Hello Greek Gods & Goddesses!

I couldn't be more excited to visit Greece. I took Latin for 8 years and the history (like Rome) has always intrigued me. This will be the full package trip: History in Athens, Party in Mykonos, and Relax in Santorini.

Our itinerary: Fly overnight Friday, spend a few days in Athens--shoot over to Mykonos for 3 days, then end the trip in relaxing and gorgeous Santorini. 8 nights, 3 cities.

Athens: The center of Greek civilization for 4,000 years, with landmarks like the Acropolis, Parthenon, and the Olympic Stadium...eek! We will land in Athens Saturday and power-through (SLEEP ON PLANE!) We will enjoy two days in Athens then fly to Mykonos!!!

Like all trips, I need to look at what i'm willing to spend and where I want to splurge. Currently, I'm planning on splurging a bit in Santorini at an all-suite resort (with private pool) and looking at where my money will give me the most luxury for the best price in the Mykonos. Fortunately, Mykonos is less expensive than Santorini, so i'm able to get the same luxurious stay for half the price tag! Cha-Ching!

Athens Hotels: There were three hotels in contention: all three were found on my usual hit-lists, so I know they are up to my standards. I have a friend who travels quite a bit in Greece and he has told us.... the place-to-be is The Hotel Grande Bretagne. We are taking his word!

3 Hotels for Comparison: Keep in mind there are many hotels: including the Intercontinental; however, since we are staying such a short time, we've opted for the hotel with the view. But, if you are looking to use or earn points--always search for your brand!

King George
Divani Palace Acropolis
Hotel Grande Bretagne

Hotel Grande Bretagne: Our choice for Athens! This luxury hotel is in prime location in Constitution Square. The GB Garden Rooftop Bar provides Greek delicacies overlooking the Acropolis. If this isn't your fancy (but of course it should be) enjoy a cocktail under the tapestry of Alexander the Great in Alexander's Bar.

We will spend our time in Athens walking to the landmarks and learning more about the history of Greece.

Next Stop.... Mykonos!

Mykonos: part of the Cyclades island group in the Aegean Sea, is known to be more of a party island compared to Santorini. Both, however, are known for being glamorous and breathtakingly beautiful.

3 hotels for consideration:

Kivotos Luxury Boutique Hotel
Mykonos Grand Hotel
Santa Marina

Using 5 different sources, I narrowed down my search based on what was frequently suggested. The sources I used were:

Conde nast Traveler
Travel & Leisure
Tablet
United Chase Mileage Luxury Hotels Book
American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts Book

Like I've mentioned in previous destinations, there are more affordable sites to use: KAYAK, Trip Advisor, Travelocity, Orbitz..etc But I like to find luxury boutique hotels and narrow down my search from there.

Kivotos Luxury Boutique Hotel: This is a very boutique hotel, offering 40 rooms. The sea rooms are worth the splurge. The hotel is steps away from a secluded beach. Restaurants & Bars on-site: Del Mar Bar a cocktail swim up bar, K Bar a cosmopolitan atmosphere, and two different dining experiences. Kivotos offers a private dining experience anywhere on site, and a gourmet dining experience at La Meduse.

Santa Marina, Luxury Hotel & Resort: Bungalows built into the hills above a private beach. The hotel offers 96 rooms, of those, most offering sea views. Santa Marina is part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, so if you are looking to use or earn some points, this may be helpful for you to know. This hotel is a 5 minute walk to town. This hotel also offers Olympic size tennis courts! There is a lobby bar with panoramic sea views, the Buddha Bar which is beachside, and the Colonial Pool Restaurant & Bar, which is poolside with romantic sea views.

Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort: Located on the Ayios Yiannis beach on the island's southwest coast. The hotel offers 107 luxury room, offering panoramic sea views. Dining & Cocktail Offerings: the White Bar, Pool Bar, Pool Deck, Personalized Dining, Aqua & Sole, and The Dolphins of Delos. 7 Minute drive to downtown.

Ultimately, after weighing out my options. I decided The Mykonos Grand Hotel was my choice. All three were amazing, so I knew I couldn't make a bad decision, but the size, location and amenities were what I preferred. It also helps that they offer tennis and squash courts!

To be honest, the room options were what stole my heart. The view is going to be spectacular anywhere we stay. This hotel offers-private jacuzzis, pools, and shared pools for all rooms with a sea view. I opted to upgrade for a slight up-charge. Instead of sharing a pool: we have our own jacuzzi! *If you are looking for the ultimate experience, you could get the executive suite with private infiniti pool!

