COCO-MAT HOTEL NAFSIKA Situated in the quiet, upscale residential suburb of Kifissia, about a 30 mins (EUR 20) taxi ride from Syntagma Square, the capitals first COCO-MAT hotel offers a slice of super cool Scandinavian style blended with Greek warmth and hospitality, plus quite possibly the best sleeping experience in Athens. The calming, relaxed atmosphere throughout the property is almost certainly unique to Athens hotel scene, and stepping through the entrance is like breathing fresh air and having a weight lifted off your shoulders at the same time. The bright, crisp lobby doubles-up as a lounge, caf, restaurant and bar, and takes on different characters and moods throughout the day. There are comfortable sofas to sink into, books to grab from the library, a computer corner, an honesty bar with drinks and nibbles, and doors that open to a shady terrace and herb garden. Bedrooms are not huge but fresh, well laid-out and functional, making extensive use of woods and gorgeous fabrics. Every bedroom has a balcony or terrace, and bathrooms have walk-in showers. Rooms on the highest floors have far-reaching views. Ground floor rooms have greenery-fringed private terraces. What makes COCO-MAT Hotel Nafsika unique in Athens, is the bespoke tailor made sleep service offered to its guests, whereby the actual bed, linens, duvets and pillows are customised according to an individuals exact requirements, even if only for a one-night stay. COCO-MATs natural sleep systems are a combination of multiple layers of natural materials. Harder layers, such as coconut fiber, horsehair or cactus fiber, provide bodyweight support, while the more elastic layers of natural rubber follow the bodys shape, gently hugging every curve. When booking a stay at COCO-MAT Hotel Nafsika, a simple process allows the hotel to learn how to meet guests sleep needs and provide the ideal bed to facilitate the perfect slumber. The Cultured Traveller can report from first-hand experience that the beds at COCO-MAT Hotel Nafsika were incredible to the point of laziness. Indeed it was nigh-on impossible to get out of bed in the mornings, despite the tantalizing aromas of freshly baked bread wafting around the hotel. www.nafsika.coco-mat-hotels.com

ATHENS