HOLIDAY LIKE A
Greek God
IN AMAN Z O ’ E
With the latest political ranglings going on, Greece may not spring to mind
as the first place to look when booking luxury travel. However, Varun Sharma
believes this island’s newest sumptuous resort is worth a second glance.
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A s i a n We a l t h M a g . c o . u k
Travel
A s i a n We a l t h M a g . c o . u k
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The helicopter flight from
Varun
Athens’ international airport
Sharma
to the Amanzo’e Resort – in a southwesterly direction to the tip of the Peloponnese
peninsula – takes just 25 minutes. From the sky,
one flies over dozens of mansions complete
with crystal-blue swimming pools and allweather tennis courts, seaside villas with yachts
at the end of private jetties and smart, luscious
glass apartment buildings that glisten in the
Greek sunshine.
From the sky, there is no sign of financial distress. From the
sky, Greece looks like an affluent and prosperous country.
We know this not to be true – so it’s even more remarkable
that Amanzo’e was planned, built and opened during the country’s most tumultuous period since World War Two.
Since opening in August 2012, and set in 237 acres of prime
A s i a n We a l t h M a g . c o . u k
land close to the affluent seaside town of
Porto Heli, Amanzo’e has swiftly risen to the
top of the “Mediterranean Luxury Resort”
rankings.
This is the developer, Aman Resort’s, third
adventure in Europe and the most high profile,
because of its location. Aman partnered with
Dolphin Capital, an Athens-based investment
firm, to produce a very “Greek” property.
Set on a hill overlooking the Aegean Sea,
Amanzo’e boasts an Acropolis of its own
– and features 552 exquisite columns – the cloak is that of a
classically-designed Greek temple, the body underneath is
Greece’s most luxurious resort.
Amanzo’e means “peaceful life” – an amalgamation of
Sanskrit and Greek words and the resort lives up to its moniker.
With only 38 pavilions (suites) and a handful of private villas
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In association with premier
Think
paradise
on earth
For some of the most luxurious escapes
imaginable, think of the Indian Ocean
islands: Maldives and Mauritius.
Uniquely placed, these islands are
home to some of the friendliest people.
– all with plunge or swimming pools – privacy is guaranteed.
In truth, the locals would not care if Tom Cruise or Will Smith
were in-residence, they are extremely laid back and the only
stars they worship are the ones in the sky.
From the Acropolis, you can see ten shades of blue in the
sea and it is a five-minute drive to the resort’s own beach club
on the Korakia Beach. Here you can engage in water sports,
sit by the pool and do nothing, or jump onto one of the speed
boats on offer to explore the neighbouring island of Spetses
and Hydra.
I studied Ancient Greek at school and the area is filled with
interest. The amazing theatre in Epidaurus, the beautiful old
capital city of Greece – Nafplio, and the Fortress at Mycenae
are all within an hour’s drive from the resort. Even if education
is not your thing, Greece is the cradle of modern civilisation
and the sites around Amanzo’e should be on your bucket list.
Greece is one of Europe’s top travel destinations, and yes,
there are pockets of decent luxury accommodation but now
with Amanzo’e, the country can boast one of the finest resorts
on the continent.
THE HIGHS
● Just a short hop from the UK to Athens and then an even
shorter skip to Amanzo’e
● Zo’e – the resident pooch – a glorious dog if ever there
was one
● Calming and peaceful
atmosphere
● Superb spa
● Reassuringly expensive
● Tasty local and international cuisine
● Privacy guaranteed
● The locally produced olive oil – adds years to your life
● Faultless and genuine service
● The Acropolis – 200 metres above sea level
THE LOWS
● Guilt
● The five minute car journey to the Beach Club
● The intense blood-boiling summer heat
● Not very family-friendly (unless in private villa)
Varun Sharma is the host of Inside Luxury Travel – a television
show on the Travel Channel that focuses on high-end travel.
A s i a n We a l t h M a g . c o . u k
t
he Maldives, with deep blue seas and white
sandy beaches, consists of 1,190 coral islands which
encircle turquoise lagoons. About 200 islands are
inhabited with sights and cultures to discover. The coral reefs
are a major attraction of the islands and can be discovered
by boat tours, snorkelling or diving. Our recommendation is
the Taj Exotica Maldives, voted number two out of the “Top
100 Hotels & Resorts in the World” by Conde Nast Traveller
Reader’s Awards 2012. This resort does not believe in selfserving buffets as they like to spoil their guests, every meal
is á la carte and offers a range of delicious cuisines. Great for
honeymooners.
Mauritius – known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, offers
perfect sunny weather most of the year. As well as the amazing lagoons and coral reefs there are sightseeing hotspots
such as the bustling markets of the Goodlands, and for nature
lovers, Casela Bird Park. Our recommendation is Lux Grande
Gaube, a 5-star beach hotel with stunning ocean views and
unparalleled natural beauty.
For any assistance please call the Brightsun Travel Tours
team on 0208 819 0486.
Brightsun Travel offers a
price match promise on
worldwide flights and
holidays so you will get
the best deals.
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