None of our travel experiences are meaningful if we do not first connect emotionally with the destination.
The route from the centre of Athens to Vouliagmeni has been enjoyed since the 1960's. Arriving at the Athenian Riviera was worth it for those who had the opportunity and chose to spend their holidays there. Today, 60 years later, the Athenian coastline is reliving its glory days.
Attica's consistently prime piece of coastal land has been interspersed with hotels, restaurants, shops and activities, putting together a portfolio of experiences that could be an island unto itself.
Every Riviera in the Mediterranean has its symbols. Each symbol has its characteristics, its audience, and its temperament.
Recently, a symbol of coastal Athens has been reborn, modernised, and acquired a second, brighter, more luxurious life: It is The Roc Club of Vouliagmeni, which is the continuation of the Vouliagmeni Suites hotel, which was founded six decades ago.
The hotel allows for guests to enjoy three basic things:
First, to stay in a truly luxurious hotel with a local character, away from dazzling multinational labels.
Secondly, the hotel has familiarity and exclusivity of being part of a special small community in which guests feel a special part of.
Thirdly, guests should choose hotels where they can connect emotionally and become part of its experience and life.
This is the triptych that outlines the psyche of The Roc Club.
It is no coincidence that it belongs to Grecotel, which has a long tradition of choosing emblematic spots throughout Greece. And it is also no coincidence that Grecotel lately seems to be enjoying the process of reinvention and transformation of old landmarks.
The Dolli Athens, once a Chytiroglou building, is today the symbol of refined luxury in the centre of Athens. It offers an unbeatable close view of the Acropolis. It is a space for visitors who live in the now with the opportunity to travel to the past in a modern version of a classic Athenian mansion.
Mykonos Lolita is also a recent example of what can happen if an old hotel on a Mykonian beach is transformed into an experience of freedom, comfort and Cycladic authenticity that takes us back in time and on a journey to the emotions that we will reminisce in the future.
The Roc Club of Vouliagmeni, for its part, is the beach jewel of this handpicked collection that radiates the eclecticism of Grecotel's hotel culture.
Built on the cliffs of Lake Vouliagmeni, The Roc Club offers breathtaking views of the sea, Astir Marina and Laimos.
The hotel has 34 bright rooms and suites, where perfection, white and details that are balanced between design and art are the protagonists.
The Roc Pool is the centre of summer activity and reflects a cosmopolitan atmosphere with the elegant sun beds, on the private terraces or in the shade of the century-old large pine that keeps in touch with the historical roots of the hotel.
The Roc Club is a few minutes away from the tranquility of Lake Vouliagmeni, but also the energy of the beach with cafés, restaurants, beaches, water sports, walks and shopping in Astir Marina. Its close proximity to Athens and Sounio adds two more important experiences to the visitors' portfolio. Everyone can choose and experience at any time in which frame they will place themselves.
The Club's restaurant serves an all-day Mediterranean approach to coastal al fresco dining, with dishes for the whole family ranging from meatballs, burgers and club sandwiches for the hours of pool functions to menu highlights such as the inspired The Roc Club shrimp and the 180-day steak from New Zealand.
Indoor & outdoor gym facilities as well as personalised wellness activities complete the package of services.
But the most dazzling element of the Club is its rooftop. Soon with a restaurant, bar and the best view of the beach and the bay of Laimos. It is a rooftop that is coming to write history as a destination.
The Roc Club was once a hotel with an identity character for the area of Vouliagmeni. Today it exudes the true cosmopolitanism, quiet luxury and connection sought by travellers who are not just passing through.
The Roc Club: Panos & Chloe, Vouliagmeni 166 71 / tel.: +30 210 8964901
www.grecotel.com/therocclub/
READ MORE: The wonderful beaches of Anafi yet to be discovered by tourists.
