Travel

Hotel Anatoli, Aegina

Charming and fun

See More About:

I stumbled into the Hotel Anatoli while exploring the harbor village of Agia Marina on the Greek island of Aegina, where I had just arrived on a yacht cruise with Poseidon. It was our first stop of the day, and since I'd already visited the nearby temple of Aphaia on a previous visit, I decided to explore the charming village of Agia Marina. The unusual exterior dome decorations at the Hotel Anatoli caught my eye, and I suddenly thought I was in a picturesque part of Turkey. "Anatoli" means "East" but also refers to Anatolia and Turkey itself, and this hotel is a bit of the Middle East in the middle of the Aegean, from the lobby that doubles as an Egyptian bazaar to the dining area decorated with harem-worthy cushions and elaborate belly dancing costumes. (I think the terrace tables just outside may be one of the few places in Greece where you could order a Turkish coffee and not get sharply corrected to "A Greek coffee, you mean!")

The feeling that you've wandered into a dream world extends to the rooms, each decorated with a different color scheme with diaphanous hangings around each bed. It is impossibly romantic even before the shutters are thrown open revealing the blue waters of the Aegean and the sunny picturesque harbor below. I expected to see the cast of "Mamma Mia the Movie!" dancing down the steps, and if you're looking to stay in a "Villa Donna" of your own, this might just do the trick. All of this might be pretty window dressing except the family which runs the hotel is so warm and welcoming, I felt like a long-lost relative.

Down below the hotel itself is a labyrinth of small seating areas also richly adorned with curtains and rugs, where guests can enjoy drinks and a snack, or indulge in a massage or other spa services.

While the Anatoli is not a deluxe hotel, it's well-kept, full of charm, and might be just right for a fantasy vacation. Access to the beach and the clear waters of the harbor is by a convenient stairway.

Hotel Anatoli
Website: Hotel Anatoli
Telephone: +30 22970 32002
Cell Phone: +30 6946 029 290
Fax: +30 22970 32003

Open year-round.

Callers from the U.S. need to dial 011 prior to the 30.