Amanzoe
Comprising a 38-suite resort, an Aman Spa and in the near future a number of Aman Villas, Amanzoe is Amanresorts’ third Mediterranean retreat – the Greek complement to Montenegro’s Aman Sveti Stefan and Turkey’s Amanruya. Drawing its name from the Sanskrit word for ‘peace’ and ‘zoe’, the Greek word for ‘life’, Amanzoe is situated on a hilltop close to the quaint town of Porto Heli on the east coast of the Peloponnese. The resort offers almost 360º panoramic sea views as well as a private Beach Club in a picturesque bay.
Surrounded by undulating olive groves and overlooking the island of Spetses and the Argosaronic Gulf beyond, Amanzoe is just a 10-minute drive from the tavernas and vibrant life of Porto Heli. The road approaching Amanzoe ascends to the porte-cochere, a grand marble-clad edifice which serves as the entrance. Beyond lies the hilltop resort, arranged around an expansive reflection pool with spectacular views of the sea.
Resort accommodation is in the form of 38 guest pavilions arranged on different levels to maximise privacy and the breathtaking views over the Aegean. Each free-standing pavilion is accessed through a stone-wall courtyard that leads to spacious, high-ceilinged living and sleeping areas. Beds are positioned in a marble-walled alcove which, together with the living area and bathroom, opens up onto the terrace, shaded by a pergola. Each Pool Pavilion offers a six-metre pool and each Deluxe Pool Pavilion features a 12-metre pool. Rooms are also available to accommodate guests with disabilities.
The Restaurant is a shaded, high-ceilinged structure defined by floor-to-ceiling windows that maximise the sea views. It is fronted by an expansive outdoor terrace designed for alfresco dining. The more relaxed Lounge Bar is the ideal venue for a quiet aperitif or light bite to eat, while the Pool Restaurant offers a casual spot for all-day dining. The Beach Club also offers an informal restaurant.
Greece or the Hellenic Republic is the southeastern-most country on the European continent. Surrounded by the Aegean Sea to the east and the Ionian Sea to the west, it boasts a vast number of islands and islets, famed for their white-washed houses, sapphire waters and unrivalled beauty. The mainland also offers stunning landscapes, dramatic mountains and lakes, fertile agricultural lands and quaint historical towns and villages.
Ancient Greece is generally considered the cradle of Western civilization, philosophy, democracy and the Olympic Games. Human presence in the Peloponnese can be traced as far back as 50,000 years ago to the middle of the Palaeolithic Era. Findings around the ancient city of Halieis on the south side of the Porto Heli Bay indicate that life in the area dates back to 3,000 BC.
In fact, the city was enclosed (around 800 BC) by a defensive wall with at least five gates, and had independent territorial rights and its own mint. On a calm day, one can still see the communal baths’ remains – now underwater – and even swim amidst the ruins. The town’s early inhabitants were primarily engaged in fishing and farming, and the historic name Porto Heli translates as ‘Bay of Eels’, denoting the fish’s importance to the area when it was being established.
Amanzoe is a member of exclusive Virtuoso travel network. Book online or contact our Virtuoso Travel Advisor [email protected] for more details.
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