Athens, not like among the different capitals of Europe, shouldn’t be a metropolis we’d describe as glamorous at first look. It’s been described as ugly and congested, a stopover for the roughly 33 million guests to Greece this 12 months alone, whereas on their technique to the ever so stylish greek islands. Except for the compulsory tour of the Acropolis, many travellers don’t pause lengthy sufficient on this historic metropolis to essentially uncover what some are calling the continent’s most vibrant cultural metropolis. So this 12 months, we determined to discover Athens for ourselves. What we found is an thrilling metropolis bursting with life, cool bars, elegant eating places, nice lodges and, in fact, numerous espressos and frappe. Our conclusion is that Athens is a metropolis that deserves a number of days of a seasoned traveler’s time.
One of many highlights of – and preliminary causes for – our Athens keep was an invite from the household that owns and operates the newly opened, neo-modernist boutique Perianth Lodge that’s a part of the Design Inns assortment.
Perianth is positioned by the Byzantine-era Agia Eirini sq. in a neighbourhood resembling New York’s Soho. The resort is completely positioned simply far-off sufficient from the crowded vacationer traps, but inside handy distance kind among the metropolis’s important websites such because the Acropolis and the Nationwide Archeological Museum.
The neighbourhood is bustling with modern folks hanging out at cool cafes sipping their freddo cappuccinos and having fun with themselves at one of many space’s many nice eateries, cafe’s, bars and nightlife hotspots.
We sampled and favored, for instance the Third Place, the native favorite Kosta’s Souvlaki, nice bars like “6 canines” and the unbelievable ice-cream bar Kokkion.
In actual fact, our greatest drawback throughout our four-night keep on the Perianth Lodge was deciding if we must always simply keep at our Perianth Penthouse Suite all day and evening, or exit. It was not a straightforward alternative as our expansive 116-square-metre Perianth Penthouse Suite on the highest flooring of the five-story resort had 360-degree views of the Acropolis and the Lycabetus hill, two bedrooms, a lounge, eating space, bar, and a rooftop terrace with a pool and Jacuzzi.
We’ve got loved nice views from many resort rooms all around the globe, however this was simply magical. The view from the Suite was indescribably mesmerizing, absolutely the star of our total expertise in Athens. The Penthouse is oriented completely to maximise the view of the Acropolis. The ground-to-ceiling glass doorways divulge heart’s contents to an enormous terrace with its bar, pool and Jacuzzi. Even in the principle bed room, you go to sleep and get up to the spectacular views. We spent hours watching the sundown altering the sunshine over the monument from golden hues to delicate pinks.
The 1930’s five-story resort has solely 38 rooms which is among the options that make this such a gem. No crowds, at all times private service and no noise. Perianth was designed by Greece’s hottest design agency Ok-Studio that appears to have designed every little thing that’s cool in Greece proper now from Vora in Santorini and Casa Prepare dinner in Crete to the brand new Mykonos airport.
However, as at all times, the true take a look at and the true coronary heart of a resort is its service. We cherished the eye to element and the staff’s eagerness to serve. Perianth’s house owners had had the constructing for a number of years however they weren’t certain what to do with it. Siblings Alexandra, Anastasia and Konstantinos Sgoumpopolous lastly settled on opening a resort. Konstantinos is a Zen monk and his Zen Middle additionally operates in the identical constructing. Anastasia brings the love of artwork and style to the desk and Alexandra is the born hostess.
We have been impressed by all the workers as everybody spoke excellent English, appeared genuinely excited to work there, have been tremendous useful with reserving eating places and advocate the cool issues to see and do in Athens.
On their recommendation we dined at Nolan the place chef Sotiris Kontizas, drawing on his Japanese and Greek heritage, has fused collectively the 2 distinct and disparate culinary traditions of east and west into one among Athens’ most extraordinary and distinctive culinary experiences.
One other restaurant we advocate is Island Membership, about 45-minute taxi trip from the centre of Athens. The restaurant transforms right into a dance and bar venue at evening however it’s actually chilled. Don’t be shocked in case you stumble upon Greek celebrities resembling Anna Vissi, who is outwardly a daily. You simply lose monitor of time at Island Membership, and the following factor you realize it’s simply earlier than dawn and you aren’t but again at your resort.
For Perianth Lodge, we envision a brilliant future. Despite their lack of earlier resort expertise the house owners of Perianth Lodge have created a brand new normal in luxurious on the Athenian lodging scene. The household has created a chic sanctuary away from the encompassing busy avenue life and on the identical time, the resort has grow to be a vacation spot in its personal proper including to the material and the cool vibe of the world.
We really feel they’re onto a great factor with this enterprise and we’ve already humbly prompt they increase their boutique resort idea to the Greek Islands. Let’s hope there shall be a ‘Perianth Villas’ opening within the not so distant future…
