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

Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens

Earth proudly wears the Parthenon As the best gem upon her zone. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

You might reasonably assume that during my years of travel and exploration, Athens would have been checked off my list. The political and economic strife was a strong deterrent to travelers, we sidestepped it by offering yacht charters from Bodrum after a blissful week in Istanbul. Cruise the islands of Greece and enjoy countless hidden tavernas, private coves and endless ruins.  How times have changed! With the flush of summer, I arrived before the stream of tourists who are flocking back to Athens, the country expects an all-time high of 32 million visitors in 2018.

Historical Athens, the vibrant capital of Greece, is the birthplace of democracy and western civilization and its ancient roots reverberates in monuments and edifices. Any visit to this revered city must include the Acropolis, one of the most famous archaeological monuments in Europe with its Doric temple Parthenon. The Holy Rock of Acropolis dates to the 5th century BCE, the Golden Age of Pericles.

Roof Garden Restaurant–Hotel-Grande Bretagne Athens

Oh my, checking in at the classic Hotel Grande Bretagne, I moseyed upstairs for a late lunch at GB Roof Garden. My linen draped table at the edge of the garden bestowed unrivaled uninterrupted views of the Acropolis, pure enchantment. A tranquil serene location for fine dining, and in the evenings, dinner is perfected by the shimmering Acropolis bathed in golden lights, it is positively breathtaking, the Golden Age makes its mark.

Winter Garden Hotel Grande Bretagne Athens

Ancient wonders abound in Athens, this graceful city has been drawing visitors for years and it’s time to revisit. For nearly 140 years, the Hotel Grande Bretagne has been recognized as the “Royal Box” of Athens. Occupying the most prestigious block of the city’s center, the Hotel Grande Bretagne stands across from Constitution Square, the House of Parliament and the National Gardens. Ideally located within short walking distance of exclusive shopping areas, restaurants, open-air cafes, museums and the business district, the hotel has hosted countless heads of state and international celebrities.

Newly restored with meticulous attention to detail, the 320 rooms and suites marry charming old-world elegance with state-of-the-art facilities. Luxurious rooms with sweeping views over the Hellenic Parliament and Acropolis, this five-star oasis in the city is a must-stop for any visit to Athens. Service is polished and exceeded my expectations, the capable concierge team organized private taxis for me, achieved last minute tickets to Handel Opera at Odeon.

Imagine a moon lit evening in the ancient stone Odeon Theatre built in 161 AD. Music programs are offered between May and October on Tuesday & Thursday evenings – I wish I could have extended a week to see Sting perform! An imposing stage beneath the slopes of the Acropolis offering majestic ballets and arias to ancient Greek tragedies, a must do evening! And it is close enough to the Grande Bretagne to walk, the streets were well lit when I sauntered back to the hotel to meet a friend for an 11 pm drink and dinner at Milos.

Definitely pencil in a date at the destination spa, including the Amethyst Grotto after a day of sightseeing; the thermal steam room, reflexology foot spa and the mud chamber, which uses three different kinds of Mud: Body: Basil, Coral & Minerals. Face: White clay, Rose & Geranium. Hair: Pink clay, Iris flowers & Cinnamon. The Spa will provide re-energizing relief before you bounce out again for dinner at 10 or 11 pm! Indoor and outdoor pools offer a respite from Athens’ summer sun. With picture-perfect backdrops of Lycabettus Hill, it’s hard to determine which is more gratifying: the refreshing water or the uplifting views.  Sixth & seventh floor guests are spoiled with 24-hour butler service.

Syntagma Square is the heart of Athens and home to Parliament and the Ministries. But, a walk around the famous historic triangle of Plaka, Thission, and Psyri reveals old neighborhoods with historic mansions, luxurious department stores, chic shops, fine restaurants and traditional tavernas.

Alexanders Cigar Bar Hotel Grande Bretagne

Besides the Acropolis the city is home to many important archaeological monuments, including the Odeion of Herodes Atticus, Olymbion, the Roman Market, Panathinaiko Stadium, and the Temple of Poseidon in Suonio. Many museums house the country’s cultural treasures including the Archaeological Museum, Military Museum the Byzantine Museum, the Benaki Museum and the stunning Acropolis Museum. The Acropolis Museum is one of the most interesting museums I’ve ever visited.The Benaki Museum is merely three blocks walk and is jammed with artfully arranged with a permanent collection of iconic cultural items, it is one of the most beautiful neoclassical style buildings in Athens. Do linger upstairs on the roof with an icy libation and absorb the city view.

After night falls, visitors encounter a lively city with a variety of clubs, bouzoukia, restaurants and bars. And the irresistible GB Garden Restaurant has a busy bar scene and again, that stunning view of the Acropolis!

We, of course, have great guides to refresh your memories of Greek history and mythology.

Highly recommend Grande Hotel Bretagne and Athens!