Contributor/ Saffron Powell Brown
Best Known For
The Aegean Suites, part of the Santikos Collection is regarded as one of the best hotels on the Greek Island of Skiathos, nicknamed the “fly and flop” island.
The Good Stuff
Nestled away off the main road, just five minutes from town, this little hotel is discreet and peaceful. Absent of gleaming signs; this is a hideaway ideal for couples looking to chill. It’s adult only, purely because of the vast amount of steps you have to climb to your room. You’ve been warned! There are just twenty suites gently cascading down the hillside. Steps can be avoided by booking a suite near the bottom. The Aegean Suites is obsessed with all things nautical, but with stunning views over the sea who can blame them? Simple white furnishings and neutral accessories keep the decor stylish, yet homely. The pool bar serves freshly squeezed juices, cocktails and snacks. Inside the little lobby and reception area is the teeniest, cutest champagne bar we ever did see. There’s just one restaurant – Pelagos, with its billowing turquoise voiles and whitewashed walls, offering a small but high-end menu. Between 8am and 10.30am this bright airy space doubles up as the setting for breakfast. Our romantic and serene deluxe suite came complete with a complimentary bottle of wine and the fresh aroma of green apples. Panoramic views out to sea and through to the peninsula, on which the old Skiathos town perched, were clearly visible from both our bed and the spacious balcony, idyllic. Hotel staff are on hand to book restaurants, advise on trips or even sort you out with a private jet or helicopter.
The Vibe
Skiathos isn’t known as the “fly and flop” island for nothing. There’s nothing to do at this hotel, or island, apart from relax. Busy life stops here. Everything is slow and relaxed and there’s no option but to just go with it. As stated earlier, there are no kids here, so you can lie poolside without the fear of a screaming child waking you from your mid-afternoon, ouzo-induced snooze. Mostly older couples occupied the hotel during our stay in September. It’s that time of year…the younger ones tend to head out earlier before the island slowly winds down for winter.
Inside the hotel – 7/10
There isn’t a spa as such, but massages and facials are offered. For more of a spa experience, head to the Aegean Suites’ big sister, The Princess, a few bus stops away. Tea and coffee-making facilities in the room wouldn’t have gone a miss; you know how Brits abroad can be. There is a mini bar and TV, however it only seemed to pick up BBC World News. The room boasts Apivita Natural toiletries, a very comfortable Hypnos king-size bed with pillows as soft as marshmallows. There are two-bedroom suites available and also the Charming Suites, which come with little open-air hot tubs.
Outside the hotel – 8/10
You can jump in a taxi and be in town within five minutes, or wander in by foot in about 15 minutes. The hotel is 10 minutes from the airport. For great cocktails, head to the Slip Inn near the old Port for a surprisingly good Amaretto Sour, or board one of the local buses and head further afield. My favourite beach, by far ,was the super-chilled Koukounaries – a Thailand-Ibiza mash-up. Snack on great gyros at Thalassa Beach Bar or sip a Negroni at the Kahlua bar as the sun goes down. The Windmill restaurant behind the town is the place to go for views to die for. Head to Alexandros Taverna in the old port, near the Tris Ierárhes church, for an authentic traditional experience – twinkly lights, Greek music and free flowing Ouzo – it’s local culture and lovely.
