“Over there, that’s the Temple of Poseidon,” our driver exclaims, as he swings our car around a bend during the 45-minute journey from the centre of Athens to Grecotel Cape Sounio, located on the tip of the Athens Riviera.
Glancing into the distance we see the imposing structure he’s referring to: an ancient edifice – built between 444 and 440 BCE and dedicated to Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea – towering on a hilltop, overlooking the stretching waters of the Aegean.
This iconic temple view will be yours throughout your stay at the hotel, a luxury five-star property within an archaeological site. Whether enjoying a moonlit dinner, a peaceful day on a sun lounger, or simply from your bedroom, the ubiquitous temple will be glistening in the distance.
The Vibe
Designed like a traditional village, Grecotel Cape Sounio is dotted across hilly grounds, with buildings seemingly carved into the landscape. Winding trails connect pine-tree clad accommodations to the main building, restaurants, and other common areas. Sliding doors in the lobby are often left open on arrival, inviting guests to waltz through, onto a comfy chair on the terrace with welcome drinks at the ready. The resort’s design reflects traditional Greek architecture with columnar structures and honeyed tones, while touches of dark metal and brass in the furniture give a rustic but modern feel.
The Rooms
Guests are spoilt for choice with a selection of luxury bungalows, suites, and villas arranged like an amphitheatre across the resort. Our Premier Bungalow came with a living and dining area as well as a private pool, perfect for a mid-afternoon dip to cool down after a morning spent basking in the Greek sun. Bathroom amenities are the hotel’s own, made with natural ingredients by local artisans. But the pièce de résistance? Views of the temple from our window every evening before bed.
The Food + Drink
Food is a highlight here, with fresh seafood and tantalising Mediterranean flavours at every turn. The resort has four restaurants, each offering a different take on local specialties. The main restaurant, run by executive chef Sakis Tzanetos, is a fine-dining retreat with impeccable views to boot. Its velvety celeriac soup comes with a perfectly-grilled shrimp, whilst lime and truffle bring an exciting twist to the kritharoto lobster pasta. Cape Sounio Restaurant serves Greek and international dishes, and casual lunches are best experienced at the Aegean Grill by the pool. For a truly special experience, head to Yali, a magical, floating restaurant where you can enjoy the catch of the day as the sea breeze whips through your hair. The resort’s three bars allow you to sip your tipples al fresco. For Greek specialties, try Santorini’s traditional Nykteri wine from the Santo vineyard.
The Little Extras
At a large main pool attentive servers offer slices of juicy watermelon, while two private beaches are idyllic spots to lounge away a few hours. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Sounio is known for calm waters; they hum in the background as you flip through the pages of your latest summer read. A simple beach menu is available for light bites, along with a full drinks list of wines, cocktails, beers, and smoothies. The concierge service is available 24/7 either by phone or WhatsApp for restaurant bookings, or anything else you may need.
The To-Do List
After spending a few days in its lingering gaze, there’s no doubt you’ll want to go and see the historic temple up close. Should you choose to stretch your legs, it’s about a 40-minute walk from the hotel, or you can book a car for the five-minute drive. A favourite of Athenian day trippers, visit just before sundown for some of the best sunset views in the area: a sense of calm overcomes the crowd as the fluorescent rays of the sun succumb to the horizon and bathe the sky in an orange and pink haze. The hotel organises lots of on-site and nearby activities, and the Athens Riviera itself has plenty of spots to explore, including high-end Glyfada for shopping and restaurant hopping, or the numerous beaches stretching along its coastline.
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