What Not to Miss:
- Staying in an Acropolis Suite — with your own plunge pool
- Private yoga on your Acropolis Suite patio
- Walkable location near the Acropolis, the Roman Agora, and Monastiraki Square
- A staff that aims to create a curated visit for each guest
As I lowered my hands into prayer and exhaled, I opened my eyes to the most awe-inspiring view I’ve had during a yoga practice. I was flowing through a private session on the patio of my suite at The Bellen—and my gaze was set on the ancient Acropolis in Athens.
When I was researching hotels for a trip to the historic city, I came across the 22-room boutique property, which opened in late 2025. This Grecian gem exceeded my expectations for a luxury wellness stay in Athens.
Accommodations
Book one of the Acropolis Suites at The Bellen; it’s worth every penny. My L-shaped patio with that view of the Acropolis featured a table perfect for enjoying a leisurely breakfast and loungers for soaking up the sun. But the real selling point was the private plunge pool where I could cool off after walking all morning or sip a glass of rosé while watching the sunset.
The interior of my suite was just as delightful, with decor that made me feel like I was staying in a chic-but-cozy European flat. The centerpiece of the room was a cloud-like bed, which was surrounded by windows, shaded by billowing white curtains. There were also comforts like tea and coffee service, a minibar with juice and tea options, Molton Brown products, complimentary Wi-Fi, a cable-satellite TV, bathrobes and slippers, and a very important detail in the summer: air-conditioning. Oh, and did I mention my particular suite had a private elevator, too?
And then there was The Bellen team. The property is beautiful and offers all of the right amenities and services, but it’s the staff members who bring it all to life. When I made a request via the hotel’s WhatsApp account, I’d receive a prompt response. Every morning, I was greeted by name as I left the property, and when I needed a recommendation for dinner, there was always a spot-on suggestion. If I needed anything, all I had to do was ask.
Wellness, Spa, and Fitness Facilities
Breathwork, a Harmonic Sound Massage, and a Lymphatic Detox Ritual—these are just a few of the wellness treatments offered on The Bellen’s spa menu. When traveling in Europe, I’ve often felt like wellness is an afterthought for many boutique hotels. And I’m glad to see that this is changing. (See this article I wrote for Well Defined about Paris’s Grand Powers Hotel.)
When I was researching Athens hotels, I came across these words on the hotel website: “At Bellen, we believe true wellness is a unique and personal journey. Our philosophy is rooted in providing a serene escape from the vibrant energy of Athens, allowing you to reconnect with yourself in an environment of sophisticated calm and genuine care.” This statement (and the reasonable price point for a luxury boutique hotel) sold me.
And I can confirm that the hotel delivered on this promise. Of course, I enjoyed the more obvious wellness features like the small spa that offers a variety of unique treatments (I opted for the deep tissue massage, which was fabulous), a sauna and hammam, and a well-equipped gym where you can arrange a personal training session.
If learning while getting some exercise in sounds appealing, the hotel’s concierge can arrange a variety of private or group guided walking tours focused on historical spots like the Acropolis, Greek cuisine, and social topics like the LGBTQ culture in Ancient Greece. Given the hotel’s walkable location, I chose to do daily walks to spots like the Acropolis, the Roman Agora, and Monastiraki Square.
Then, there are the more subtle nods to individual wellness. Both “early” and “late” breakfast options are offered to suit your sleep schedule, and healthy options included poached eggs with avocado and carrot, orange, and ginger juice are offered.
You can also choose from a variety of pillows, depending on what will help you sleep best. I was treated to a thoughtful cup of post-massage tea, which was delivered to my room. And there’s a small library above the lobby area filled with books to peruse. After my days of exploring in the heat, I was always grateful to return to this peaceful oasis.
Cuisine
Scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and toast. Pancakes with hazelnut praline and strawberries. Cappuccino and that carrot, orange, ginger juice. These were just a few of my favorite breakfast offerings while staying at The Bellen.
Each evening, I would pre-order my breakfast to be delivered to my room at a given time. With a view like mine, I didn’t really see the need to head downstairs to eat.
However, the property does have a cozy little restaurant and bar where you can enjoy breakfast and lunch options like spaghetti pomodoro or a stellar cheese and charcuterie platter. And regardless of your room type, room service is always an option for lunch or dinner.
I enjoyed many beautiful meals wandering around Athens (for example, Taverna Ermou became a go-to for lunch, given its simple-but-beautiful Greek bites and convenient location to the hotel). But on my final night, there was nothing better than enjoying room service margarita pizza and a glass of rosé while watching the lights of the Acropolis come on one last time.
