Eagles Palace

This peaceful hotel -- part of the Small Luxury Hotels brand -- is popular with many couples and families for its beautiful common areas, solid list of amenities, and pretty sea views. The grounds are lovely, with stone buildings complementing the lush property and surrounding forests. Inside, white walls create a neutral canvas for natural design features: Stone and wood blend nicely, and elements of nature are incorporated with chic furnishings to create a lovely environment. By the front entrance, vegetation seems to grow out of stone in an artistic display of moss wall art. Lounge and dining spaces throughout are comfy and attractive; In the lobby, a freestanding fireplace is surrounded by long, cushy couches, while the main bar has pendant lights resembling small birds flitting near the ceiling plus stylish circle chairs on a green terrace overlooking the sea. The hotel is generally quiet, with an atmosphere that promotes relaxation. 

Eagles Palace is on the northeastern-most peninsula of Greece’s mainland, near the small villages of Ouranoupolis and Tripiti. It is immediately off the main coastal road through the area, but there’s nothing to do within walking distance. Ouranoupolis is a quaint village, a five-minute drive away, and offers some restaurants, shops, and a small port with trips to other coastal towns on the peninsula and nearby island. The hotel runs a regular shuttle into town for guests. Thessaloniki Airport is just under a two-hour drive from the hotel, and the nearest major port is at Thessaloniki, also two hours away. 

Rooms and suites are appealing with chic decor in a neutral palette plus pops of beachy blues. There are a wide variety of room categories with slightly different styles, but generally the design includes wood furniture, beige tile floors, white or ivory walls, and blue accents in the patterned blanket, pillows, or curtains. Note that some rooms have two twin beds pushed together to form a double. Sitting areas range from a whimsical chair and table to a sleeper sofa. Balconies or terraces are nicely furnished and some have stunning sea views. Higher-tier rooms have design elements that enhance the atmosphere, including colorful accents and better quality furnishings. 

All rooms have a flat-screen TV, minibar, free Wi-Fi, safe, and Nespresso machine, though some guests report having to pay for the Nespresso pods. Bathrobes, slippers, and beach towels are also provided. Marble bathrooms are sleek, with a vessel sink, shower/tub combo or oversized shower with rainfall showerhead, and sometimes a window into the bedroom. A hairdryer and high-end toiletries also come standard. Upgraded rooms offer options like extra beds and bathrooms, separate living rooms, whirlpool tubs, private pools, and direct access to the beach. 

This hotel has an excellent list of features for a relax-minded vacation. The pleasant main restaurant has earth-tone decor consisting of wood-paneled ceilings, colorful striped chairs, and hanging lanterns. It serves a free breakfast buffet, as well as a casual dinner buffet with regular theme nights. Three a la carte restaurants offer Greek cuisine, seafood specialties, and Italian dishes. Guests generally find the food delicious, but a bit pricy for the overall quality. Three bars offer snacks and drinks during the day and at night switch to a more sophisticated atmosphere with options for music and cocktails, a champagne bar, or drinks and classic movies by the beach. 

The saltwater pool with a swim-up bar is a popular spot, surrounded by greenery and shaded with palm trees. There’s also a small wading pool nearby for children. Both pools are heated, making them enjoyable in cooler weather. Past the pool, guests have access to free sunbeds under umbrellas on the beautiful beach. It is mostly sandy, but rocky at the water’s edge and in shallow areas. Waiter service is available for drinks and light snacks. 

Activities like water sports, sunset cruises, and Greek lessons are on offer, though some come with an extra charge. Massages and body treatment are offered at the well-reviewed spa, along with an indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, and hammam. The small fitness room has a few cardio machines and weight-training equipment. Kids can take advantage of the playground and mini-club, with a separate area for little ones and fun activities for older children. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, though not all areas get good coverage.