Imaret
Monumental, contemplative, Ottoman-baroque. Pale ochre walls, high domed ceilings, candlelit arcades in the evening, and the sound of fountains throughout. This is a slow-travel property by design — no kids under 15, minimum five-night stays, no buffet breakfast. The ancient architecture means some rooms are dark and cave-like. Embrace it or choose a suite with sea views.
Request a suite with sea views or a balcony facing the fountain — some interior rooms are beautifully moody but very dark
Why It Matters
One of the most important Ottoman monuments in Greece, and the only one operating as a hotel. The building is technically Egyptian state property — leased by the Missirian family — so staying here has an unusual legal and historical dimension. Won 'World Best Authentic Hotel Award 2011.' Post-2025 renovation sharpened the wellness focus considerably, adding a Watsu ritual pool, panoramic sauna, and meditation room.
Imaret is a 19th-century Ottoman külliye — commissioned in 1813 by Mohammed Ali Pasha, founder of modern Egypt, as a gift to his birthplace — that has been meticulously restored into one of Greece's most singular luxury retreats. Built on top of Byzantine walls in Kavala's old Panagia quarter, the 4,200-square-metre complex spans lead-domed cells, marble arcades, enclosed orange gardens, and ancient cisterns. After a second major renovation completed in October 2025, the property now operates as eight suites and a serious wellness destination, with Ayurvedic treatments in the original Ottoman hammam, a Watsu pool, and a gourmet table drawing on Thracian and Eastern Mediterranean ingredients.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Dome Room
Spacious room situated in the inner square or the triangular orange garden. The king-size bed sits directly underneath the dome with a skylight above. The bathroom features a marble bathtub or shower with a forged bronze washbasin, matching the ochre of the walls. Dark and atmospheric by design. Cannot accommodate an extra bed.
KingImaret Suite
The flagship suite category, named for the property itself. Post-renovation (October 2025), Imaret now operates only eight suites total across the complex. Full configuration details are available on request directly from the property.
KingMekteb Suite
Named after the Qur'anic primary school that once occupied part of the complex. An individual suite within the monument. Full details on size and current configuration after the October 2025 renovation are not publicly available.
Queen or KingSecret Suite
One of the property's more intimate suite offerings, listed on the hotel's own booking system. Specific dimensions and exact location within the complex not publicly detailed.
KingTreasure Room
One of the double room categories at Imaret (alongside Dome Rooms), offering sumptuous furnishings including rich velvets and silks, handmade oriental carpets, and French linens. All rooms are individually decorated and surrounded by gardens and marble arcades.
Double or KingWater Garden Suite
42–50 square metres of living space situated on the upper level of the square garden, positioned in front of the sheltered veranda or around the large fountain-swimming pool. Each suite has a spacious living room with fireplace. The restored attic level holds the bedroom with a king-size bed. Sea views available from certain positions.
King · 46 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Hands-on workshop in aromatherapy, part of the hotel's expanded cultural and wellness programming post-renovation.
A seasonal experience bookable through the hotel, exploring the lagoon ecosystem of Lake Vistonida in Thrace.
Curated day trip to the ancient city of Amphipolis, one of the most significant archaeological sites in northern Greece, where major tomb discoveries were made in recent years.
A guided tour of the Imaret complex itself, including the 19th-century mosque and free entry to Mohammed Ali's House nearby. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. Open to all guests and available daily except Tuesday and Wednesday (public tours at 11:00 and 12:00).
Guided hiking excursions on the historically significant Mount Pangaion, bookable through the hotel. The mountain has deep connections to Thracian mythology and ancient Greek history.
Curated sailing excursions to the nearby island of Thasos, accessible by ferry from Kavala port. The hotel can arrange or advise on these trips.
Workshop in traditional Greek and Thracian bread-making, connecting guests to the region's food culture and the property's historical roots as a charitable kitchen.
Curated wine tasting experiences exploring Greek and local Thracian vineyards. The region around Drama and Kavala sits on what's known as the Road of Dionysus, one of Greece's more serious wine routes.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
A conference room and reception hall within the complex, available for private events and meetings.
Breakfast is served (not buffet — table service), included in rates. Some reviews note mixed feedback on quality pre-renovation; the post-2025 kitchen has been repositioned.
A library within the complex. The original Imaret housed a significant library of Ottoman, Turkish, and Persian manuscripts; the hotel's library continues this tradition.
Three distinct enclosed gardens surrounding the hotel rooms, modelled on the Persian pairi-daeza concept of an ordered, protected world. Orange trees, marble arcades, reflection pools, and fountains create a fully enclosed sensory environment.
Pets allowed on request, at no extra charge. The hotel also has resident cats of its own — a well-loved part of the Imaret experience.
A swimming pool in the courtyard, surrounded by orange trees and the marble arcade. Sun loungers and parasols available.
The original Ottoman cistern, preserved and incorporated into the property as a unique bathing and relaxation space under the original domes.
Each room is stocked with exclusive Bulgari toiletries and Molton Brown candles — a longstanding signature of the property.
Original fireplaces in all rooms and suites, completing the Ottoman-era interior aesthetic.
Airport, cruise terminal, and train station transfers available for a surcharge. Book at least 24 hours in advance via the property.
Valet parking available 8am–midnight. No on-site parking. Outside these hours, guests must park independently — difficult in the pedestrianised old town.
BUILD YOUR IMARET PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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