Several blocks away from The Dolli in Athens’ central Plaka, visitors encounter the ruins of Hadrian’s Library and the Roman Agora before climbing the hill up to the Acropolis. Guests of The Dolli, though, have an easier time if they want a glimpse of the Parthenon’s splendor: they can take a table at the rooftop restaurant or sit in or by the infinity pool, both with straight on views of this iconic temple. It’s one reason to stay at this new boutique hotel, a part of Grecotel Hotels & Resorts, which opened officially in January and one reason owner Mari Daskalantonaki selected this site. But it’s not the only advantage of being in residence here.
Much has been written about the destruction of classic buildings in Athens in the middle of the 20th century when so many were razed, and modern structures of little character rose in their place. Some buildings did survive the widespread teardowns, though, and are dotted through the city. This neoclassical beauty is one of them, a confection of arches, high ceilings, linear detail, an elaborate façade and prominent windows built in 1925 by the architect of the Greek Parliament Building as a shipping magnate’s private mansion. Its last use was as the third in a succession of luxury fabric department stores and after years of being vacant, five years of restoration transformed it into this 46 room, eclectically designed hotel.
There’s a sense of whimsy and ancient merging with futuristic on view from the moment you enter the lobby; it’s hard to know where to look first. Massive crystals are mounted on solid marble pedestals; chairs range from a silver frog, a sculptural silver bird and gilt bronze strappy constructions by designers Francois-Xavier and Claude Lalanne to puffy, curved, soft armchairs from the Pierre Paulin Pacha Collection. A prestigious art collection includes a mobile by Alexander Calder and ceramic plates by Jean Cocteau. But alongside this design extravaganza is a touch of hominess: bowls of candy for guests to sample as if visiting a friend’s living room, the residential feel that Daskalantonaki wanted to create. “My prospect was to reimagine Athens’ allure and create a home base for travelers who don’t only want to see the most ancient city of all, but live it,” she says.
Upstairs, the rooms are airy and light, in a white and beige color scheme with an occasional pop of light yellow as an accent and in the premium suites, apartments and Pied-a-Terre other prestige design details such as Tom Dixon’s gold Mirror Ball Stand Chandelier. Large windows bring in plenty of light, the beds are supremely comfortable and in another homey touch, all rooms have a welcome cake for snacking—a marble bundt cake along with several plums the night that I
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With thousands of years of history and a lively contemporary culture, Istanbul has plenty to keep visitors occupied. But a day trip to nearby beaches, forests, and sleepier towns at the edges of the city and around the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea serves as a welcome break from the concrete jungle. Two history-filled former Ottoman capitals are within reach as well.
The Venetian Hotel is known for its nostalgic gondola rides and its plazas, bridges and painted sky evoking Venice. The resort is also known for its Grand Canal Shoppes, which encompass top brands in clothing, personal care, dining, drinking, entertainment and more.
Leisure travel came roaring back from the pandemic lockdowns and has not slowed, with planes jammed, record international hotel prices and more people tackling those once in a lifetime and Bucket List trips they once put off for “someday.” There’s never been a better time to give gifts to travelers, and there has never been a better crop of options. As a very frequent traveler myself, I am constantly testing and tweaking and seeing what works best to make travel better.
Saffron, a spice derived from the Crocus sativus flower, is most commonly associated with Asia and the Middle East. But saffron crocus thrive around the Mediterranean, including Italy, where they don’t only exalt local dishes, but also uplift local communities.
Imagine lying snugly in a warm sleeping bag by a gurgling river with the soporific sound of trees rustling and the occasional bird call from outside your cozy tent. This is what experts predict will be one of the biggest travel trends in 2024.
Over the past couple of years, Puglia has become one of Italy's trending destinations—but there is more to the region than just photo-worthy locations. Puglia is home to numerous folkloric traditions, ancient histories and diverse landscapes, from the dramatic coastline along the Parco Nazionale del Gargano to the scattered trulli in the Valle d’Itria and the crystalline beaches of Salento. It’s truly difficult to narrow down the best things to do in Puglia, but the following 11 are the most spectacular experiences you need to consider on your next trip.
There’s been a rockslide somewhere in the Maurienne Valley, deep in the French Alps. By the time I’m due to set off on an intricately planned, early autumn European rail trip from London to Athens, nearly a week has passed since the incident. My intended path through France, Italy and then on to Greece via sea had relied on a connection from Lyon to Milan passing directly through this region. Now the route is out of action and it could be months before the railway tracks are dug out from the rubble. Initially, I’m irate. En route to the Eurostar terminal at London’s St Pancras at 6.30am, however, I encourage myself to think differently.
Ever since travel roared back from pandemic lockdowns, Greece has been one of the hottest destinations in the world. While some visitors go for the gorgeous beaches the Greek islands are famous for, Athens is its most visited spot, with more airlift, great hotels, great restaurants and the number one historic attraction in a country legendary for historic attractions, the Acropolis.
The rules for most people entering Europe who don't have an EU passport are changing and after several delays, the EU has confirmed when and how they will roll out the two new border controls that will impact travelers arriving into the Schengen area from 2024 onwards.
Starting January, 2024, the super-popular program of “selling” residence permits to wealthy foreign investors, better known as ‘Golden Visas’, will come to an end in the Netherlands.
Picture it: After years of fantasizing and months of planning, you finally arrive at the destination you've always dreamed about. Except, it's just not how you pictured it.