Majestic mountains, inland lakeside towns…. I could go on forever but, today, we are meandering through 6 luxury indoor pools situated in the hills and valleys of the Greek mainland which are guaranteed to wet the palate of aqua-appreciators everywhere.
You don’t just have to be a water sign to be suffering from merming withdrawal symptoms in the chilly winter months. Frozen water – Ice? Great. Snow? Terrific – love them both – any chance of the ‘preferably warm’ liquid H2O version too? A resounding yes.
The opportunity to combine winter getaways and activities such as hiking, skiing and horse riding with moments of sublime warm water immersion and wellness spas on the most freezing of winter days are on offer at luxury hotels dotted around the Greek mountain ranges. Here are six of the best for you…
Grand Forest Metsovo
Located In the heart of a black pine forest on the steep slopes of the rugged Pindos mountains, you can enjoy both traditional and gourmet dishes with a glass (or two) of wine at a dizzying altitude of 1350 m at the 5-star Grand Forest Metsovo, whilst also making use of their stunning spa center equipped with hot tub, sauna, hammam and indoor heated pool where you can enjoy incredible mountain views by day and illuminated dips by night.
Info: Interchange 7A, A2, Metsovo 442 00
Santa Marina Arachova Resort & Spa
Boasting its modern ski resort, magnificent mountainous landscape, lively nightlife and relatively close proximity to both Athens and the ancient UNESCO world heritage site of Delphi, one of the most popular winter destinations in Greece is Arachova. If you are searching for a slightly more peaceful and serene sense of the region, try the Santa Marina Arachova Resort & Spa. Only a kilometre away from the centre of the bustling mountain village, you can find this traditional stone-built resort with cosy apres-ski lounging around blazing fireplaces and a well-equipped spa with all the amenities you could wish for – sauna, jacuzzi, steam room and a striking indoor pool with stunning views just oozing with style and tranquillity.
Info: Arachova
Anavasi Mountain Resort
In the mountains of Epirus two spa resorts stand out, not only for their exquisite décor, impressive spa facilities and pools with a view, but for having an added bonus for aquatic explorers. They are a stone’s throw away from the unmissable, mysterious and bewitching Anemotrypa stalactite Cave, a magical and complex cave system filled with dazzling chambers of pink, white and grey–hued lakes that surely many a water nymph must have called home throughout the eons.
Climbing the slopes of Tzoumerka, in the village of Tsopelas, like-minded water sprites can choose to relax at the Anavasi Mountain Resort, tastefully designed to harmonise with its natural surroundings, and offering excellent services, an indoor heated swimming pool and sauna with charming views.
Info: Tsopela Pramanton
Orizontes Tzoumerkon
or at the equally pleasing Orizontes Tzoumerkon nestled in a lush forest of cedars and firs on the slopes of Tzoumerka Pramantas at the foot of Strogoula, The hotel has a wellness center with a heated swimming pool with breath-taking views of the mountain slopes, modern gym facilities, sauna and hammam.
Info: Pramanta
Kazarma Lake Resort & Spa
If you would prefer to be overlooking the water at all times why not take the opportunity to visit some of Greece’s pristine mountain lakes.
With panoramic views of scenic Lake Plastira, one of the highest altitude lakes in Greece, and its surrounding countryside, the Kazarma Lake Resort & Spa in Kalyvia Phylaktis, built on a verdant slope of Agrafa in the traditional stone and wood manner of the region, provides a warm welcome with comfortable, luxurious rooms and a spa area where one can enjoy a series of holistic treatments tailored around the relaxing waters of the indoor heated pool.
Info: Kalivia Phylaktis
Hotel du Lac
Finally, for those who wish to savour both the serenity of nature and vibrancy of city life, the beautiful mountain city of Ioannina, one of Greece’s most multicultural cities, hugs the shoreline of Lake Ioannina’s green waters. The sophisticated Hotel du Lac, situated on the shores of Lake Ioannina, has created an oasis of wellbeing here by expertly merging old style charm with modern spa facilities equipped with an indoor heated pool, hammam, sauna, jacuzzi, as well as massage cabins, creating the ideal conditions to unwind from both town and country explorations.
Info: Lake Ioannina
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