The hip little sister of The Modernist Thessaloniki, this
38-bedroom Athens set-up sits within the creative neighbourhood of
Kolonaki, just a 10-minute stroll from bustling Syntagma Square.
Rooms are spread across six floors and split into four categories –
S,M,L and XL – and, while they differ in size, each has timber
flooring, whitewashed walls and leather and brass accents. Founder
Kostis Karatzas is big on community and has weaved it into every
aspect of the hotel’s core, from the playlists blasting sets by
local DJs to the colourful murals illustrated by Athenian artists.
This place might not offer spa facilities, but it more than makes
up for it with a funky rooftop terrace. Attracting a relaxed crowd,
it’s found at the top of a marble staircase, where a retro phone
awaits your cocktail order. Kick back for the ultimate sundowner,
accompanied by impressive bird’s-eye views.

Nestled just a stone’s throw from the sun-kissed Vouliagmeni
Bay, the elegant enclave that is The Margi has been welcoming savvy travellers since
1960. Rooms are elegant and comfortable, featuring neutral hues and
wood-panelled walls adorned with abstract paintings. Yes, the pool
is something to shout about, but the biggest draw here, in our
book, is the food. Since 2015, the property’s owners have been
inviting guests to dine in an intimate setting at the on-site
organic farm. Menus are designed by head chef Panagiotis Giakalis,
who crafts his dishes around seasonal produce. Insider tip: find
Giakalis’ best-loved recipes on the website – his cauliflower soup
is our current go-to.

Exploring this compact, 33-key boutique stay won’t
take long, considering its diminutive size, but the centrally
located Gatsby packs a big punch. A not insignificant asset is the
residents-only rooftop terrace, Cloud 9: think hypnotic flickering
flames from the fire, fluffy pillows upon which to rest your head
as you gaze up at the stars, an open-air film screening room and a
note-perfect drinks list. Pale, sleek guest rooms feature art deco
styling, and come equipped with cutting-edge technology (goodbye,
having to get out of bed to let room service in – there’s a button
for that!). We love the baby-pink velvet headboards, golden
wardrobes and swish cotton robes, the thoughtfully curated drawer
full of munchies, well-stocked minibar (particularly the tub of
Caprice choco-praline wafer cigars), balconies and rosy-hued,
harlequin-tiled bathrooms complete with beautifully packaged
Ortigia products.

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If we were to dream up a design-driven playground aimed at
creatives, it would look something like this. Part gallery, part
guesthouse, Shila has the sort of gritty 1920s facade that you
could easily walk past without giving it a second glance. Once
through the leafy door, however, you’ll find yourself in a
blissfully tranquil setting. With just six suites, each decorated
with upholstered furnishings, shabby-chic bookshelves and
stripped-back walls, a stay here promises a real opportunity to
recharge. Our favourite part is the jungle-like roof garden, which
feels more like an exhibit at Kew Gardens than a private space in
which to relax and unwind. Wade through the tangle of palms to
unearth plush day beds, rainforest-style showers and sun-dappled
corners.

Digital nomad on the hunt for your next adventure? Bingo. This
airy Psiri escape has all the trappings expected by savvy
travellers looking for a longer-term, practical space to make their
base. You’ll find 12 open-plan apartments that fuse traditional and
contemporary style: think plant-clad stone walls, bespoke wooden
bed frames and wicker chairs offering views out over private
courtyards. Hotels are quick to label themselves as offering a
home-from-home vibe, but few actually go beyond the obvious.
Happily, at The Foundry Suites, form and function go hand in hand.
With pianos, typewriters, turntables and quiet desks tucked away in
secluded corners, you’re going to want to extend your stay for at
least a month.

It’s no secret that we love a dynamic duo, and best buds Natalia
Georgopoulou and Margarita Papaioannou are officially our new girl
crushes. Both civil engineers, they are the founders and faces of
Monsieur Didot, a two-storey, six-suite 20th-century townhouse that
has undergone a major restoration, resulting in splashes of modish
flair providing a counterpoint to original period features.
Outside, the building’s previously crumbling exterior has been
transformed and is now a sleek pastel pink, while, inside,
intricate fireplaces and plaster walls are framed by overgrown
potted plants and the kind of abstract artworks that you’ll want to
take home with you. There are no communal spaces here (minus the
petite roof garden), so don’t be surprised if you don’t cross paths
with another guest during your entire stay. We’re talking splendid
isolation at its finest.

Brought to us by artisan food-loving brothers Thomas and George
Douzis, aka the guys behind Ergon Foods, the 38-room Ergon House is
the ultimate foodie hangout. With the entire,
industrial-style ground floor brimming with fresh fruit and
vegetables, guests can flit between an on-site deli, roastery and
bakery, or go all-in with a five-course meal in the dining area.
Scoffing aside, the bedrooms prove that simplicity is key.
Reminiscent of upmarket spa treatment rooms, expect exposed
concrete ceilings, terrazzo tiles and frosted glass, all making for
a comfortable and cosy refuge in which to enjoy some quality
R&R.