Greek Gods and Goddesses – Island Bliss

Why go To Greece? Rather than list the millions of reasons to go to Greece, the Mediterranean country that has it all: gorgeous beaches, delicious healthy dining, outgoing locals, ancient history, and culture. Many of our clients have enjoyed glorious sailing Journey’s throughout the islands.

Where to go: Santorini and Mykonos are ideal summer beach locations, the weather is warm and dry, the beach clubs are lively.

Amanzoe

Not To Miss: Touring ancient historical sites in Athens – the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and the Temple of Zeus. There are 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Greece. Athens was the birthplace of Western Civilization – ancient sites are everywhere, around every corner.

Water Nymphs:  For travelers who love spending time on the water, a private boat cruise provides access to many of the unspoiled islands. Paros and Antiparos are two of the culturally rich islands, walk through the ancient ruins of Naxos, swim in the translucent waters of the Koufonisia islands and end on the beautiful beaches in Ios. Greece has over 200 inhabited islands, and each one is a reason to visit Greece. A first visit often includes Santorini and Mykonos.

Greece today is a destination for deep cultural exploration as well as relaxation—in mythically stunning settings. Greece is home to dramatic natural beauty and classic history. Greece is also a great destination for active people. There are endless watersport opportunities such as kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Avid hikers will love the varied landscapes, particularly on Crete, and even non-hikers can manage the walk through the Samaria Gorge.

Santorini is all about the simple pleasures of summer in Greece: sun, sand, and a late evening aperitif. Mykonos is often referred to the St. Tropez or Capri of Greece, sandy beaches, a charming, authentic town, and the much-photographed windmills, chic hotels, sophisticated restaurants, and an exciting night life. White buildings with blue roofs are the iconic Instagram able images. Mykonos is the Queen of Greek Islands.

Amanzoe

Aman junkies will be deliriously happy in the land of myths and legends, amid the rocky rolling Argolid hillsides of the Peloponnese stands Amanzoe. According to ancient Greek mythology the Peloponnese is where the gods walked the earth. The elegant breathtaking resort, like the Acropolis, is situated on a hilltop surrounded by olive groves, underplanted rows of fragrant lavender and spectacular views of the deep blue Aegean Sea. Oh, did I mention the soundtrack of the cicada summer symphony? Amanzoe, surrounded by undulating olive groves and overlooking the turquoise Aegean Sea, is a ten-minute drive from the tavernas and cosmopolitan stirrings of Porto Heli, Greece. The isles of Spetses and Hydra are nearby, as are countless ancient ruins, from millennia-old amphitheaters to Byzantine monasteries.

Four Seasons Athens

An iconic hideaway on the glamorous Athens Riviera, the Four Seasons is a respite from the steamy streets of Athens. On the sophisticated Athens Riviera, at the tip of a pine-clad peninsula, Four Seasons offers the best of both worlds: a laid-back seaside escapes just 30 minutes from the historical city center. Discover the wonders of ancient civilization at the Acropolis, then return to Four Seasons to unwind and relax.

Mykonos, five-star luxury. ‘Kalesma’ means ‘inviting’ in Greek, a word that best expresses the ethos of our privately owned luxury boutique hotel. The whitewashed, thoughtfully designed collection of houses that make up Kalesma have been created to resemble a charming Mykonian village. The property tumbles down a slope to Ornos Bay, and it’s just a short walk from Ornos beach. Kalesma’s outstanding location provides 360 vistas, affording guests the unique opportunity to enjoy both sunrise and sunset from the same spot. A 5-star boutique hotel, Kalesma is spread out on a generous 5-acre property with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.

Travel Planning- at least 6- 9 months in advance. This summer is especially busy, the siren songs are calling to many of our clients!

Known as the “cradle of Western civilization,” Greece today is a destination for cultural exploration as well as relaxation—in mythically gorgeous settings. Spanning a rocky mainland peninsula and over 2,000 islands, Greece is home to dramatic natural beauty and an epic history.

Stay: Ideally 7- 10 days to visit a few islands. Due to the southern location on the Mediterranean, Greece is blessed with delightful weather during the spring, summer, and autumn months, rain rarely occurs in the islands during these months.

