Imagine an Olympian, empyrean paradise. Can you see it? If not, have no fear, for Amanzoe has made such an utopia reality. Imposing Greek columns, framed by sleek, modern interiors lead you to a 38-suite resort – each with their private pool as a matter of course – on a picturesque hilltop overlooking the pretty town of Porto Heli.
With crystal clear azure waters, a golden sun and fragrant olive groves all around, allow yourself to be immersed in a mythological and paradisiacal odyssey. Name your quirkiest fancy and Amanzoe is sure to have it.
With only 38 guest pavilions and a handful of private villas, you will easily be able to indulge yourself in exclusivity. As if to reinforce this, an almost invisible housekeeping is on call: unpacking your clothes, ensuring every surface is spotless… Amanzoe is your own private citadel.
Surrounded by the Aegean Sea to the east and the Ionian Sea to the west, Amanzoe’s proximity to numerous islands and islets, gives it an unrivaled position.
Porto Heli, a picturesque town on the east coast of the Peloponnese, just across from the islands Spetses and Hydra, is full of history. Explore the land which captured the hearts and minds of the Spartans, Romans, Byzantines and Venetians; all of whom recognized the areas’ beauty, wealth and strategic location. Or, if you are feeling cosmopolitan, Athens is easily accessible by a short boat ride.
Yet, if being a modern-day Ulysses has tired you out, you can unwind in the Aman spa. As Hippocrates said, ‘Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.’ Evidently the Aman spa takes this philosophy to heart. With state-of-the-art gym facilities, a yoga pavilion with re-engineered oak floors and a comprehensive spa menu, all of this is topped off with beautiful views of the surrounding hillsides.
Tantalisingly exotic treatments from the Argiletz clay body wraps to custom facials embrace an holistic healing approach. Or try Watsu, a rejuvenative Hydrotherapy treatment, complimented by a purpose-built Watsu Pool. A Thai massage room will leave yoga aficionados ecstatic, with the promise of deep massages as a reward. Treatments fuse ancient Greek wellness rituals with time-tested Asian beauty techniques. The result? An inimitable glow and sense of wellness.
It is well-known that the Greek philosophers were the sagest of us all. It is thus we use another truism by Hippocrates: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” Amanzoe’s authentic Greek restaurant beckons with the promise of whetting your taste buds: think plump salads, freshly caught fish, the oh-so-delicious mezzes…All of this with the addition that Amanzoe incorporates a biodynamic approach, selecting organic products from its own supply.
And if you wonder down to the Beach Club, a 5 minute shuttle ride or 15 minute walk on a sultry summer day, you will see the azure crystal sea shimmering in the sun, beckoning you to indulge. Set in its own private bay, the Beach Club offers two 25-metre lap pools, an array of water sports and an expansive deck for loungers to bask in the sun or under charming pergolas, with refreshments and a full menu on call all day. Four further private Beach Club Cabanas allow for the utmost seclusion.
As one guest put it: “I would live here.” Looking across the Peleponnesian coastline flooded by warm hues of a setting sun, we would have to agree.
Private villas
The villas’ open terraces feature sand-coloured marble floor tiles, traditional dry stone-clad walls, fair-faced concrete columns and cornices. The 20- to 25-metre private swimming pools are lined with emerald-coloured marble, and solid timber pergolas provide shade for poolside lounging or alfresco dining. Rooms feature his and hers bathrooms and dressing areas in marble and oak. The living room flows from the dining area and out onto the terrace, taking advantage of the balmy climate to ensure seamless indoor/outdoor living. All villas come with two dedicated members of staff.
Ideal for family gatherings, weddings and other special occasions, the villas will afford owners and guests complete privacy with the benefit of access to all the resort’s facilities.
The design of Amanzoe is strongly influenced by classical Greek architecture, yet is contemporary in attitude and construction techniques. Taking into account the property’s hilltop setting and open views, the design is particularly inspired by traditional Greek acropolises – citadels built atop elevated ground in ancient times.
Amanzoe’s entrance and reception areas overlook an expansive reflection pool, beyond which the Library, Boutique and Gallery are set amongst terraces, courtyards and gardens joined by walkways. The resort’s dining pavilions and lounges include the Restaurant, Pool Restaurant, Fireplace and Living Room with its central Bar.
Amanzoe Agios Panteleimonas,
Kranidi, Argolida,
213 00, Greece
Tel: (30) 275 4772 888
Fax: (30) 275 4772 800
Email: amanzoe@amanresorts.com
An extract from ‘BBeyond: The Suite Life’: http://www.booksmagazinesetc.com/proddetail.php?prod=BBSUITELIFE
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