15 Lesser-Known Greek Island-Style Retreats in the U.S.
Ever dreamt of the sun-drenched charm of the Greek islands, with their whitewashed walls and brilliant blue domes, but your travel plans are keeping you stateside? Imagine finding that same serene, coastal magic without needing a passport. The United States is dotted with undiscovered sanctuaries that capture the essence of the Aegean. These retreats offer a perfect blend of Mediterranean style and American comfort, creating a unique escape. I’ve searched the coasts and deserts to find these hidden gems. Ready to uncover a slice of Greece right here at home?
1. Alys Beach, Florida
Have you ever wondered if an entire town could make you feel like you’re on Santorini? That’s the magic of Alys Beach. As you walk through its striking, all-white architecture under the Florida sun, you are instantly transported. The town’s design, with its brilliant white courtyard homes and splashes of turquoise from private pools, is a masterclass in modern Mediterranean style. You could spend your days biking along its pristine paths or simply relaxing by the emerald Gulf waters. This is more than a vacation spot; it’s an immersive experience.
2. Korakia Pensione, Palm Springs, California
Looking for a desert oasis that whispers tales of Mediterranean shores? You’ll find it at Korakia Pensione. This unique retreat blends Greek and Moroccan influences, creating an enchanting escape. Imagine waking up in a whitewashed villa, sunlight streaming through bougainvillea-draped windows. You can spend your afternoons lounging by one of two saltwater pools or enjoying a classic film under the stars at night. The serene atmosphere, with its citrus blossoms and crackling fire pits, makes you feel a world away, offering a truly romantic and peaceful getaway.
3. The Surfrider Malibu, California
Can a classic California surf motel be reborn with a Greek soul? The Surfrider Malibu proves it can. Perched across from the iconic Surfrider Beach, this spot feels like a private home on the Aegean coast. Its clean, bright design features light woods, white linens, and handcrafted details that create an effortlessly chic vibe. You’ll love the exclusive roof deck, where you can watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand. It’s an intimate, beautifully curated experience that blends laid-back California cool with sophisticated Mediterranean simplicity.
4. Hotel Joaquin, Laguna Beach, California
Want to find a seaside spot that feels both exclusive and utterly relaxing? Discover Hotel Joaquin, tucked away in North Laguna. This gem channels the spirit of St. Barts with a distinct touch of Greek coastal living. Each room is a unique haven with one-of-a-kind vintage pieces and a record player to set the mood. You can spend your day lounging at the secluded pool or take a short stroll to the private area of Shaw’s Cove. The focus here is on unwinding and disconnecting in a stunning, thoughtfully designed space.
5. La Serena Villas, Palm Springs, California
Ever wished for a private sanctuary with a Spanish-Mediterranean heart? La Serena Villas in Palm Springs offers just that. Built around a historic 1930s building, this adults-only hotel features luxurious villas, each with a private patio, outdoor bathtub, and fire pit. The crisp white walls, intricate tile work, and vibrant blue pool create a stunning backdrop. You can spend your days soaking up the desert sun in blissful seclusion. When you leave, you’ll carry with you a sense of deep relaxation and rustic, romantic elegance.
6. Gurney’s Montauk Resort, New York
Where can you find the energy of the Hamptons fused with the tranquility of a seaside Greek village? It’s at Gurney’s Montauk Resort. This is the only year-round resort in Montauk, situated on a stunning 2,000-foot private sand beach. While it has a modern American feel, its expansive ocean views, crisp blue and white decor, and exclusive beach club evoke a luxurious island escape. You’ll feel the stress melt away as you listen to the waves from your ocean-fed seawater pool, the largest of its kind in North America.
7. Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts, California
Hoping to find an intimate coastal hideaway in the midst of bustling Santa Monica? Oceana is your answer. From the outside, its ivy-clad walls hint at the private oasis within. Step inside, and the bright, airy interiors with their soft white tones and deep blue accents immediately calm the senses. You can lounge in a cabana by the courtyard pool, feeling like you’re in your own private Aegean club. It perfectly captures the essence of a relaxed, luxurious seaside home where every detail encourages you to unwind.
