10 of the best Greek island hotels

It’s not hard to understand the enduring appeal of a Greek island getaway – powdery soft sands, picturesque white and blue villages, translucent seas and all that incredible food.

And with so many atolls to choose from (some 277), the good news is that there’s a sanctuary to suit everyone – whether you prefer a hillside retreat or a beachier aesthetic, we’ve got all the inspiration you need for your very own Greek odyssey.

The Rooster, Antiparos

Until now, tranquil Antiparos has been Greece’s best-kept secret. But word is out, thanks to The Rooster, a slow-living retreat comprised of 16 villas that blend seamlessly into a landscape of olive-trees, lavender and wild grasses, each with its own private pool. With no televisions in the rooms, this is a place to fully disconnect – there’s daily yoga at the House of Healing spa included in the room price to help you do just that. The rugged landscape slopes down to the crescent beach of Livadia, where you can enjoy a picnic basket packed by the affable staff, and the best sunset views on the island.

Price: rooms from about £580 a night; theroosterantiparos.com

Istoria, Santorini

Santorini has come to epitomise the ultimate Greek island paradise, and the beautiful boutique hotel Istoria is proof that it deserves such a reputation. Nestled on the south coast, just above a 3km stretch of soft black sand, the 12 rustic suites are decorated in a seductive mix of terracotta, wood and concrete, with marble-topped console tables and ceramic pendant lights. There’s a restaurant led by Noma alum Alexandros Tsiotinis, and an Ila spa; not to mention the longest infinity pool on the island, with super comfy loungers and a sunken bar for those daily Aperol spritz.

Price: rooms from about £570 a night; istoriahotel.gr

The Wild Hotel, Mykonos

From the team behind Mykonos’ beloved Interni restaurant, comes The Wild Hotel, set dramatically in a natural amphitheatre on cliffs overlooking Kalafati Beach. Each of the 40 white-walled suites and villas has been designed with the shapes and colours of traditional Greek architecture in mind. From the blonde-wood ceiling beams to the wicker chairs, and private pools with views across the Aegean Sea, these chic havens offer total tranquillity. Naturally, the food is delicious – enjoy classic Mediterranean dishes, including moussaka and stuffed vine leaves, with a contemporary twist.

Price: rooms from about £312 a night; thewildhotel.com

OKU, Kos

It’s easy to fall in love with OKU Hotel’s adults-only sanctuary in Kos (they also have a dreamy outpost in Ibiza). This is laidback luxury at its best – minimalist bohemian interiors, a glossy pool to float in, a private sandy beach, and a farm-to-fork menu of delights including homemade tzatziki and Aegean seabass with coriander and black olives. Junior swim-up suites are seriously spacious and decorated in neutral tones, with powerful waterfall showers in the bathroom, direct access to a pool (shared between one or two other rooms) and hammocks on the shady terrace – the perfect spot to curl up with a holiday read in the midday heat.

Price: rooms from about £191 a night; okuhotels.com

Verina Astra, Sifnos

Sifnos is one of the lesser-known destinations in the Cyclades but it’s certainly worthy of your attention. Stay at clifftop hideaway Verina Astra, where daily life is simple: wake to a glorious orange sunrise before making your way down to breakfast (think poached eggs with brioche and pancakes with walnuts and thyme honey). In the afternoons, some guests choose to laze by the saltwater infinity pool – Pantone-matched to just the right shade of Aegean blue – while more active visitors will enjoy the hotel’s access to some of the most scenic walking trails in Greece.

Price: rooms from about £207 a night; verinahotelsifnos.com

Naxian on the Beach, Naxos

A stone’s throw from the golden sands of Naxos, Naxian on the Beach is a breezy, laidback lair that invites you to kick off your shoes and forget about them for the entirety of your stay. The ten guestrooms are curated with local, natural materials and each one has an indoor or outdoor Jacuzzi, plus a terrace overlooking the sparkling water of the Aegean. Foodies will be extremely happy here – the Tortuga restaurant quite rightly focusses on fresh seafood, from perfectly grilled lobster to zingy ceviche, with dishes so good you’ll want to eat them twice over.

Price: rooms from about £180 a night; naxianonthebeach.com

Domes Zeen Chania, Crete

Part of The Luxury Collection’s excellent roster of hotels, Domes Zeen Chania is one of the most picturesque hotels in Crete, set in a tropical estate dotted with banana and palm trees. Although it’s tempting to stay cocooned in your room or bungalow, surrounded by light grey drapes, rattan furnishings and marble floors, don’t miss the chance to swim a few lengths in the sleek pool, or dine at Enino Gastronomy Restaurant, where there’s an excellent local wine list to match the Cretan-inspired food. If you want to venture further afield, the characterful old port town of Chania, one of the oldest settlements in the world, is within walking distance and well worth a visit.

Price: rooms from about £161 a night; domesresorts.com

Olea All Suite Hotel, Zakynthos

As the name suggests, all the 93 rooms at the Olea All Suite Hotel max out on space without compromising on style. The property marks a new era for hospitality on Zakynthos, Greece’s greenest island, with a modernist design led by the Athens and Stockholm-based practice Block722architects+ that nods to the area’s lush landscape. Alongside three restaurants and three bars, you’ll find a 4000sqm swimming pool, a yoga pavilion, a fully equipped gym and a fantastic spa offering relaxing treatments that make use of the local herbs and Ayurvedic techniques.

Price: rooms from about £371 a night; oleaallsuitehotel.com

Andronis Arcadia, Santorini

The newest addition to the Andronis family of hotels, Andronis Arcadia is an idyllic escape named after the mythical home of the god Pan, a place of natural harmony and enchantment. You’ll certainly feel more relaxed and balanced after a stay here, away from the crowded caldera-side of Santorini, with just the island’s unforgettable sunsets for company. At the heart of the hotel is a sizeable pool, lined with low-slung loungers and white, crocheted umbrellas, where DJs spin mellow beats and you can order tasty snacks including traditional mezze and sushi.

Price: rooms from £450 a night; andronis.com

Cali Mykonos

Privacy is key at the just opened Cali Mykonos, an ultraluxe Cycladic escape six years in the making, whose 40 minimalist villas overlook the deep, blue Aegean. By day, take a dip in the serene infinity pool or head to the hotel’s own secluded stretch of beach where you can lounge in peace from dusk till dawn. Nothing is too much to ask – they even offer a fleet of yachts and speed boats for rides into the Old Town or to explore remote atolls – and there’s gourmet cuisine to match from Greece’s first Michelin-starred chef, Lefteris Lazarou.

Price: rooms from about £1000 a night; calimykonos.com