Why you should visit the Saronic Gulf in Greece

A paradise of bliss, elegance and tranquillity presents itself at the luxurious five-star Isla Brown Corinthia hotel on the Saronic Gulf, just 50 minutes from Athens. On arrival, I was blown away by the hotel’s exterior; it was breathtakingly beautiful with its towering palm trees, immaculate outdoor seating areas and some very slick-looking infinity swimming pools in the distance – not to mention a private beach just metres away. Before even setting foot in the hotel, I thought, “Was I just in Athens less than an hour ago?!”

Design
If the hotel’s exterior was anything to go by, I knew I was in for a treat with the interiors. The lobby is vast and airy, and almost curved – a common feature throughout the hotel is soothing curves. This is a part of its contemporary design, with clean-cut, smooth lines and an earthy colour palette that is common throughout the hotel.

Rooms
Elegant and classy are two words to describe the bedroom decor. It was so beautiful that I didn’t want to leave my room. The colour palette was neutral and minimalist, and the headboard was curved and shell-like. The bedroom’s wow factor had to be the stand-alone bathtub between the bathtub and balcony. Bliss, complete bliss and both nights, I used it. All the rooms have a minibar, a Nespresso machine, a safe and a balcony with beautiful views.

Private beach
The stunning Isla Brown Corinthia has a private blue flag-awarded beach that overlooks the Saronic Gulf and has almost every water activity you could imagine. If you’re heading there with children, it has an incredible floating watercourse that would even tempt adults to have a go. It is a stunning beach to go swimming in with its turquoise waters and if you wanted, you could rent a boat and explore the surrounding areas. The pool area at the hotel is dreamy and resembles something from an elite Hollywood setting. The hotel has two infinity pools that perfectly view the Saronic Gulf coastline, with one for adults and a smaller one for children. Conveniently, there’s a pool bar, too, that serves up stunning margarita cocktails.

Spa
One of the first things you should do when you check in at this hotel is book a spa treatment; the treatment menu is impressive and includes a reflexology and cellulite massage, to name a few. I went for a full body massage that incorporated an Indian massage and was floating afterwards. The spa’s aesthetic is soothing with its neutral colour palette and open spaces.

Dining
Chriso Bar and the restaurant naturally blend into one with an open-plan design, and on both nights, the atmosphere was excellent – very buzzy and laid back. The menu has an international appeal to it with Mediterranean-style dishes. The traditional Greek salad paired with the cod croquette was heavenly and was my top pick on both nights we dined there.

Local attractions
Head to Loutraki, a stunning seaside town known for its vast natural springs and therapeutic spas. From virgin beaches of incomparable natural beauty to hidden, breathtaking cave formations, it is a place that leaves you wanting more. Melagavi Cape is a trendy spot to visit and is home to one of the top ten most beautiful lighthouses in Greece, Melagavi Lighthouse. Foodwise, Pepe Rosso Seaside Restaurant is the place to visit with great food and views. It’s a charming Italian eatery on the Loutraki promenade with a lush menu – I devoured a pizza and had the most excellent Greek salad known to humankind while dining there.

Prices
Isla Brown Corinthia is a beach resort that impresses you and is a great place to go if you want to switch off and relax. Rooms start at €300 per night during peak season, and bookings can be made by emailing isla.corinthia@brownhotels.com or visiting Isla Brown Corinthia.

Follow Megan Virgo’s travels on Instagram at @meganvirgo.