‘I island hopped in Greece and discovered shady coves and crystalline waters’
With the winter weather showing no sign of letting up anytime soon, we’re already dreaming of summer holidays filled with sunnier days and warmer climes. OK!’s Lesley Jones headed off on a Greek Odyssey where she explored Athens, Sifnos and Mykonos and here’s why she thinks you should add it to your summer holiday bucket list too…
Greek chic in Athens
We started our Greek Odyssey in the capital Athens, sipping dirty martinis on the roof terrace of the chic St George Lycabettus Lifestyle Hotel in the city’s exclusive Kolonaki district. A favourite of world leaders and celebs alike, the sprawling Athenian panorama from the Parthenon to the sea beyond is one that will stay with us forever. No wonder it was voted “best hotel rooftop view” at the World Luxury Hotel Awards in the past.
If you’d like to save your cash for shopping in the designer-packed Voukourestiou Street, a budget hotel choice is the wonderful new Sir Athens Suites which is in a quiet position in the centre of town.
Wandering through the cobbled Plaka district, we took in the majesty of the ancient ruins and buzzy atmosphere as locals and tourists mingled. Stopping for dinner at the charming Diogenes, the old-school waiters made our salads table side as we indulged in some top-notch people watching in the balmy evening heat.
Spectacular Sifnos
Athens hit 40 degree heat during our stay, so it was a relief to take the three-hour ferry from Piraeus port to the Cycladean island of Sifnos to find a sun-soaked island with shady coves, crystalline waters and the friendliest people.
Known for its cuisine, that famous Greek hospitality means great food doesn’t mean stuffy formality. You’ll find the most amazing places, whether you’re going glam or in your flip-flops and beachwear.
No cruise-ship hordes or bands of Brits here – instead, it’s where wealthy Athenians and superstars helicopter in for respite from the city heat. Dua Lipa, Tom Hanks and Barack Obama were already on the island when OK! arrived and the stylish sunbathers had that “could be famous” quality about them that had us squinting through our shades.
On a moonlit beach, we dipped our toes in the sand as we sat under the tamarisk trees and ate incredible seafood at the Pelicanos restaurant. It could not have been more perfect, so we headed back for lunch the following day for mezze and lounged on the restaurant’s beach beds.
In the evening? Drag yourself from the poolside and try the brittle zucchini fries and lamb chops at any of the little family-run restaurants in Artemonas. Then get happily lost as we did (there’s also no signal for Google maps) in a maze of tiny boutiques selling Sifnos’ handcrafted pottery. Or take a trip to Apollonia. Watch the world – and those famous Greek cats – go by as you’re serenaded in a piano bar, or take a taxi to Kastro and sip a rum cocktail at the bar shack, Sunrise.
We stayed at the island’s Sigma Residences, a new collection of stone-built properties with majestic views to Kastro and the blue, blue sea. With slate-lined pools and seamless service from the five-star staff, your every whim is catered to.
The attention to detail here is world-class, with each villa a dream of luxe linens, cool marble and hi-fi speakers. Fridges are pre-filled with cheese, canapés and wine for your arrival. And breakfast baskets stuffed with fresh bread and pastries from a local artisan bakery are delivered each morning. Book in for one-to-one Pilates or personal training sessions in its gym on the terrace or take a bottle to the eagles nest-style seating area in the grounds, where nothing but the cicadas will disturb you.
From its viewpoint above Kastro, you can float in the pool and look down the valley to the fortified town and Aegean sea beyond. Absolute perfection.
Mykonos magic
We took another ferry ride on to Mykonos – famously not an island for those on a budget. But since people-watching is free, we could save our money for spritzes instead. Billionaires hop on and off their yachts to waft through the corners of Mykonos old town in their cool kaftans before retreating for a nap and heading out later to dance ‘til dawn at Cavo Paradiso. Here, you can book a table and enjoy a superstar DJ night to remember – it’s a spendy night but worth every penny.
The sun worshipping here is serious – make a reservation beforehand at any of the private beach clubs and you can drink and dine in comfort as you top up your tan.
Part of the islands premier Myconian Collection, the Ambassador Hotel in Platis Gialos is a dream of a place, with giant bathrooms, sun-baked terraces – some with hot tubs or pools – and an army of staff.
Spend an afternoon loafing around poolside or take a complimentary shuttle bus to Mykonos town. There’s an Instagrammer at every turn here, and it’s easy to see why when stunning photo opps are so plentiful.
The whitewashed boutiques and tiny tavernas smothered in bright bougainvillea flowers will have you shamelessly boastposting your new paradise found.
To book
Prices at Sigma Residences start from £290 per villa per night, visit sigmaresidences.com. Rooms at Myconian Ambassador Hotel start from £180 per night to include champagne breakfast buffet, visit myconianambassador.gr. Rooms at St. George Lycabettus start from £200 per night, including breakfast on the rooftop, see sgl.gr. Rooms at Sir Athens start from £90 per night with breakfast, see sirathens.com.
