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

 Travel Trends 2023 – Shoulder Season is Dead.

Where to GO – Japan, better book now for 2024, Cherry Blossom Journeys for this year sold out last summer. A combination of Covid rollover reservations and cherished Cherry Blossom Customs, this tradition has always been popular. It may be a secret, but spring in South Korea is just as magical as the country shrugs off winter and reemerges bearing the pop of Cherry Blossom shades and scents. The most popular place to see cherry blossoms in Korea is the Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival, which has attracted over 2,000,000 visitors per year in past years.

Cherry Blossoms, Japan

Sicily, led by the outrageous popularity of White Lotus, clients clamor to trek the trails and plop at super swanky Four Seasons San Domenico Palace in Taormina. Even if you just make the hotel your only seaside destination, the 14th-century Dominican convent turned luxury hotel in the coastal town of Taormina, has stunning views not just of the Ionian Sea, but also of Mt. Etna volcano and the Greek Theatre of Taormina, a historical landmark. Famous guests, including our chic clients, who have shared their praise include Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren, King Edward VIII and Oscar Wilde. History, art, and delicious food – everyone loves Italy, even if you are island based. Sicily’s luxury hotel scene has been enriched in the last few years, by the classic Belmond properties, Grand Hotel Timeo, and Villa Sant’Andrea, as well as newer hotels Il san Corrado di Noto and Rocco Forte Hotel Villa Igiea. Imagine two weeks crisscrossing the island – I once settled into a village for an inspiring week in summer to participate in a David Tanis cooking school.

Italian charisma, is that redundant?

Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, Sicily
Sicily

Spring Summer or Autumn in Paris? – if you haven’t booked yet, get out your candle’s, rosary, and Bhutanese prayer beads. The Rugby World Cup train visits 51 cities in France during a 4-month Journey.  Veuillez m’excuser” – please accept my apologies if you have not reserved Paris yet. One of our savviest sophisticated couples will spend a glorious month as Parisians at La Réserve Apartments. At home in Paris with the Eiffel Tower as your neighbor.

Sleekly neutral and lavishly roomy, the first-class serviced apartments facing the Eiffel Tower, are perfect for travelers wanting to blend as chic locals, invite the entourage. This is not Emily in Paris! Carry your cashmere and smart walking shoes.

La Réserve Apartments, Paris
La Réserve Apartments, Paris

Bhutan was one of my most glorious adventures ever. Slowly western culture will invade and diffuse the pureness of the Happiest Kingdom. Visit before the traditional values, beliefs are modified. Nothing prepared me for my Journey to this tiny Himalayan country, memories still wash over me in waves. Staying in five individual Amankora properties, meeting gentle and kind locals, hiking through mountain landscapes unlike any other, dining on local delicious delicacies, wandering through colorful ancient temples, and learning Bhutanese customs. With the recent opening of the Trans Bhutan Trail, a 250-mile sacred hiking trail for the first time in 60 years, more hikers will be drawn to this mountain Paradise!

Captivated by rich history and ancient culture? Egypt is overrun by Americans this year, plan now for next spring or fall. In sharing once in a lifetime adventures, it’s hard to ignore the allure of Africa and the Middle East, and in particular, Egypt – the pyramids are still magnificently standing, having withstood every imaginable world crisis. The history, the pyramids, the sphinx, and the ancient burial tombs all standing amid a hectic twenty first century life.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.

Morocco – if you read my posts, you appreciate my obsession! Our clients are following my lead, as is most of America, Morocco is one of The Hottest travel destinations. Book in advance for the best five-star properties and stand by in fall, as I uncover the new luxury hotels in Tangier and visit a small riad in the Atlas Mountain’s – opened by well-known Marrakech hotelier, giving Kasbah Tamadot a little healthy hotel competition.

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Also, on the hot list is Colombia. With world-class coffee plantations, amazing beaches to the north and west, remarkable dining, rich history, and friendly people, Colombia tourism is exploding. Colombia’s diversity runs from mountain peaks to tropical grasslands, from spectacular museums and private art collections to coffee plantations, from ancient history to natural wonders.

Ancient mysteries come to life in cities rife with culture and charm. Near the city of Agustin more than 500 life-sized carved volcanic stone figures and tombs litter the Forest of Statues, amid native trees and flowers.

Four Seasons Vasa Medina Bogota

Cartagena has become one of South America’s most vibrant cities – and the undoubted queen of Columbia’s northern coast. Offering old-world luxury, exquisite fine-dining options, and a hip nightlife. Having witnessed 500 years of piracy, wars and slavery, Cartagena’s Walled City is steeped in history. Every house and street here have meaning – right down to the intricate door handles used to signal your hierarchy in society.

Iglesia de San Pedro Claver, Cartagena

Colombia’s capital of Bogota is rich with vitality, a blend of world-class restaurants, and sophisticated shopping. The energy and creativity of Colombia’s capital city are best experienced with a stay at Four Seasons Hotel Bogotá. In the buzzing Zona Rosa area, find yourself just steps away from the city’s best shopping, nightlife, and cafés, then come back to settle in at the intimate, modern Hotel, where contemporary elegance is found everywhere from the spacious suites to the perfectly poured Colombian espresso.

More than 99.5% of Colombians speak Spanish. Oh dear, un poquito Español!