Royal Pearl Island Hotel & Spa

Travellers seeking high quality hotel accommodation within easy walking distance of a wide range of local restaurants, bars and shops, yet in an authentic Greek setting that remains pleasantly unaffected by the trappings of mass tourism, may find that the Royal Pearl Island ticks all the boxes. Opened in July 2024, it is the first modern 5-star hotel on Chios, but with just 48 rooms on two floors, it is a far cry from the large all-inclusive complexes found on other islands, and aims to provide an intimate and relaxing environment with a high level of personal service.

Chios Town is home to roughly half the island's population of just over 50,000, and as such is a vibrant community with a busy shopping area and a diverse range of dining and nightlife options, both along the harbourside and in the colourful backstreets. The Royal Pearl Island Hotel is set back from the coast road in a quiet residential area at the southern end of the town, which allows you to dip into the hustle and bustle of the centre whenever you feel like it, and to retreat from it when you don't. On foot, it takes around 10 minutes to reach the start of the harbour, and just over 20 minutes to walk to the castle, the walled historic centre of the town. Although the island's airport lies just a little further south from the hotel, it only receives a few domestic flights each day and therefore does not disturb the peace unduly.

With its integrated pool bar, soothing water jets and good supply of comfortable loungers, the large swimming pool is undoubtedly the hotel's most striking feature, equally suited to rigorous exercise and to blissful relaxation. Those who prefer sea swimming will find the pebbly town beach just 250 metres away, whilst the popular beach resort of Karfas with its sandy, more gently-shelving beach can be reached by taxi in around 10 minutes, or a little longer by public bus.

The air-conditioned guestrooms are approximately 45 square metres in size, and are decorated in a sleek, contemporary style, with quality natural materials and a neutral colour pallet. Offering a choice of a double or twin beds, each has a sitting area and a modern shower room with walk-in rain shower, twin washbasins, a separate WC and a hairdryer. Other conveniences provided include tea and coffee-making facilities, minibars, smart TVs, electronic safes, free WiFi, bathrobes and slippers.

Whilst they are all identical inside, the rooms are divided into four categories according to their position and outside facilities: Pool View Suites and Swim-Up Suites are set around the main pool. The former are on the upper floor and do exactly what it says on the tin, with views of the pool from their good-size balconies, whilst the latter are on the ground floor and offer direct access into the pool, with steps leading from their terraces into the water, and their own pair of sun-loungers right on the water's edge. Guests seeking a greater degree of privacy can choose from upper-floor Jacuzzi Suites with a two-person whirlpool bath on the balcony, and Private Pool Suites on the ground floor, with their own small individual freshwater swimming pools.

Stays at the Royal Pearl Island are offered on bed & breakfast basis, with a wholesome buffet of homemade goodies laid out every morning. In the evening, you are free to choose whether to dine in the hotel's own restaurant or to stroll into town to sample some of the local restaurants, but with its lovely views, the hotel's bar terrace is always an enticing venue for a nightcap. The hotel also has a small spa area with a sauna, steam room, plunge pool and a range of beauty and message treatments (local charges apply) as well as a small fitness room with weights and cardiovascular equipment. Please note that, although the Royal Pearl Island is one of the few hotels on Chios to open all year, the swimming pool is open from April to mid-October.