But the tourism landscape in the country has been revamped in recent years, as Greece integrated into the European Union at a fast and furious pace. In the meantime, the Olympics of 2004 in Athens encouraged hoteliers to dismantle their socialist-style hotels and restaurants in preference of cutting-edge design hotels based on the best of European models, while the rising Euro filtered out the poorer tourists. First class hotel chains, leading hospitality consortia and brave independents vied for the newer, bolder elite in tourists, which also included the crème de la crème of the Arab world. In fact, Greece has traditionally been a very good friend to the Arabs, both politically and culturally, with a strong Arab minority living in the country as well.
One particular tourist property that has attracted Arab nationals is the fully renovated Capsis hotel project in Crete, known as Out of the Blue. Crete’s southern shore on the Mediterranean faces the Libyan coast and is one of the closest Greek islands to Arabia and North Africa, which is probably why Colonel Ghaddafi found it an attractive, easily accessible destination. “Colonel Ghaddafi stayed at our property twice already,” says Irini Varda-Capsis of the Capsis Resorts and Hotels. “The fact that it’s twice rather than once is significant,” she adds, alluding to the popularity of the luxury resort. Gaddafi is rumoured to have stayed at the ultra expensive Black Pearl villa within the resort, which is where Alexandre Arkadi plans to shoot the last scene of his latest movie with Pierre Arditi. In contrast to the faded glory of old world Greek hotels, the design-led Out of the Blue is really a complex of three luxury hotels that are high on service and amenities, including a first class spa. It targets rich clients mainly, such as Russians, Arabs and other high-income groups. “We’ve opened up offices in Moscow and the Middle East,” says Varda-Capsis, who has travelled to almost all countries in the Fertile Crescent to cement closer ties with important tour operators.
Crete is also home to the Elounda Bay Palace, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, a group which also includes prestigious hotels such as Le Royal in Beirut and Amman. The property has won a number of awards for its culinary excellence and hospitality, making it a more popular destination with wealthier clientele who require all the trappings of luxury and service.
Other popular resorts with a handful of knowing Arab clientele are the Skiathos Princess Hotel and the Aegean Suites Hotel on the verdant island of Skiathos, both owned by the Santikos family and part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The adult-only Aegean Suites was where Merryl Streep, Colin Firth and Pierce Brosnan stayed with their families while Mama Mia was being filmed on this island and on neighbouring Skopelos. But even before the crew of Mama Mia embarked on these Ionian Islands and were set to make them famous through the movie, well-to-do Arab clients were already part of the jet set there. “We see a lot of wealthy Lebanese and Palestinians here,” says owner Vicky Santikos, “especially the big players in Athens’ Arab companies such as the construction giant CCC.” Santikos likes to refer to her properties as a haven for the “bohemian bourgeois,” a relatively new term in hospitality that refers to the relaxed rich rather than the snobbish ones of yesteryear.
Beyond the islands, the legendary Astir Palace group on the edge of Athens is also a magnet for rich Middle Easterners. Serenely lying in what is known as the Athenian Riviera or Vouliagmeni in Greek, the tri-hotel complex was recently taken over by Starwood properties and refurbished into an even more magnificent resort, complete with a splendid spa and Starwood’s high-end Westin brand marking one of the properties. “Arab guests are one of the most important markets for us” says Polychronis Griveas, the property’s Managing Deputy Director. He describes Astir as “a historical luxury hotel, connected throughout the years with many of Greece’s most influential figures.” With one of Athens’ best beaches and culinary restaurants such as the famous Nobu Matsuhisa, the Astir is definitely on the must-do list of the wealthy.
Also worth mentioning is the Nafplia Palace, situated atop an imposing mountain against the picturesque city of Nafplion, former capital of Greece and full of historical charm. With in-room gyms and colour-therapy massage Jacuzzis integrated into some of the more prestigious villas – renting for about 3,000 euros a night – the property has seen its fair share of Arab visitors from Beirut to Bahrain. Nafplion itself is truly a site to behold, a stunning town on the bay of the Peloponnese, with the Nafplia Palace affording a magnificent view of the town below. A tour of the stone villas dug into the mountainside and most with a private pool up front, positions this property as an exceptional destination for the wealthy and wise.
Nonetheless, despite all these exceptional possibilities, Greece remains an untapped market for the Arab world, its grandiose properties offering relative exclusivity and quiet that’s a quick jump away. If you’re into a bit of eastern culture with European services, a healthy dose of history and liberal flair, Greece may offer you an incomparable stay. It’s almost a piece of the Levant gone carefree and modern.
Iyad Kayali
