The Aegialis Hotel Amorgos, Greece

The Aegialis Hotel Amorgos lies on the Island made famous by the 1988 cult classic The Big Blue directed by Luc Besson. It is regarded as one of the most visually stunning films ever made, mostly due to the natural beauty of Amorgos where much of the filming took place. Re-watching the film recently spurred us in to action – we just had to go and see this remarkable island for ourselves!

We expected that reaching its relatively remote location might be quite an arduous process, but this actually turned to be relatively easy. By taking a direct flight to Mykonos (where we added a few days stay here to enjoy the island – see our previous stay at Grecophilia Suites) we were able to link painlessly with a daily high speed catamaran (Seajets.gr).

In just a little over two hours we were climbing through the rugged mountains of Amorgos towards the islands only luxury property – the fabulous Aegialis Hotel Amorgos. The half hour drive from the harbour allowed us to take in the scenic wonders of Amorgos which, despite being only about 20 miles long and just a mile or two wide, was extraordinarily mountainous, with peaks approaching a thousand metres.

The spine of the island is a sinuous, high altitude ridge that affords spectacular sea views and its easy to see why this is a top attraction for hikers. A few pretty whitewashed villages cling to the slopes whilst the remainder of the craggy land is occupied by some twenty-five thousand goats, many of which happily use the island’s single main road as a useful path.

The rugged cliffs that lined the coast way below us are punctuated by enough sandy bays and gravel coves to keep beach lovers more than happy. The [tp_link hotel_id=”hotelId=460570″ text_link=”Aegialis Hotel & Spa” check_in=1 check_out=12 type=2 subid=””] sits above the best of these – Aegiali/Ornos beach, a wonderful broad arc of golden sand with shallow aquamarine water.

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Upon arrival at the hotel the overwhelming impression is of space. Its hillside location allows all the public areas, pool, restaurants and rooms to all enjoy the remarkable panoramic view. Immediately you know that you are in a place that is perfect for a peaceful and deeply relaxing stay.

The Aegialis Hotel Amorgos rooms and suites are all within a few minutes stroll of both the central reception and lounge areas and the pool below. Located in whitewashed single storey buildings and surrounded by colourful gardens they vary from relatively simple ‘superior’ rooms through many different styles and sizes up to large family and honeymoon suites including some with private jacuzzi.

Whilst all are comfortable, quiet and stylish the main attraction are undoubtedly their private terraces and expansive views.

All Aegialis Hotel Amorgos rooms have free access to the biggest thalassotherapy spa in the Cyclades with sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, sea water indoor swimming pool and fitness center. We recommend taking advantage of Miriam’s excellent free yoga classes that takes place twice daily. You can catch up with her tips, and much more too, at her Self Elevation website.

The hotel often plays host to yoga retreats and as would be expected this means that dining options are excellent. Although a la carte is available, the buffet is spectacular and always provides a wide range of healthy eating and vegetarian options.

Locally the hotel shuttle runs to the Nissi beach bar where towels and comfy loungers are included. Here there are a handful of tavernas, a small adjacent harbour. A short walk or shuttle inland are a series of pretty villages well worth the excursion.

Away from the Aegialis Hotel Amorgos and around the island there is plenty more with the stunning Hozoviotissa Monastery and the wreck of the Olympia, that both feature in The Big Blue, must-see attractions. Walking tours are plentiful and recommended and diving is of course on offer.

Finally, don’t depart the Aegialis Hotel Amorgos without trying the local Amorgan produce. Instantly noticeable in Amorgos is a powerful aromatic scent that drifts in on the warm breeze. The island is well known for the quality and strength of herbs such as chamomile, marjoram, sage, thyme and rosemary. The delicious Amorgan honey reflects these flavours as done the ubiquitous Psimeni raki – a powerful local digestif often proffered after local taverna meals. Beware – drink too much and you may never leave!

For more information visit the Aegialis Hotel Amorgos 

For information on Miriams Yoga classes and much more visit Self Elevation

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CELLOPHANELAND* were guests of the [tp_link hotel_id=”hotelId=460570″ text_link=”Aegialis Hotel & Spa” check_in=1 check_out=12 type=2 subid=””]

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