Travel Review: Grand Resort Lagonissi, Athens, Greece

PRIVATE PARADISE: Visitors to Grand Resort Lagonissi can enjoy a range of accommodation with beautiful sea views.

The name says it all really.

Everything about the Grand Resort Lagonissi in Athens is grand, majestic - and just a little bit magical.

With a guest-list that regularly includes Arab royalty, international diplomats and the odd Premier League footballer, that’s no surprise.

But achieving that majesty without losing your soul - and your welcome-all ethos - is a mighty achievement, especially at a time when the global image of Greece has had a bit of a pummelling due to the economic downturn.

But tourism continues to boom, and this holiday resort and events venue is a real feather in the nation’s hospitality cap.

My partner and I had popped in for a two-day break as part of a longer holiday and a bit of Greek island hopping.

But I could happily have spent a fortnight just wandering the grounds of this beautiful resort and enjoying all the luxuries and little surprises that it has to offer.

The range of accommodation is simply stunning.

Our sea-front apartment, with its own private pool and even a section of beach all to ourselves, was wonderful.

Opening the sliding doors into our suite for the first time, I could only gasp with delight.

Little touches like the mini gym and jacuzzi were very welcome, but it was the poolside view - looking over the glistening Aegean ocean - that was a real sight for sore, jet-lagged eyes.

Watching the sunset from our exclusive vantage point while sipping bubbly was just unforgettable,

The apartment suites - ranging from mildly decadent to Royally extravagant- aren’t cheap, but they are perfect for honeymooning couples and well worth the one-off investment.

For families on a more modest budget, luxurious bay view rooms are available at very affordable rates - and you certainly get plenty of bang for your buck.

We had travelled in September, nearing the end of the season, but the weather was hot without being sticky and uncomfortable.

We were able to lounge at our leisure, and a simple phone call sent a buggy and driver on request to take us to any corner of the 72-acre grounds that we liked.