Summary
Cosmopolitan online entrepreneur Kinson from @kinsonsworld regards some of the foremost luxury hotels worldwide as his abode – discover a selection of Greece’s most exquisite properties within his travel journal for GoTravelDaily!
PAROS – Mr. and Mrs. White Hotel
After enjoying a week in Santorini, we proceeded to Paros (a mere two-hour ferry ride away!). Paros is an undiscovered treasure yet to be overwhelmed by crowds, renowned for its beaches and traditional villages. This destination provided a much-needed retreat from the bustling tourist scene of Santorini, especially since September remains a busy period for the highly popular honeymoon island.
Upon arriving at the ferry port of Parikia, we quickly took a taxi to the charming fishing town of Naoussa. For the next few days, our accommodation would be at one of the Small Leading Luxury Hotels of the World. Recently refurbished with a refined black and white aesthetic, this establishment is aptly named Mr. & Mrs. White Hotel.
After an efficient check-in and a light refreshment, we were escorted to our room, adorned with airy white decor complemented by soft grey shutters and balcony doors. It was a delightful sight for sun-kissed, fatigued eyes. Although we were tempted to spend the next three warm, sunny days lounging by the pools and indulging in delectable Greek salad, we resolved to dedicate one full day to exploring the remainder of the island!
The staff demonstrated remarkable helpfulness with recommendations for attractions and dining establishments to explore. They also facilitated the arrangement of an ATV, which I highly endorse as the optimal means to navigate and experience the island. The significant advantage of driving an ATV in Paros, in comparison to Santorini or Mykonos, is the notably less congested roads with minimal traffic and more straightforward routes (particularly advantageous for novice riders). Prepare to absorb the breathtaking landscapes while traversing the island; enjoy stunning vistas ranging from mountainous terrains and valleys to coastline views.
3 reasons why we recommend staying at Mr & Mrs White Hotel:
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Conveniently situated just a 5-minute drive from the Old Port of Naoussa, abundant with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Additionally, the hotel provides a parking area and complimentary parking for guests!
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Exceptional buffet breakfast featuring a broad selection of food and beverages.
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Two swimming pools available, each with a wide array of sunbeds and loungers. There is also a poolside bar serving snacks.
Our favorite dining establishments in Naoussa:
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Barbarossa or BlueFish for stunning marina views and fresh seafood.
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Pizzarella for delicious brick oven pizza.
While exploring beyond Naoussa on our ATV, we uncovered noteworthy locations to visit:
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Swimming in the invigorating Aegean Sea at one of the numerous beaches.
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Strolling through the streets of Parikia Town, reminiscent of Mykonos Town with its iconic blue doors, shops, and cafes.
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Wandering in Lefkes, a picturesque village adorned with narrow streets and historic churches.
MYKONOS – Grecotel Mykonos Blu
Mykonos is recognized for its vibrant party atmosphere and nightlife; however, it also hosts some of the most luxurious and remarkable properties. This marks our second visit to Mykonos within a year, and this time we were fortunate enough to experience a stay at the highly acclaimed Grecotel Mykonos Blu. The hotel provided us with direct access to the renowned Psarrou Beach – characterized by crystal-clear waters and soft golden sands.
Upon arrival, our luggage was taken inside, and we were welcomed with an all-white reception area. The staff promptly offered us a selection of five refreshing beverages. One of the most memorable experiences was being escorted to our room – the Luna Blu Suite with a Private Heated Indoor Pool. We were welcomed with champagne, an assortment of fruits, and desserts, yet it was the indoor pool that captivated our attention (right in front of the bed!). This was not merely a dip pool; it was an expansive swimming pool. The open-concept room was tastefully decorated in all-white decor, and a folding floor-to-ceiling glass door separated our indoor pool from the bedroom. Having stayed in over 60 properties in the past year, this was truly a unique experience.
In addition to our private indoor pool, Grecotel Mykonos Blu features a two-level infinity main pool for cooling off during hot afternoons while gazing at private yachts cruising by. Let the images convey the beauty!
A complimentary shuttle service transports guests from the hotel to Mykonos town, providing a convenient means to avoid lengthy waiting times for taxis. While in Mykonos, an essential activity is to explore the boutique-lined streets characterized by white and blue architecture. A visit to Mykonos would be incomplete without a leisurely stroll through “Little Venice.” The optimal time to visit is just before sunset, ensuring you secure a good vantage point to witness the sun setting behind the five windmills of Mykonos.
Notable destinations to explore in Mykonos:
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Scorpios for entertainment.
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Mykonos Town for dining and shopping.
CRETE – Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas
Our concluding destination in Greece was Crete – the largest and most populated of the Greek Islands. Although we spent nearly a week on this island, we opted to remain on one side, specifically in Heraklion, rather than commuting to Chania, which would require several hours. Throughout our travels, we prefer to avoid hastily moving through new locations merely to experience everything, leaving something to be desired, thus allowing for the possibility of a future visit!
Upon arriving at Heraklion port, we took a taxi for nearly an hour to Elounda, a small town located on the northern coastline of Crete. Elounda is a sought-after tourist destination frequented by notable figures for its luxurious beachfront resorts. During our journey, the contrasting scenery became apparent with a wide range of mountains and beaches.
We spent the next two nights at Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas, positioned in an exceptional waterfront location and recognized as one of the leading hotels worldwide. They offer seven types of accommodation, and during our stay, we were fortunate to be accommodated in the Presidential Villa with Private Pool (part of the Gold Club) and the innovative Yachting Villa Waterfront with Private Pool (part of the Platinum Yachting Club).
This historic property exudes luxury, accommodating high-profile guests, including private helicopter landings at the hotel’s heli-pad, with access to exclusive villas. The hotel features four beaches, numerous dining options, various shops, watersports, pools, yacht moorage, gyms, tennis courts, a chapel, and additional amenities that we unfortunately did not have the opportunity to explore fully. With virtually every imaginable amenity available on the property, there was minimal need to venture off-site!
In the Presidential Villa, we enjoyed direct access to the sea from our deck, a delightful and unexpected feature. After a refreshing swim in the Aegean Sea, I took advantage of the whirlpool tub and ultra-luxurious steam shower.
We indulged in an unforgettable dinner at Dionysos, the hotel’s Fine Dining restaurant, aptly named after the God of Wine. Its legendary wine cellar and knowledgeable sommelier accurately suggested an exquisite bottle of wine to complement our culinary experiences.
The Yachting Villa was among the most exceptional accommodations I have ever experienced. Designed to evoke the ambiance of residing in a luxury yacht, this villa is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, controlled by wireless touch screen panels and control stations throughout the room.
As a gracious conclusion to our stay, we were pleasantly surprised with a bottle of champagne and an extravagant platter of strawberries. The warmth and attentiveness of the staff will forever remain in our memories, playing a significant role in making our stay truly remarkable.
This Greece travel diary has been contributed by @kinsonsworld.
