Naxos Island Hotel

Occupying white-washed Cycladic architecture dotted with blue wooden windows that are typical to the region, the Naxos Island Hotel opened in 2002 and offers a relaxing vacation for sun-and-beach-oriented tourists. Like the exterior, the interiors are bright and white, with a sunlit contemporary style. Olive branch-like lighting fixtures in the lobby add a bit of a whimsical (or gaudy) touch, while large photographs of local scenery dot the white walls. The space features a mini-library that guests are free to borrow books from, plus there are glass display cases of jewelry, local spirits, and other souvenirs available for purchase. 

The real highlight is the rooftop pool with its roomy sundeck that's lined with wooden loungers, tables, and chairs. This is where guests tend to spend most of their time, and with gorgeous views over the sea and island as well as a poolside bar and restaurant, it's a lovely spot to while away in a lounger. Guests are a mix of families and couples, and the hotel does a good job catering to both. 

The hotel occupies a convenient location near restaurants and shops, and is about a minute's walk to Agios Prokopis Beach. There are several other hotels in the immediate area. Naxos town is about a 10-minute drive away, and is where guests will find many more dining options, shops, and attractions like the Castle of Naxos, the Archaeological Museum of Naxos, and the scenic Apollo Temple. Guests wishing to explore other beaches can head to Plaka Beach (12-minute drive) or Aliko beach (about a half-hour drive), a gorgeous spot with secluded, quiet coves. Naxos Island National Airport is about a seven-minute drive from the hotel. The Naxos ferry port, with ferries to Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens is about a 15-minute drive away.

Rooms are bright and clean, pairing white and light blue hues with wooden furniture. The large photographs of the island that adorn the walls look a bit cheap. Glass walls separating the bedroom from the bathroom may not suit all tastes, though they do have privacy shades. Nevertheless, they're pleasant spaces, many of which have private furnished balconies that offer distant views of the sea or overlook the hotel grounds. Some have private whirlpool tubs on their balconies.

All rooms have desks and are equipped with flat-screen TVs, minibars, electronic safes, telephones, and free Wi-Fi, but they lack coffee/tea facilities. A free welcome wine and fruit basket is a nice and appreciated touch. White marble bathrooms feature shower/tub combos as well as Japanese-style electronic toilets, magnifying mirrors, and wall-mounted hairdryers. Toiletries are provided, as are bathrobes and slippers as well as beach, spa, and pool towels.

The main highlight is the rooftop infinity pool, which offers stunning views over the island and sea. A sun deck is lined with loungers, as well as tables and chairs, and there's a poolside bar and restaurant. The Taverna Restaurant serves a Greek buffet breakfast in the morning that's included in rates, followed by Greek and international fare for late lunch and dinner. It's a lovely alfresco spot for a meal, with great views, especially at sunset. Half-board rates are also available.

The spa has two treatment rooms, each with a white marble steam room, sauna, and a whirlpool tub. A number of treatments like massages and facials are available, plus there's also a hair and nail salon. The fitness center is a bit small, but offers a handful of machines, including two treadmills, a stationary bike, and a strength-training machine.

The resort is just a minute's walk from Agios Prokopis Beach, where hotel guests have umbrellas reserved for them. Beach towels are also available. Other features at the hotel include two meeting rooms and a boutique that sells clothes and souvenirs. Wi-Fi is free throughout. Parking is another freebie.