Amanzoe - Greece
Arrival & Setting
Upon landing at Athens airport, we were immediately greeted by a well-organized transfer service—something that truly set the tone for our stay at Amanzoe. A man holding a sign with our names was waiting (correctly spelled, mind you, which isn't always a given), and we were escorted to an air-conditioned Range Rover. While the vehicle was the older model, it was still an incredibly smooth and comfortable ride. The coordination was impeccable; both the sign-holder and driver had earpieces, communicating like they were handling a VIP operation. It was perhaps the most efficient airport pickup I’ve ever experienced—impressive and efficient.
However, be prepared for a lengthy journey ahead. The drive to the resort took about 3 to 4 hours on winding roads, and while the scenery was picturesque with rolling hills and quaint villages, it’s not exactly ideal if you have younger children who aren’t great with long car rides. The route is beautiful but also quite curvy, so if you have anyone prone to motion sickness, this might be a bit of a challenge. For families wanting a quicker and more convenient option, consider taking the helicopter transfer directly to the resort—a far more efficient choice if you’d prefer to avoid the long, twisting drive.
Arriving at Amanzoe is an experience unto itself. The resort is situated on a hilltop, and as you walk up the grand staircase, the full expanse of the view unfolds before you. The architecture feels almost mythical, reminiscent of ancient Greek temples with its marble columns and panoramic views stretching out to the horizon. This arrival experience genuinely makes you feel like you’re entering a different world, one where serenity and luxury take center stage. Check-in was seamless and welcoming, and before we knew it, we were being taken to our ocean-view villa via a golf buggy. The staff took care to point out various resort amenities along the way, giving us a brief but helpful overview of the property.
2. Kids
Amanzoe is a resort that handles children exceptionally well, though it’s clear that their primary demographic is more adult-focused. The staff were genuinely warm and friendly toward our little one, going out of their way to ensure he felt welcomed and comfortable. This wasn’t the kind of lukewarm, obligatory friendliness you often encounter; they seemed to genuinely enjoy interacting with families. It’s a rare quality in luxury resorts, and it made a significant difference in the overall experience.
For families traveling with children, the beach club’s kids' area is a standout feature. It’s well-staffed, with attentive individuals who clearly know how to engage with children in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. While we didn’t utilize the kids’ club ourselves, judging by the staff's demeanor throughout the resort, I’d feel confident that they’d be fantastic with little ones.
That said, the resort’s activities are geared more toward families with older children and teenagers. The list of available options includes hiking, farm trails, and various water sports—activities that might be a bit too adventurous or challenging for younger kids. So, if you have toddlers or infants, be prepared to create your own fun or keep them entertained in other ways.
It's also worth noting that Amanzoe isn’t swarming with families; most guests are couples or adults. This means that you might occasionally feel self-conscious if your child has a noisy outburst. However, the resort’s layout, with spacious villas spread out across the property, ensures you have plenty of privacy and won’t feel like your little one’s excitement is echoing across the whole place.
3. Room & Resort
The resort itself is nothing short of spectacular, perched on a clifftop with stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the sea. Each villa, including ours, is half of a detached structure that opens out to these magnificent views. The interiors have been designed with such care and attention to detail that every element flows effortlessly, creating a space that feels both luxurious and comfortable.
The highlight, without question, was the bathroom. It was enormous, with a freestanding bathtub positioned perfectly to take in the panoramic view down the valley to the sea. If you’re considering an upgrade, I highly recommend opting for the sea view rooms, especially those located on the west side of the resort. These rooms offer more natural and unspoiled views and are set away from the road, adding to the sense of tranquility.
For those looking to stay active, the gym is well-equipped and maintained to a high standard. Although we didn’t use the yoga room, it’s beautifully situated, surrounded by greenery and offering a peaceful atmosphere for anyone looking to stretch and unwind. The pools were also a pleasure—never crowded, and a perfect place to relax, though they don’t offer the same expansive views as some of the restaurants and bars. Instead, the pool area looks out in a different direction, which is lovely but not quite as dramatic.
The beach club is about a five-minute drive from the main resort, but it’s worth the trip. It’s an excellent spot, complete with plenty of water sports to try. The beach itself isn’t private but feels exclusive, with the club ensuring that only hotel guests use the facilities. It never felt crowded, and we spent many leisurely afternoons enjoying the calm waters and sunshine there.
4. Food & Service
This is where things at Amanzoe start to falter a bit, and it’s important to be honest: the food was the one significant area that could use improvement. Room service was decent, albeit with a somewhat limited menu—nothing particularly special but acceptable. The real disappointment came when we dined at one of the main restaurants. One evening, we ordered the lobster pasta, expecting something extraordinary, but it turned out to be inedible. In a hotel that prides itself on being one of the best in the world, this was genuinely surprising and, frankly, unacceptable.
We did raise this issue with the team, and to their credit, the chef personally addressed us the next day to apologize. While I appreciated the gesture, it didn’t erase the disappointment from such a high-end experience. The sushi restaurant was a bit better, but the ambiance was less than ideal. The lighting was dim, making it difficult to fully appreciate the presentation, and the acoustics were harsh, which detracted from the overall experience.
On a more positive note, the beach club restaurant offered a much better dining experience. The food was consistently tasty, and we found ourselves returning there for lunch more often than not. Just be sure to arrive a bit early, as it tends to get busy around peak lunchtime.
If the food didn’t quite hit the mark, the service more than made up for it. From start to finish, the staff at Amanzoe were exceptional—attentive, proactive, and genuinely friendly. They went above and beyond to accommodate any requests, whether it was printing out documents late at night or handling specific dietary requirements for our child. It’s rare to find a team that’s so consistently professional yet warm, and they managed to make our stay feel special and personal.
5. Conclusion
Amanzoe is a resort that shines in almost every aspect. The setting is genuinely breathtaking, and the resort itself is an architectural masterpiece, evoking a sense of serene luxury from the moment you arrive. The service is exceptional, and the staff make you feel like your family’s needs are their top priority. The rooms are impeccably designed, the beach club is a hidden gem, and even the little touches, like the welcoming smiles of every staff member, elevate the entire experience.
However, the food is the one area that fell short, which was disappointing given the resort's reputation. With some improvements in this department, Amanzoe could be truly flawless. Overall, it’s a fantastic destination for families looking for a more sophisticated, luxurious getaway, though I’d recommend being prepared to dine at the beach club frequently if you want to avoid any culinary letdowns.
Setting 5/5
Kids 3/5
Food 2.5/5
Resort. 5/5
Overall Rating 4/5
