ADVERTORIAL • April 2019

The Greek treat that ticks all the boxes

Grecotel Cape Sounio in Attica on the Athenian Riviera offers seclusion, second-to-none serenity and sensational views of a fifth-century temple built to honour Poseidon, god of the sea. In search of our own Greek Odyssey, The Club heads out on a mythical minibreak at Grecotel Cape Sounio

Beachy keen

What better way to honour the god of the sea than with a sun-baked swim from one of the hotel’s two private beaches? Thankfully, nothing smacks of holiday relaxation more than a swim in the sea (followed by a sun lounger reading session with that book you now finally have time to read). The best bit? Free-of-charge umbrellas, showers, comfy sun beds, towels and changing cabins are available to all Grecotel Cape Sounio guests deciding between the beach or the hotel’s seawater and heated indoor pool.
Top tip: Beach time isn’t just for the day: full-moon parties and beach barbecues keep the fun going once the sun has set.

A welcome sight

The Temple of Poseidon is one of the most popular archaeological sites in all of Europe – and once its marbled white columns are first glimpsed, it’s not difficult to see why. Guests at Grecotel Cape Sounio can enjoy glorious views of this Ancient Greek wonder thanks to its lofty position directly across from the hotel. Fancy getting closer? Just a 12-minute drive away (or 30-minute hike), arrive at the temple for sunrise or sunset to discover the same beauty that so awed English poet Lord Byron, he carved his name on one of the columns.
Top tip: You can find remnants of the temple’s marble sculptures displayed at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens (€5 admission).

Secluded spot

Grecotel Cape Sounio is set within a private estate on the edge of Sounio National Park, a 380-acre forest and popular day trip for nature lovers staying in Athens. The hotel, alive with bougainvillea and jasmine, is not only influenced by its rustic neighbour, but by the aforementioned temple, with Doric columns standing tall throughout the property and an amphitheatre-style design – all the better for admiring that view. The 150 ultra-luxurious bungalows and villas all have views over the pool, gardens, the lagoon or the sea – so every guest is a winner, wherever they’re staying.
Top tip: To get fully acquainted with your luxury lodgings, all guests have the option to make a special request for a tour of the hotel, meaning no stone goes unturned.

Pole position

Situated on Greece’s Mythical Cape on the Athenian Riviera, a stay at Grecotel Cape Sounio offers all the charms of the ancient world: picture-perfect seas, white-sand beaches, spellbinding ruins and more. Meanwhile, the ultra-glam Athenian Riviera enjoys a thriving reputation for modern restaurants, night clubs, boutique shopping and more. For sporty travellers, take advantage of the area’s watersports opportunities - everything from wreck-diving to moonlit sailing is up for grabs.
Top tip: If the Temple of Poseidon hasn’t sated your desire for awe-inspiring sites, the Acropolis – Athens’ ancient citadel – is just over an hour’s drive away.

Dine in

From Greek and international offerings at the chic Cape Sounio Restaurant to Asian fusion dining at So Oriental, the hotel’s five restaurants have every food mood covered. Celebrate date night at The Restaurant – the spot up on the rooftop terrace for fine-dining delights such as seabass ceviche and homemade pappardelle. Yali, on the waterfront, is a more informal affair – although the fresh seafood is anything but casual. For a laid-back lunch, the Aegean Grill, Poolside Grill Restaurant & Bar is hard to beat.
Top tip: Kids won’t be complaining of hunger here, thanks to Tasty Corner – a selection of complimentary buffets offering scrummy snacks for three to 12-year-olds from midday to 5pm.

Rest assured

Every pillar of true relaxation is covered at Grecotel Cape Sounio – including its magnificent spa. The Elixir Spa Retreat is a massive 350sqm complex set within the 5,000sqm of landscaped gardens and enchanting forest. Naturally, views of the Temple of Poseidon extend here, too. A range of natural therapies are on offer, based on hand-picked Greek herbs and flowers, along with traditional Ayurvedic treatments that concentrate on the mental, physical and spiritual harmony of each guest. For those who are feeling energetic there’s also a state-of-the-art fitness room, which comes complete with Technogym cardio fitness equipment.
Top tip: Lovebirds should opt for the Love Potion – a romantic treatment that follows up a couple’s massage (using aphrodisiac essential oils) with a rosewater-scented sponge wash.

British Airways flies direct to Athens from Heathrow, up to four times a day. To book your flights and stay at Grecotel Cape Sounio click here

Have an opinion on The Club that you’d like to share? Let us know

This article has been tagged Advertorial, Hotels