee or a glass of local wine.
While the Caldera rightfully beckons, the resort offers an easy way of life. Start your day with an invigorating yoga session on the rooftop, where the panoramic view offers a front-row seat to nature’s daily masterpiece; the sunrise painting the sky in hues of gold and pink. Follow it with a curated à la carte breakfast of freshly-baked pastries and local delicacies before sushi at the beach club restaurant to set the tone for a day of relaxation.
Time can easily be whiled away poolside with plush sunbeds, a swim-up bar and coastal cuisine on hand, alongside a serving of live musicians and resident DJs. But if you can tear yourself away, it’s worth the trip to nearby Monolithos Beach. Less crowded than other island beaches, this is an ideal spot for those travelling with children thanks to its shallow waters.
No matter which Nikki Beach Greece location you opt for, you’ll find a space blending elements of traditional Greek culture and lifestyle with the well-known and well-loved upbeat vibes of Nikki Beach, alongside an inviting place to stay and savour it all.
Our recommendations: make it a two-way holiday with a few days at both.
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