Azure blue seas, the whitewashed buildings, the ancient, gnarled olive trees, oh, the history and the monuments and the healthy delectable cuisine – did I forget anything?! Greece is truly a place to return and return.

Athens Odeion of Herodes Atticus

Mauna Lani Culture A Sense of Place

Not every property, in fact few, celebrate a sense of place as well as the Mauna Lani Hotel. I was impressed and touched by the in-depth program of sharing local culture. A casual corner, the House of Knowledge, in the lobby houses a circle where musicians gather to play traditional instruments and sing Hawaiian songs. We have a darling family there this week and they are enjoying so many activities!

I met Uncle Danny in this circle and later when he provided a blessing for the wedding guests. Danny Akaka is a historian and ambassador at Auberge Resorts Mauna Lani in Hawaii, represents the best of modern cultural diplomacy. He’s worked at the property for 39 years and shares the stories, oral traditions, and spirit of the area with guests who can’t get enough. 

Uncle Danny Akaka

House of Knowledge – Step inside our “House of Knowledge” to experience the distinct and charming spirit of Hawaii’s indigenous living culture. A cultural center and museum located in the heart of the lobby, Hale ‘I’ike is home to Kōnane checker sets, traditional works of art and historical books enlivening the eras of kings, cowboys, and celestial navigators. Talk story with members of Mauna Lani’s Living Culture Hui, the team dedicated to the cultural, historical, and natural resources of Hawai’i. Learn about Pele, the Hawaiian Goddess of Fire, or try your hand at the ‘ukulele. String your own lei as the scents of tuberose are carried with the trade winds, or simply observe the everlasting beauty of Hawai’i through its symbols and stories.

Culture and Traditions are honored at Mauna Lani

Rooted in generations of history, Twilight at Kalāhuipua’a celebrates the timeless stories of Hawai’i through storytelling, music, and community. Join us at the Eva Parker Woods Cottage on the Saturday closest to the full moon for local performances and talk story sessions hosted by our beloved Kahu Hānai, Danny Akaka. Talk Story.

Take a hands-on approach to travel when you learn the chords, steps and skills that weave generations together in the spirit of Aloha. Hawaiian artisans and storytellers carry precious threads of knowledge passed down through generations. Whether you pound poi or play a song on the ‘ukulele, connect with the people and practices that make this place so enthralling.

Classes Include: Lei Making. A tangible symbol of aloha, the lei represents connectivity, love, and celebration. String one of your own using tropical flowers as the sweet smell of tuberose mingles fittingly with salty ocean air carried by breezy trade winds.

Ukelele Lessons. When early Portuguese immigrants brought a small stringed instrument to Hawai’i in the mid-nineteenth century, native Hawaiians made it their own. Now, the sweet and simple strum of the ‘ukulele is a sound that is known, loved, and learned by many.

Mauna Lani Uncle Danny

On the vast property, there is also a large collection of Sacred Ponds, these are not for guests to swim in, the ancient ponds have been tended for years honoring old Hawaiian Royal culture. These ancient Hawaiian fishponds located on the grounds of the Mauna Lani Resort on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast, are producing fish up until today. There are seven fishponds: Kalahuipua’a, Waipuhi, Waipuhi Iki, Kahinawao, Hope’ala, Manoku and Milokukahi, with Lahuipua’a and Ka’aiopio as divisions of Kalahuipua’a.

Mauna Lani Ancient Fish Pond

Kalahuipua’a is the largest pond encompassing 4.6 acres and measuring up to 18 feet (5.5 m) in depth. In the old Hawaii, most fishponds were managed by the ali’i (chiefs), and most of the fish were consumed by them.

An educational plaque at the Mauna Lani fishponds reads:“Since men first found them, the fishponds at Kalahuipa’a [name of the ahupua’a on which Mauna Lani sits] have been a delightful oasis along this arid coast. These brackish ponds are fed and cleansed by freshwater springs seeping into them and the tidal action of the sea. By modifying them and managing them wisely, the prehistoric Hawaiians were able to raise a variety of fish in these ponds. ‘Ama’ama (mullet) and awa (milkfish) were the most commonly raised fish, but others such as papio (jack) kaku (barracuda) and puhi (eels) as well as ‘opae (shrimp) lived here also. These ponds are among the few anywhere that are still being managed in much the same way as they were in ancient times. They are still producing fish