4 Best Hotels in Rhodes and the Dodecanese, Greece

Symi's historic trading halls have been restored as a delightfully atmospheric inn where centuries-old surroundings are accented by stone floors and antiques. Wrapping a luxury stay around its protected walls was an act of sheer ingenuity. One room has been crafted from an old bakery, its stone oven transformed into a clever subterranean wet-room. The recent conversion of an adjacent captain’s mansion, a historic former home of a wealthy merchant, adds lighter, airier rooms (all pastel woods and four-posters) as well as an indoor pool, while dinner and breakfast on the terrace affords one of the more memorable views on the island. Simply the most luxurious, relaxing lodgings to be found on Symi.

Built in 1928, back when Kos was under the thumb of Fascist Italy, this beautiful building was originally created as a hotel for prominent military officials. Later, it got a new lease of life as a TV studio, then stood empty for decades until it reopened in 2018 as a luxurious eight-room boutique stay with its own private beach. There's nothing else to match it on the island. The building has been sensitively updated, with its old Juliet balconies, whitewash facade, and iconic Ottoman-style pointed arches all kept. Rooms are all dark mahogany, slate gray, and gleaming white walls with murals that take their inspiration from the Art Deco movement, and sea views to melt the soul. There's no pool or gym; just history. Outside, sun beds dot the pebbly shore, which has been topped up with sand. Meanwhile, the beachside bar-restaurant adds a dash of modernity with an excellent degustation menu. It is open all year.

This elegant waterside villa, which sleeps up to 14 for exclusive usage, was taken over a few years ago by the people behind The Old Markets (carry on reading), and has been transformed into a modern spectacle that carries forward some of its past's most luxurious, sophisticated fixtures and fittings, like filigreed marble sinks and four-poster beds. Far from a home away from home, it offers a chance to live like royalty on Symi. It's a bit out of town, but that's the point. Private terraces and balconies afford solitude and fine views across the waters of Nimborio Bay, with day beds in the garden below.

One of Greece's truly special retreats sits high above Grikos Bay, south of Skala, and provides a luxurious yet informal family-run getaway, with large and sumptuous guest quarters, delightful outdoor lounges, a welcoming pool, and soothing sea views. Guest rooms are beautifully appointed with local antiques and art as well as built-in divans and other touches of a distinct island style. Most have sitting areas and large and supremely equipped baths, as well as sea-facing terraces. A lavish breakfast is served on a large veranda that doubles as lobby, dining room, and gathering spot, and where a member of the gracious Stergiou family is usually on hand to dispense advice about enjoying the island.