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Greek repose

Greek Aman resort Amanzoe has reopened.

05 April 2023

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Set on a peaceful Peloponnese hillside overlooking the Argolikos Gulf and its endless blue seas, Amanzoe is a modern-day Acropolis, surrounded by fragrant gardens and olive groves.

Reopening for the season on 1 April 2023, new experiences embrace the sense of renewal that spring brings – from one-off dinners with three Michelin-starred chefs to invigorating helicopter tours visiting ancient cities – ensuring time spent with family, friends and loved ones is made even more memorable.

 

Culinary discovery

Those visiting Amanzoe early in the season are invited to discover the culinary philosophy of renowned chef, Norbert Niederkofler with two exclusive dining experiences taking place on 30 April and 1 May 2023.

Bringing his expertise to the resort for two nights only, the first evening sees Chef Norbert combine his skills with Amanzoe’s Executive Chef Melemenis to create a five-course Four Hands menu with optional wine pairing.

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On Monday 1 May, Chef Norbert will showcase his very own food philosophy with a special dinner of sharing-style dishes capturing his imagination and creativity.

Travelling from the Dolomites, Norbert Niederkofler has received global acclaim through his three Michelin-starred restaurant St. Hubertus at Aman Partner Hotel, Rosa Alpina, and his prestigious Michelin Green Star for sustainable cooking.

For gastronomes interested in combining a stay at Amanzoe with the opportunity to taste Chef Norbert’s cuisine, the new Culinary Discovery experience includes a two-night stay in a Pool Pavilion with breakfast, one spa treatment per person and the Four Hands dinner, alongside late check-out.

Making the most of the Peloponnese sunshine, Amanzoe introduces several new culinary offerings for the 2023 program at the resort. A destination in itself, the serene Beach Club will now open for dinner three nights per week, serving a pop-up Arvamenu.

Usually available for lunch-only, the Beach Club’s inaugural coastal dining experience will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings with dishes drawing on Arva’s Italian culinary heritage – seasonal, locally sourced and perfect for sharing.

Diversifying the culinary offering at the resort’s main pool, those visiting for sunset cocktails now have the option to choose dishes from the Japanese-inspired Nama menu in a new, laidback setting complete with comfortable lounge seating.

Served overlooking the Aegean Sea, classic and locally inspired drinks will be complemented by freshly made sushi and small Japanese sharing plates such as Tori Karaage and Crispy Prawn Rolls.

Finally, a new Greek bostani breakfast, with a private chef, provides further insight into the countryside Amanzoe inhabits, known as The Garden of Greece. Overlooking the resort’s very own verdant plot, a family-style breakfast is prepared and enjoyed under the dappled shade of the hotel’s olive trees made with ingredients from the garden.

The nourishing start to the day includes a menu of homemade, traditional local dishes – such as spanakopita, a spinach and cheese pie – cooked in the outdoor wood-oven, alongside freshly-picked fruits and seasonal marmalades.

 

Locally inspired wellness

For those seeking serene time-out, no setting is better suited than Amanzoe’s 30,000-square-foot Aman Spa providing a sanctuary in which to focus on wellbeing.

Available for guests staying five nights or more from 6 April – 26 May 2023, the new Optimal Living Mindfulness Retreat offers a comprehensive program of mindfulness, breathwork and meditative movement classes, equipping participants with the tools to overcome mental barriers and obstacles in everyday life.

Honouring the ancient wisdom of traditional practices, while keeping a lens on the future, the retreat is inspired by the four ancient Hellenic Delphic Maxims of Know Thyself, Perfection is the Middle Way, Certainty Brings Ruin, and I Am. The maxims will be unveiled through daily talks with local specialist, Konstantinos Chrysikakis, and combined with gentle exercise, meditation and massage, leading to improved mental wellbeing.

The daily program includes a 60 or 120-minute morning energy awakening session, 45-minute talk, 60-minute meditative movement class, 60-minute healing meditation, 60-minute spa treatment, and late check-out.

 

Adventures on land and at sea

With 360-degree views of the surrounding waters, one of the best ways to explore Amanzoe’s setting is by boat, where untouched stretches of coastline and nearby islands can be explored in privacy and consummate luxury.

New for 2023, the resort’s updated fleet of highspeed watercraft – including a Wally One Powerboat and Pershing 62 – invite fully-customisable half- or full-day charters departing from the Beach Club.

Trips include visits to the car-free island of Spetses, known for its sea-faring traditions, neoclassical mansions and horse-drawn carriages or to picturesque Hydra, also car-free and renowned for its vibrant dining scene. For a little more seclusion, a picnic in a private cove only accessible by boat can be arranged.

Alternatively, to admire Amanzoe from above, new helicopter experiences offer a unique way to visit several of the region’s most exceptional sites in just one day.

Four itineraries range from a scenic tour over the nearby ancient sites of Nafplio, Epidaurus, Mycenae and Monemvasia, to trips to the islands of Milos or Santorini, with the option to enjoy a leisurely lunch or even a vineyard tour between flights. A visit to the archaeological site of Olympia is another possibility, inviting discovery of the original birthplace of the Olympic Games.

 

Villas to call home

Designed by renowned architect Ed Tuttle, Amanzoe’s collection of 12 one- to nine-bedroom Villas bring together the colonial grandeur of classical Greek architecture, where modern amenities and the feeling of peaceful seclusion are found in abundance. Ideal for families, children are enthralled with junior yoga sessions; menus are prepared by the villa’s personal chefs, and dedicated staff offer age-tailored activities ranging from tennis lessons to boat trips to nearby islands.

Each Villa features a private pool, landscaped gardens and an expansive terrace encouraging outdoor entertaining, while every bedroom affords its own en-suite.

The masterpiece of Amanzoe’s villas is the Acropolis-inspired Villa 20. Created in harmony with the surroundings, it features nine bedrooms and six private pools, a 650-square-metre spa and space to sleep up to 18 guests.

As the season progresses, Amanzoe will continue to offer its already extensive program of activities with future plans including the introduction of a Summer Series.

Taking place on specific dates throughout the year, the program of entertainment and events will include dance performances, live music and theatre taking place in the resort’s dramatic amphitheatre.

 

firstclassmagazine.co
aman.com

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