From Sunset Views to Private Beaches: Crafting Your Ideal Itinerary at AmanZoe in Porto Heli, Greece

Nestled in the serene, sun-drenched hillsides of Porto Heli, AmanZoe offers a gateway to the understated luxury and timeless charm of Greece. It is a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility, exclusivity, and unparalleled service. My husband Harvey and I had the pleasure of celebrating our ten-year anniversary at this breathtaking retreat, marking a tradition—every five years at an Aman property—and oh, what a splendid decision it was. Our choice to visit this specific location was intrigued by its promise of unparalleled serenity and luxury – a decision that led us to one of the most memorable experiences of our lives.

Setting the Scene, How to Get There

A picturesque haven, AmanZoe serves as a beacon of tranquility, perched atop a hill with panoramic views of the surrounding Peloponnesian landscape. The essence of the classic Greek architecture, infused with modern elegance, encapsulates a perfect balance for those seeking both serenity and indulgence. Arriving is a breeze; after spending a few days unwinding on the enchanting island of Spetses, we took a 7 minute water taxi to Porto Heli, effortlessly transitioning from one paradise to another.

The hotel that we stayed at on Spetses Island, The Poseidonion Grand Hotel arranged to have a taxi pick us up from the pier. Our taxi driver was amazing and gave us a lot of “tea” he said that Michael Jordan, Justin Bieber, and the Obama family visit AmanZoe frequently. He also gave us his whatsaapp for future taxi needs, and ended up offering to drive us through the mountains back to Athens so we could have an alternative experience than the ferries.

Exploring the Luxurious Accommodation Options: Villas with Private Pools and Residences

AmanZoe’s villas and residences are not just places to stay; they are sanctuaries designed with the ultimate privacy and comfort in mind. Our villa, with its private pool, offered an intimate escape, with every morning greeting us with the majestic sunrise over the Aegean Sea— a memory etched in our hearts.

Each villa at AmanZoe is a haven of luxury, and the private pools are no exception. Heated to perfection, the pools invite guests into their warm embrace, regardless of the season. Whether looking to enjoy a tranquil morning swim or a serene evening float under the stars, the pool’s temperature is meticulously maintained for comfort and enjoyment.

PRO TIP: I found this to be an extremely important detail to include because we visited Greece in April. While the weather was gorgeous and we didn’t have to deal with the crazy summer crowds, the tradeoff is that the ocean is still fairly cold and the pools are too. Everywhere we went, I asked if the pools were heated. At AmanZoe, they thought it was so funny that I asked but, I found that at most places the pools weren’t heated. So, I’m happy to report that every pool on the property was heated. We went a step further and asked for our villa pool to be heated to the max. It took 24 hours for it to reach our desired temperature, but the request was well worth it. We enjoyed the warm pool any time we could spare a moment.

Further enhancing the lavish accommodation, our villa boasted a sumptuous soaking tub and a dual head shower, offering an exquisite spa-like experience within the privacy of our own space. Equally thoughtful were the two water closets, ensuring convenience and privacy for us both.

Adding to the villa’s charm, a fridge stocked with complimentary beverages was at our disposal, catering to our preferences and hydration needs at any hour. Knowing that little touches matter, AmanZoe also provided an assortment of complimentary fruits and noshes, welcoming us with a delightful array of local flavors and textures. These thoughtful amenities, paired with the breathtaking views and serene environment, encapsulated the essence of luxury and care that AmanZoe is renowned for.

Is AmanZoe Kid-friendly?

I think to answer this question, we need to clarify what “Kid-friendly” means. For me, it means, are kids allowed and are there activities available to keep my kids entertained? Also, are their child care services available? In regards to AmanZoe, the answer to all 3 of these questions is YES. In fact, we would like to bring our 3 children to the property once the youngest reaches 5 or 6. We asked what the kids amenities were and here’s what we gathered:

• First and foremost, they have a kids club and on-site babysitters that you can hire.
• They have several kids pools around the main property and also at their beach club.
• Kids tennis lessons.
• Kid related excursions.
• Kids arts and crafts.

Crafting the Perfect Day: From Sunrise to Sunset at AmanZoe

Our favorite activity, without a doubt, was spending half the day lounging at AmanZoe’s pristine private beach, taking full advantage of the exclusive beach club. The peaceful backdrop of the clear blue Aegean waters, the soft murmur of waves, and the warm golden sun created the perfect setting for relaxation and reflection. The level of service and attention to detail provided by the beach club staff added an extra layer of luxury to our already splendid experience.

Then, on our actual anniversary, the day took an even more special turn. We began with celebratory drinks in the resort’s elegantly appointed library, a tranquil haven where we toasted to our years together among a curated collection of books. The evening culminated with a private BBQ on our villa patio, a meticulously arranged affair that felt intimate and personal. The culinary team went above and beyond, crafting a menu that dazzled our taste buds while we dined under the stars, making our anniversary not just a day, but a memorable experience that we will cherish forever.

Off-Site Adventures: Exploring Porto Heli and Surrounding Areas

Although we mostly soaked in the tranquility of AmanZoe, the allure of Porto Heli and its surroundings beckons many to explore. From historical sites to azure waters, adventures abound for those looking to wander. While AmanZoe will share a booklet of activities and experiences that you can schedule, remember that you can explore on your own. Locally they have horse farms, bee farms, and Olive orchards to visit. Also remember that Spetses is only a 7 minute boat ride away. There you can explore even more and enjoy dinner near their lighthouse or at a beachfront restaurant.