Below is the view from my home for three days !!!

One Extra Hotel for you Party PEOPLE: Belvedere Hotel is located right downtown, no beach, but the party is brought to them. If you are looking to come to Mykonos just for the pool & party scene this may be the place for you. Some other spots may cater a bit towards romance and honeymoons.

Where to head out in Mykonos: This is the party island, so here's a few suggestions to let your hedonism out! Beach parties run the scene during the day- think Paradiso Club or Psarrou Beach.

C-Bar at the Belvedere Hotel: head here for sunset scene into the wee hours
Space Dance: if you are looking for a club prior to 4am-hit this spot up. Large dance floor-younger crowd.
Cavo Paradiso Club, overlooking Paradise Beach, this party will get started during the day and continue!

After partying on the Mykonos, we will be looking for relaxation in Santorini!

Last Stop: Santorini!

Santorini: Blue Ocean, Blue Sky, Blue Roofs, and White buildings. Blue & White-my go to colors, so staying on a cliff over-looking the ocean in an infinity pool sounds pretty much perfect to me. I have never found a pool I didn't like, especially infinity pools overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Since I have not been yet, my research for this trip has been pretty extensive: so I will walk through how I selected my hotel and maybe it can be useful for you. I use this research for pretty much every International trip. This part of my trip was where the most planning came out. Originally, I wanted to spend 7 nights here, but was persuaded to split the trip (activity driven on the front end.)

1. I am a subscriber to Condé nast Traveler & Travel & Leisure both magazine and I follow them on instagram. I like to see places I've never been and get ideas- and I write down all of the recommendations from both sources then see which ones match up.

2. Other sources I find to be incredibly helpful--This is for you wise folks using you credit card perks like a pro- With my AMEX card I receive the Fine Hotels & Resorts magazine through American Express Travel, which shows me the perks I receive by booking or using points through them. With my Chase United Mileage Plus card, I receive the Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection magazine... same thought process.

View from our private pool at Canaves Oia Suites

3. After I nail down hotels that keep popping up on all lists, I check out dates and prices, images, and amenities. I have chosen the Canaves Oia Suites. Keep in mind: Canaves Oia also has a hotel option which will cut the price in half!

These were the hotels I narrowed down for final selection.

Mystique Hotel (18 Rooms)
Katikies Hotel (25 Rooms)
Grace Santorini (22 Rooms)
Andronis Luxury Suites (16 Rooms)
Chromata (25 rooms)
Canaves Oia Suites

Canaves Oia Suites: Our hotel of choice! Carved into a cliffside overlooking the Aegean Sea. This is an all-suite hotel: our room will have a private veranda with a plunge pool jacuzzi! Paradise. They also offer wine tastings! Originally, we were going to spend 4 nights in the hotel and 3 in the suites--but with the trip to Mykonos we will spend our nights in the suites. *Also see: Canaves Oia Hotel

*What to do & Where?

Fira: nightlife
Oia: best sunsets
Kamari: shopping
Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos: best beaches
Nea Kameni: small, uninhabited volcanic island

What to do in Santorini?

Beaches! Monolithos & Kamari beaches are the most popular
Satellite Islands of Thirasia, reached by ferry from Fira
Cable Car

The cable car is located 10km from our hotel, so this might be a great scenic option!

Catamaran Sailing Excursion: Sail across the Aegean Sea--umm sign me up! These trips can be private or semi-private tours, and there are a few different size Catamarans. This is the excursion I'm looking forward to the most and its offered through our hotel.

Where to eat?

There are several spots to check out in Oia and Fira, but my one tip is Dimitris Ammoudi Tavern. What's better than catch of the day? Enjoying it at a private table on the water! Fresh Fish prepared daily in the northern village above Oia. Come here for sunset and enjoy this romantic spot by the sea.

When to go?

June-September: High Season (expensive season) But warmest temperatures and little to no wind or rain.

October& November, April & May: Shoulder Season, good time for sight seeing, a little less predictable weather.

November-April: Best Deals. This is the off season.

*Travel Tip: Santorini is a honeymoon destination and most of the nice hotels book up a year in advance, keep this in mind. Although, I'm sure you can get a last minute spot. This is a dream trip of mine, so I needed to make sure I was staying exactly where I wanted.

Pack your camera, swimsuits, shades and enjoy this piece of paradise! There will be few places that compare with the beauty of the Aegean Sea. Enjoy.

Until Next Time, Safe Travels.

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