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Fairmont Catches Our Greek Island Fever

We figure you can't go too wrong opening a hotel on pretty much any Greek island. It looks like the Fairmont Hotels gang think the same because they've just announced a new property called the Fairmont Corfu Resort & Spa. No prizes for figuring out it's on the island of Corfu, okay?

Riots or not, we have faith that Greece is a great place for a relaxing vacation. Just imagine this for the setting of a resort:

Bordered by olive groves, cypress-forested areas and sandy beaches with views of the Ionian Sea and the surrounding mountains.

That's what the new Fairmont Corfu is promising and we've got to say, it sounds like something for us. The resort will be a 240-roomer with a large spa center and a choice of six spots for drinks and eats.

Only drawback? It's not even slated to open before 2012, which is a long way off. But if you're really hankering for an exotic Fairmont location, hit up the Fairmont Cairo which will open in 2010.

[Photo: steve_99]

Tags: Hotel Infinity Pools / Greek Island Hotels / → All Tags

The Infinity Pool at the Perivolas Hotel Puts All Other Pools to Shame

Where: Oia, Santorini, Greece, 847 02

A while back we tipped you off that the pool at Perivolas on Santorini, Greece had the best views from a pool in the world--but we failed to mention that this pool is one of our most favorite variety, an infinity pool.

And it's one helluva infinity pool. Not only does its edge drop into the horizon, the horizon is a picturesque Greek island scene of more blue water and uninhabited islands. It's their own publicity that says this, but it mightn't be too far from the truth: this pool is "one of the most magnificent settings on earth".

As far as accommodation goes (unless you really do want to spend your entire holiday next to this pool, which we could understand), Perivolas is a set of 17 luxury apartments restored from long-used caves on the coast. They're alongside a wellness center with steam bath and sauna and a fitness studio too. But when we visit Perivolas, all we see is the pool.

[Photo: macsima]

Related Stories:
· Daily Candy Lists World's Bests Pools [HotelChatter]
· Hotels on Santorini [HotelChatter]
· Travel Stories in Greece [Jaunted]

Tags: Greece Hotel Reviews / Greek Island Hotels / → All Tags

Care for a Cocktail at the Margarita, Santorini?

Where: Firostefani, Santorini, Greece

Think sunny Greece, think warm Greek islands, think photogenic architecture and you're on Santorini. Our tip this week for a place to stay is the Hotel Margarita at Firostefani, allegedly one of the most beautiful parts of Santorini. The rooms at the Margarita look pretty much like an interior version of the external white and blue Santorini, with bright, happy color and a relaxed summer feel. There's a swimming pool for kids, and the adults version which includes a pool bar. And they say you can see the sunrise from the balcony of every room.

On top of all that, you get airconditioning, a fridge for any drinks you don't get from the pool bar, and satellite TV as well. We could say it's missing Wifi, but if you're holidaying on Santorini and can't live without constant internet access, you might be missing the point.

[Photo: Morehoos]

Related Stories:
· Hotel Margarita reviews [TripAdvisor]

Tags: Greece Hotel Reviews / Greek Island Hotels / Hydra Hotels / Island Hotels / → All Tags

Idyllic Hydra Island Hotel Is Sponge Worthy

Where: Hydra 180 40, Hydra, Hydra, Greece

Literally. Bratsera Hotel is a converted 19th-century sponge trading post on Greece's Hydra Island. The property is on vehicle-free Hydra, but is only a 90 minute ferry boat ride from Athens, and everybody loves ferry boats.

In the off season Hydra Island can be sparsely populated, but still come complete with excellent weather.

The hotel's make shift website provides a long, detailed video of the hotel that gives you a feel for what is like to spend a night or two in an old sponge factory.

We hear the hotel pool can get a bit shady, and by shady we mean without sunlight, though who knows about the dude in the speedo pictured above, but keep this in mind--it is the only hotel pool on the island.

Bedrooms have whitewashed walls, high ceilings, and the in-house restaurant is well regarded.

Tip:  Avoid the rooms without balconies and yes, thin walls + honeymoon hotel = sleepless nights for some.

Low season rates start at €132.00.

[Photo: tmarie78]