Even the most avid traveler needs a relaxing getaway once in awhile where all of the details are taken care of and there’s absolutely nothing left to do but simply enjoy.
Such was my case this past May when I was searching for a small boutique hotel that would be beautiful and relaxing for a special anniversary that was coming up.
I was lucky enough to discover the Finikas Hotel in Naxos Greece, and when they invited me to visit their hotel I was beyond excited and responded with a resounding “YES!” within .352 seconds of receiving their e-mail.
The stunning photo gallery on their site had me completely sold, but also the mention of their affordable gourmet restaurant, and of course the incredible ocean-view pool (who could say no to that?!)
Little did I know that I would actually come down with a case of pneumonia that would last three months, so the intense relaxation I’d find at Finikas would be desperately needed by the time we arrived there.
Let me tell you that we stayed at 6 different hotels and 1 apartment while island hopping in Greece, and this hotel was hands down our favorite. In fact, it is without a doubt our favorite hotel that we’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.
Finikas offers all of the amenities you’d expect at a luxury hotel, but seriously goes above-and-beyond in the details. We received a complimentary bottle of wine and fruit platter when we arrived, amazing Korres bath and beauty products in the bathroom, and there is free Wi-Fi everywhere on the premises.
Yes, digital nomads, that means you can actually work pool-side while tanning AND rejuvenating yourself with the sound and scent of the ocean.
This is utter perfection, right?
The food was phenomenal, and besides the regular menu that is offered, the chef always had daily specials and recommendations to offer and was happy to take requests or make specific meals for anyone with special dietary needs. All ingredients were super fresh and locally sourced, and the menu was surprisingly affordable.
At many tourist-centric restaurants in Greece you would see similar prices, but significantly inferior food. Each night we ate 5-star food for approximately $11-15/plate, all while watching the golden Greek sunset over the ocean from our candle-lit table.
The romantic appeal of this hotel was not lost on us, even in spite of my relentless coughing and the utter exhaustion that I felt. If I had to pick any place in the world to be so sick, this would definitely be my #1 choice.
Another reason I fell 110% under Finikas’ enchanting spell was its unpretentious style. Every detail of the hotel was sophisticated and perfect, and the staff worked hard to keep it that way, without having an air of pompousness that sometimes befalls luxury resorts.
All of the staff members were intelligent, down-to-earth, friendly and eager to help, but they maintained a perfect balance that led to professionalism without stuffiness. Trust me, there’s nothing I hate more than a stuffy, uncomfortable hotel, and I was thrilled to find that interactions were casual, effortless and not at all forced. This might actually have been the largest factor that made us so disappointed to leave when our stay was over! Each member of the staff was truly memorable, and there are tons of reviewers on Trip Advisor that felt the same way.
About the area:
The location of this hotel is very quiet so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a secluded romantic getaway. If you plan to arrive by ferry you should arrange a car transfer with the hotel, as it’s approximately a 20-minute drive from the port. You can also arrange to rent a car through the hotel, which is definitely a good idea if you’d like to do some sight-seeing in the area. Car rental rates are extremely affordable in Greece, but make sure to specify whether you prefer a standard or automatic car.
Unfortunately, due to my illness, we didn’t end up renting a car to explore the island but we did take a short stroll down the road to visit a nearby beach. The hotel has plenty of recommendations on beaches and other activities in the area, and can help you come up with the perfect plan for your stay on the island.
Recommendations:
– There are plenty of small towns, beaches and lots of Greek history to be discovered in the area, so plan to add a couple of extra days to your itinerary to ensure you don’t feel rushed (trust me, you’ll want to spend at least a couple of days doing absolutely nothing at the hotel!)
– Ask for a room near the center of the hotel for amazing pool and ocean views. Ours was right in the middle and we couldn’t imagine a more perfect view.
– I believe their rates start around 130 euros/night for the most basic room, but rates change depending on season and availability so don’t quote me on that. What I can promise is unbelievable value for what you pay, but check out all of the raving reviews on Trip Advisor if you don’t believe me!
– This would be a perfect spot for a destination wedding! The hotel is small and secluded, the staff members are outstanding, there’s a small chapel on the grounds and the food is unbelievable. If you’re considering a destination wedding, this should definitely be on your list to check out.
– Finikas Hotel is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the world organization. After my wonderful experience in Naxos, I’ll be sure to look into some of the other SLH offerings in the future. There’s even a free SLH club that offers a free complimentary upgrade on your first stay, which is always a welcomed bonus!
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Feel free to let me know if you have any questions regarding my time in Greece, or my stay at Finikas Hotel in particular.
I’ll be publishing a general guide soon, so be on the lookout for that!
*Disclaimer: my stay at Finikas Hotel in Naxos was a complimentary stay in exchange for my fair, honest review of their establishment. You can trust that this review represents my 100% honest opinion, as always.*