8. Marram, Montauk, New York
Could a barefoot luxury hotel on Long Island capture the simple elegance of a Cycladic retreat? Marram does it beautifully. Located right on the dunes of Terrace Beach, this resort focuses on quiet connection and nature. The design is minimalist and earthy, with whitewashed walls, reclaimed woods, and soft, natural textures. You can start your day with complimentary beachfront meditation or surf lessons. It’s a place that encourages you to slow down, breathe in the salt air, and appreciate the simple, beautiful moments of coastal life.
9. Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection, Napa Valley, California
Ever imagined finding the clean, bright aesthetic of a Greek resort in the heart of wine country? Solage brings that vision to life. While surrounded by vineyards, its architecture and design philosophy emphasize light, air, and space. The spacious studios and suites feature crisp, neutral palettes, private patios, and a sense of minimalist luxury. The centerpiece is the stunning 130-foot swimming pool, lined with cabanas that invite all-day lounging. It’s an unexpected fusion of wine country charm and serene, Mediterranean-style relaxation.
10. Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica, California
What if you could find a place that feels like a chic home on the Greek coast, yet sits on the iconic Santa Monica beach? Shutters on the Beach is that dream come to life. Its interiors, designed by Michael S. Smith, feature breezy, whitewashed rooms with striking blue details, creating a crisp and calming atmosphere. Every balcony opens up to the refreshing sea air. You could spend hours just watching the Pacific from your cozy armchair. It offers the comfort of a beach house with the luxury of a world-class hotel.
11. The Greystone Miami Beach, Florida
Looking for an adults-only escape in Miami that trades neon lights for serene, sun-bleached style? The Greystone offers a sophisticated retreat just steps from the sand. The hotel’s design is a blend of Art Deco history and bohemian Mediterranean flair, with a calming palette of whites, woods, and natural textures. The rooftop pool is a true highlight, providing a peaceful spot to soak up the sun. You’ll feel a sense of calm sophistication here, making it a perfect sanctuary from the energy of South Beach.
12. The White Elephant, Nantucket, Massachusetts
Can a classic New England island harbor a resort with the grace of a Greek seaside escape? The White Elephant in Nantucket is a testament to timeless coastal elegance. While distinctly American, its pristine white facade, harborside location, and deep blue accents create a parallel to the Aegean. You can watch the boats drift by from a plush lawn chair or explore the cobblestone streets of the town. It’s a place where you can savor the refined charm and fresh sea breezes in an atmosphere of pure, understated luxury.
13. Paséa Hotel & Spa, Huntington Beach, California
Where can you find a modern surf city hotel with a soul that sings of the Greek islands? Paséa Hotel & Spa is a stunning coastal retreat. The light and airy design, with its flowing curtains, sandy tones, and pops of ocean blue, immediately sets a relaxing mood. Each room has an ocean view, connecting you to the water. The real gem is the Aarna Spa, with its tranquil, whitewashed interiors and serene water features. It is a vibrant, stylish escape that perfectly balances beach energy with spa-like serenity.
14. The Standard Spa, Miami Beach, Florida
Ever pictured a spa so immersive it feels like a wellness retreat on a secluded Greek isle? The Standard Spa on Belle Isle is a world unto itself. Set amidst peaceful tropical gardens, its focus is on holistic relaxation. The bright, minimalist rooms and hydrotherapy playground, with its salt water pool and various baths, create a sense of pure escape. You can spend your entire day in a fluffy white robe, moving from a Turkish-style hammam to a Finnish sauna, feeling completely renewed and blissfully isolated from the world.
15. Hotel Californian, Santa Barbara, California
Want to experience a place where Spanish Colonial Revival meets the mystique of a Mediterranean port? The Hotel Californian in Santa Barbara is a masterpiece of design. While its roots are more Spanish and Moroccan, the brilliant white walls, vibrant tile work, and seaside location strongly evoke a luxurious Aegean escape. You can wander through its courtyards and paseos, discovering beautiful details at every turn. The rooftop pool offers breathtaking views of the coastline, making you feel as though you’ve sailed away to a glamorous foreign shore.
