Images of a sun-bleached, white-tiled honeymoon retreat or a farmhouse nestled among fragrant olive groves are synonymous with Grecotel. Yet, this family-run hospitality group that helped popularize Greek getaways also has dedicated the past 50 years to building a brand based on founder Nikos Daskalantonakis’ notion of philoxenia, which translates to “friend to a stranger,” or in this case, family to a guest.
With 40 resorts and hotels across 15 destinations in Greece, the company differentiates itself by warmly welcoming visitors like family. But it also strives to craft a unique sense of place at each property and infuse local culture into its cuisine and experiences.
Mari Daskalantonaki, Nikos’ daughter, continues to uphold the values at the heart of the brand as its CEO and managing director. “Grecotel’s foundations,” she says, “have come to be distinguished by the caliber of its exceptional portfolio and a profound sense of responsibility: creating destinations, creating feelings and leaving lasting impressions of Greece, the land that inspired it. Grecotel’s journey is a celebration of a bold vision and kaleidoscopic taste, a world of joy and wonder. It speaks to every traveler, one who seeks not just discovery or beauty, but a sense of genuine connection to a place.”
With properties on pristine islands from Crete to Corfu, water takes center stage in the form of sparkling pools, breathtaking sea views and, at some locations like Corfu Imperial, A Grecotel Resort to Live, secluded waterfront villas.
Each resort seamlessly integrates the area’s natural beauty. For instance, Cape Sounio – A Grecotel Resort to Live is nestled within Sounio National Park’s Aleppo pines preserve. And following a recent renovation, the hotel’s outdoor gym is now beneath the fragrant tree branches.
Over in Athens, Grecotel’s two hotels place guests in proximity to some of the most renowned attractions of Greek antiquity. THE DOLLI at Acropolis offers a direct view of its namesake ancient citadel. About an hour south, Cape Sounio overlooks the Temple of Poseidon from its prized location on the Athens Riviera, granting guests access to some of the world’s most impressive wonders.
Grecotel’s cultural programming allows visitors to connect intimately with local life, creating unforgettable experiences. Each property in the collection offers activities designed for food lovers, families, wellness enthusiasts and those with a cultural curiosity. For example, guests at THE DOLLI at Acropolis can work up a sweat at the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first opening and closing ceremonies of the modern Olympics.
Back at Corfu Imperial, visitors can step into a ceramic studio to mold a clay masterpiece or handcraft a candle inspired by Mediterranean scents. For an immersive experience, guests can also stop by Danilia, a living replica of a traditional Corfiot village, to enjoy a meal steeped in Greece’s culinary traditions or take a cooking class onsite with the village’s yiayia (grandmother).
Fifty years in, the visionary brand is poised to continue shaping Greece’s tourism industry. This summer, Grecotel announced plans to invest more than $600 million in expanding and enhancing its portfolio.
This news follows a sweep of upgraded accommodations and a slate of openings. The Roc Club, a chic boutique hotel that debuted in the spring, sits on the Athens Riviera. Casa Adele, inspired by traditional Cretan villages, accommodates longer stays. The reimagined Astir Palace provides a beachfront oasis in Alexandroupolis.
Additionally, this summer marked the opening of the stunning Amirandes, the brand’s first property in Crete to welcome visitors year-round. This shift toward year-round hospitality embodies the company’s new motto, “Resorts to Live,” highlighting its goal to become not just a place to stay but a way to get immersed in the Greek lifestyle.
“Grecotel has harnessed ingenuity, forging a universe of emotionally vibrant communities and design codes,” says Odyssia Sifounaki Daskalantonaki, the founder’s granddaughter and one of the keys to the company’s success over the next half century. “I admire how it rewrites these codes in the context of an ever-changing world — modernizing without losing its essence, innovating and making its heritage relevant.”
