Set in glorious isolation on one of Greece's lushest islands, The Infinity 180 Luxury Suites is a haven for escapists. Getting here is all part of the experience: First, there’s the ferry ride to Alonissos, whose lush cloak of Aleppo pines and olives marks it out from your usual barren Greek island. Then you bump up a dirt track to 3 luxuriously calming suites that gaze across an infinity pool to the glittering Aegean. Once here, you can take a classic wooden sailing boat out to see monk seals and dolphins in the marine park off the north of the island, or simply sink into a hammock among the pines. In the evening, sip a mojito on your private terrace as you watch the moon rise to the hoots of the island's scops owls.
Alonissos is special, and so are your hosts. This is a true family business run by Sharon and Mark Wood, with sons Justin and Luke - both professionally trained in hospitality in Switzerland. Justin creates gourmet breakfasts and dinners while Luke runs the spa in the luxuriant garden, leaving Sharon and Mark to anticipate your every need. The Woods lived many years in Africa, so there’s a Safari-flavoured theme throughout, from the artefacts on the walls to the open-to-the-elements Tsavo bar-lounge. Wild Africa meets wondrous Aegean, a stunning combination.
Highs
- The Wood family - exceptional hosts who deliver tip-top personal service with genuine enthusiasm
- The heart-skipping views across the infinity pool to the Aegean, with its uninhabited Two Brothers islands
- The award-winning Amani spa inside a safari-style tent in the garden
- The peace - it’s adults only and feels a million miles from nightclubbing Skiathos
- Nature lovers will adore the blooming wildflowers (April and May), plus the seal-spotting cruises are less busy than on other islands.
Lows
- WiFi can be variable - maybe this is the time for a digital detox
- Rates are a little pricey, but you're paying for seclusion
- Getting here can be tricky, and you’ll want to take the track slowly if you’re in a hire car, but it's all part of the adventure
- No proper restaurant, but dinners are available on request and you can dine on your private patio
- Beaches are low key and there’s just 1 sandy beach nearby. However, in the absence of an airport, the Alonissos coastline is blissfully crowd-free
Best time to go
We think April and May are the nicest months to visit. During this time the wildflowers are sensational, it’s not too hot to explore its many well-marked footpaths, beaches and off-shore islands, and the summer holiday crowds haven’t yet arrived. October is also good as the sea is still beautifully warm.
Our top tips
If you’re interested in reading about Alonissos’ history, get hold of a copy of Gates of the Wind by Michael Carroll, which recounts his experience of living among the island's fishermen and farmers. You might also fancy visiting the Bookshop Cafe in the Old Town (Chora), which, as well as serving coffee and tsipouro (the local equivalent of ouzo), sells secondhand books in several languages including English and Greek.