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The Brand New Glamping Experience In Athens (That The Whole Family Will Love)

There’s a new way to stay in Athens: 91 Athens Riviera, the city’s first glamping experience, has just opened in the Greek capital and it’s a people pleaser – no matter the age. 

On the sandy suburbs of the Greek capital, Domes Resorts brings its playful side to the city with 91 Athens Riviera, where suburban glamour meets outdoor adventure in canvas-roofed cabanas, most with private plunge pools. 

Situated amongst the razzle-dazzle of the high-end Athens Riviera, this light-hearted take on luxury is an experience that adults and children will love equally.



The Vibe

91 Athens Riviera is a relaxed, barefoot luxury retreat. Children will love the fun, adventurous nature of it all – mornings building sandcastles on the beach, afternoons splashing in the pool, and nights spent ‘camping out’ under the stars. 

Adults will love the well-thought out design found in both the small touches – Marshall speakers and Assouline coffee table books in the rooms, for example – and in the larger ones, such as the fact it’s just a few steps from bed to breakfast, to beach, to pool, and back again. 

At just a 30-minute drive away, all of Athens awaits should you wish, but there’s really no need to leave the sumptuous resort space either. 


The Cabanas

Circling a lush, private garden with lake, 28 tented accommodations – known as cabanas here – offer a fun take on glamping. Ten of them are Family Cabanas with two bedrooms (the second room with twin beds), all have a private outdoor decking space, and 21 of them – including all of the Family Cabanas – come with a private plunge pool.

Forget any preconceptions of camping; cocooned inside your cabana you’ll find comfy king-sized beds, design-led soft furnishings, a 50-inch television, a Nespresso coffee machine, bathroom products by much-loved Naxos-based brand, The Naxos Apothecary, and a mini bar offering Greek brands including Nutree chocolate and Carpo nuts.

The best cabana in the house? No. six which has a pool and beach view from the twin room – although we can’t promise you won’t wake up to early-morning pleas to leave the room in favour of swimming.


The Food + Drink 

91 Athens Riviera brings an exciting new restaurant with it: iconic Paros-based Barbarossa has been around since 1987, and has selected the hotel for its fourth outpost (you’ll also find it in Bodrum and Cairo). While admittedly tailored more towards the see-and-be-seen crowd of the glitzy Athens Riviera, children are very welcome and staff are happy to make adjustments to their seafood-heavy, Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Simpler suppers such as chicken nuggets and chips are suggested in the kids’ menu, and are served with pencil-shaped cutlery and a colouring book to entertain. Swing by the sushi station to see the chef at work – it was enough to encourage our little guest to try the Japanese speciality for the very first time. 

Breakfast is also served at Barbarossa, and this is where it shines for younger guests (and let’s be honest, grown ups will love it too). Order the bread and pastry basket to start, overflowing with freshly baked rolls and sweet treats including croissants, cakes, waffles and pancakes, and accompanied by Greek honey, tahini and chocolate spread. The sizeable fruit platters will also be a hit, and à la carte options include cereal bowls, omelettes, and eggs and avocado. 

Pool and beach-side snacks – including large scoops of ice cream – are available all day, and the coffee, cocktail and soft-drinks truck stationed by the sea is a fun addition to a day spent splashing in the waves.


The Child’s Play

There’s no dedicated kids’ club, but who needs it when you have 70 kilometres of coastline to explore? With shallow waters, the beach trailing 91 Athens Riviera and its immediate neighbours is perhaps the most child-friendly in the area; it’s knee-height for adults for a good 50 metres out to sea. 

Beach facilities at 91 Athens Riviera are higher-end than most in the vicinity with soft sun-beds to sink into, plus lounger service and security on watch throughout the day. Directly next door is Saronic Ski Club, a water sports centre with all manner of activities, for all manner of ages: teenagers will love the high-adrenaline stakes of the donut rings, while younger children will have fun slipping down the slide of a pedalo. 

Back on dry land, tennis courts, a gym and the Soma Spa complete the hotel’s offering, sunrise or sunset yoga and Pilates sessions are scheduled to begin in early October, and there are well-kept public playgrounds nearby.


The To-Do List

While it’s easy to spend a few days within the resort, the lively, up-market Athenian suburb of Glyfada is on your doorstep. Visit to shop, dine or dance the night away with a chi-chi Greek crowd (babysitting services are available at the hotel). 

From the hotel beach, stroll past the water sports centre to find Athines By The Sea – a purpose-built seaside destination overflowing with beach bars, restaurants, boutique stores and nail bars.

Further east, the glorious coastline extends, but spend a morning at Lake Vouliagmeni – a stunning, natural, brakish lake carved into the cliffs and bound to be a hit with children. Or venture into historical Athens to visit the Acropolis, take a Greek-mythology tour, explore the creative street art or simply settle into an al fresco lunch of souvlaki, tzatziki, french fries and fresh salads at one of the many tavernas. Your coastal cabana awaits at the end of a fun-packed day.


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