2 Best Hotels in Spetses, The Saronic Gulf Islands

Set with fin-de-siècle cupolas, an imposing mansard roof, and elegant Neoclassical facade, this iconic mansion was acclaimed as the Saronic Gulf's own Hotel Le Negresco in 1914—like that Nice landmark, this hotel was built to attract the cosmopolitan ocean-liner set and Athenian aristocracy. Today, the Poseidonion has been hailed as the most elegant grand hotel in all the Greek islands. While restoration has preserved its aristocratic aura, it also brought everything into the 21st century, replete with minimal mod furniture and an abundance of elegant five-star hotel luxuries. There is a renovated historic wing and a new wing (built close to the original style) next to the main pool, but unfortunately the new wing doesn't live up to the seafacing side in any way. The hotel's restaurant offers a high-style menu of Mediterranean delicacies, while the Library Brasserie offers delicious Athenian cuisine lit up with flashes of local Spetses flavors. In collaboration with Baba Au Rum, one of Athens's finest cocktail bars, Palms bar shakes and stirs cool and colorful potions on the hotel's large terrace overlooking the gulf. Relax by the palm tree-decorated pool or treat yourself at the excellent Idolo Spa with one of the many indulgent therapies complementing the better-known massages and treatments. In the evening, experience the ultimate summer pleasure of watching old or new movies on the silver screen under the stars at the hotel's next-door Titania open-air cinema.

Nissia, located halfway between Dapia and Kounoupitsa, is constantly morphing and was once a textile factory, a power plant, an ice factory, and now it's a luxurious resort. What has remained the same is the sea-facing facade, which houses two-story residences scatted about lovely gardens, around a large central swimming pool. These are divided into various categories, from tower residencies and maisonettes to superior and garden studios. Each are uniquely decorated, some with more traditional Greek textiles and colors and others with typical Aegean Island hues and furnishings. Breakfast is good and served on a breezy terrace overlooking the sea.