Amanzoe, is an enclave of luxury, style and elegant relaxation, nestled in the hills of Greece’s hottest new destination, Porto Heli.
Greece may be on an economic precipice, however in Porto Heli there was little sign of a country teetering on the brink. Without an airport nearby, the small fishing village favoured by Greek shipping moguls, tycoons, celebrities and European royals is only accessible via chauffeur driven car, yacht, or the favoured mode of transport, helicopter. It is said that there are dozens of private heli pads in and amongst the numerous multi-million Euro private compounds of Porto Heli’s most illustrious residents, so naturally, Amanzoe had to have one as well.
Known as the ‘Greek Hampton’s’, the redevelopment of Porto Heli is an exciting, extravagant project currently underway, and the Amanzoe is the jewel in the crown. Dolphin Capital, a Greek backed real estate investment company, has pumped hundreds of millions of dollars into the regeneration of this small town. Sitting pretty two hours outside of Athens, its a quick trip from the capital, and for the first time, is now being opened up to a clientele beyond its traditional local elite.
A coastal enclave for the glitterati and an area more known for privacy and sedateness than raucous partying, the Aman is a few minutes outside of the town in the hills, in its own secluded compound. Arriving in its impressive driveway, I was greeted by warm and friendly staff, ushered into their gorgeous courtyard, and fawned upon. To say that the property isn’t a triumph of architecture would be an understatement. The hotel manages to blend imperceptibly and beautifully with the natural surroundings, using locally sourced marbles and stone, elegantly fusing both traditional Greek styling with a modern ‘zen’ like ambiance that is common throughout the Aman group. Staff were proud to show off that they had a number of ‘Aman-junkies’ staying with them- by that they mean ultra-high-net-worth-travellers that bounce around the world from one Aman to the next. With suites upwards of a thousand Euros a night, staying here doesn’t come cheap, but then when you get to do yoga in a private amphitheatre with your own instructor at sunrise and sunset, overlooking the rolling hills long into the distance, you really do get what you pay for.
The suites are individual, secluded, and offer a couple an almost dreamlike stay. With a sunken bath, private plunge pool and mesmerising views, the decor continues the Aman feel whilst paying homage to its host country. The mediterranean romance is almost enchanting, however what was most surprising is that the hotel not only caters for couples but for families too, with children’s facilities such as a separate kiddies pool to ensure whether for a family trip or sensual getaway, the Aman has it covered.
If this all sounds too sedate and calming, excitement is only a few minutes away, where the new
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, Porto Heli sits in the bay of Porto Heli. If the Aman is all marble and zen, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, Porto Heli is plush white leather day beds, cool beats and young, beautiful people, and offers the perfect compliment to the Aman, where daytime revelry or nighttime naughtiness can be had if the indulgent romance of the Aman gets too much. With sushi boats, magnums of rosé and guest dj’s, be it by the pool or on the awesome rooftop bar, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, Porto Heli provides plenty of fun in the sun. If the sea is your passion, head to Spetses, a wonderfully charming island a few minutes away from Porto Heli, where you can eat, relax, or if your feeling adventurous, rent a quad-bike and drive around the island, through pine forests and along the coast.
By the end of the weekend, I couldn’t believe how unspoilt, uncrowded and varied this hidden gem of a destination was. Porto Heli is Greece’s newest destination, and for a weekend away, may just be your next European adventure.
Inspired by the nourishing skin properties of the rose, Laura Mercier has launched two new products in her Flawless Skin range. This new collection, Infusion de Rose, includes the Infusion de Rose Nourishing Oil and Infusion de Rose Nourishing Créme, a comforting skincare duo that infuses the skin with a restorative blend oils and nutrients to hydrate, balance, and protect. With a rich, nourishing blend of Rosehip Seed Oil, Safflower Oil, Vitamin E and Macademia Seed Oil, the Infusion de Rose oil works on balancing and hydrating the skin, strengthening the moisture barrier, and protecting and comforting skin from any outside aggressors. This multipurpose oil can also be used to nourish cuticles, tame any flyaway hair and nourish dry ends, and StyleNest have also been keeping it on hand to help calm and repair any sun damaged skin. The Infusion de Rose cream not only includes moisturising extracts of mango and Shea Butter, but also a powerful Vitamin Complex, which includes Vitamin E, Beta Carotene, Carrot Root Extract, Soybean Oil and Tocopherol, to feed the skin with antioxidants and help prevent against premature ageing. The duo can be used together both morning and night, and a drop of the oil can be added to your usual moisturiser to give skin an extra boost of hydration. Both oil and cream are super light, absorb quickly into the skin, and hydrate without any heaviness, making the duo perfect for use all year round to achieve a radiant, flawless complexion. Infusion de Rose is available now from Laura Mercier counters nationwide. Amanzoe Pavillion Amanzoe Pool Amanzoe General Luxx Room Nikki Beach Club Nikki Beach Club Nikki Spa Nikki Signature Suite
Infusion de Rose Collection from Laura Mercier
