When making inquiries and arrangements for the trip to Lagonissi, just outside of Athens, I discovered that most high class destinations were completely booked for many months before the season even started. I guess it was not too much of a suprise - with that sort of sand & sea, Greece in the summer is “the place to be”.

As we got out of the plane and transferred to the hotel it quickly became evident why this was such a sought-after destination for any type of holiday. Travellers benefit from a warm, sincere welcome by the locals, the weather is simply outstanding and Athens itself can be reached by plane within two to three hours from any major airport in Europe. It is simply as convenient as it is beautiful. Greece may not be the most economically developed country in Europe, though it has made its way into the top 25 countries of the world in the last two decades. Tourism accounts for roughly 20% of the local economy and it seems like the people treasure every individual who comes to enjoy what this country, full of character and history, has to offer. Athens itself is a city in transition, many districts are changing from run-down blocks to hip locations and it has a very rich cultural history plain for everyone to see. The Acropolis, a unique 2500 year old monument, is one of the must-see places to visit during a trip to the city. The marinas in and around Athens are simply overflowing with pricey yachts of the local and international rich & famous, amongst who you find the names of the world’s entertainment superstars as well as industrial billionaires.

The Grand Resort Lagonissi, a five start retreat just 20 minutes from the commercial airport of Athens and 35 minutes from the heart of the city, is a breath-taking sanctuary for tranquillity and luxury. Featuring deluxe rooms, suites with a view that will leave you speechless, as well as bungalows on the waterfront where you can enjoy all aspects of the splendour in front of you from your private swimming pool. This lavish haven of relaxation will leave no wishes unanswered and you wont stop smiling throughout your stay as every time of day holds its unique pleasures, from the sun rising over the hills of Athens when a friendly waiter serves you your breakfast on your veranda; the afternoon on the beach under the warm sun or in crystal-clear water with its animated marine life. And to round things off, the splendid dusks on one of the resorts plenty panorama terraces while dining in style.

Mr. Alexandros Koutodontis, the general manager of the resort, is one of the most, if not the most, successful and famous hotel managers in Greece. As a part of the Helios Group, the Grand Resort Lagonissi seems to be his flag ship in terms of quality service and he masters his staff and motivates them to excel every day. The standard of service that is practiced in this outstanding destination will make most other so called five star hotels and their staff blush. The VIP Service division of the hotel will accommodate you with an abundance of kindness; before we even got to the reception we were smiled at and greeted in several different languages by no less than five people. The hotel frequently accommodates international VIP clientele such as the royal families of the Middle East and is tuned to the highest standards of its trade.

The resort, sitting on a small cape, assures its guests the utmost comfort and care that a busy and stressed individual, looking for a few days of worry-free life, can hope for. With an international cuisine of more than seven restaurants, ranging from Greek over Polynesian to Italian, one is quite literally catered for in any way possible. The service is impeccable in any aspect, the accuracy and correctness is unsurpassed in southern Europe, in my experience. If after a few days of relaxing you get jaded and want some entertainment you can take a limousine ride to the centre of Athens where you can indulge in relics of the ancient history of Greece. Or, while relaxing on the beach, you may enjoy one of the plenty opportunities of marine pleasures such as water-skiing, jet-skiing, snorkeling or scuba diving. A special from the resort is to be taken to the temple of Poseidon by speedboat, see the magnificent sights and to return to your cocktail on the beach within two hours… The temple is only a short ride away and features one of the world’s most famous sunsets. Or, if all you wish to do is kick back and relax, you could simply read a good book, get served whatever you can think of whilst parking yourself on the beach, cultivating your tan to make your peers jealous upon your return…

Surely, the Greek islands such as Mykonos, Kos, Santorini, Crete and the countless others are a wonderful destination for a relaxing holiday; but this resort seems like a well-kept secret amongst the select few who have been here. If you are sitting at a dinner and somebody with a nice tan and a big smile whispers “Lagonissi” in your ear… don’t be surprised.