Pat Bailey

Pat Bailey rekindled her love affair with Crete at St. Nicolas Bay Resort, Greece. Image © Pat Bailey

The first time I visited Heraklion it was by accident, or divine intervention rather. I was on my way home from Budapest and my flight stopped on Crete. I had an overnight layover and I took a bus from the airport and found myself in the middle of Mediterranean paradise for the first time, and I cried because it was such a beautiful surprise. I wandered the narrow streets soaking it all in, went into a beautiful Orthodox cathedral and sat forever, and I ate as much Greek food as I could eat until my departure. I vowed that I would return.

About one hour from the centre of Heraklion where I stood the first time I visited the island of Crete, is St. Nicolas Bay Resort where I wanted time to stand still for the days that I stayed there – and it did. 

Our private pool at The Rock 1 at St. Nicolas Bay Crete, Greece. Image © Pat Bailey

5 Star Luxury Stay at St. Nicolas Bay

The luxury property is grand with a boutique feel, and includes 25 Deluxe Suites with private pools, 6 Thalassa Villas with private pools, 42 other Suites and 40 rooms. The property is perfectly situated to offer guests a front row seat to the Mediterranean with its ever-changing hues of blue.

Waking up to this view every morning was bliss at St. Nicolas Bay Resort, Crete. Image © Pat Bailey

Our sun kissed room at St. Nicolas Bay 5 star resort in Crete, Greece. Image © Pat Bailey

My 45 square metres of indoor private villa space and 60 square metres of outside terrace space, The Rock 1, was literally perched on the edge of the property, with an Instagram-worthy infinity pool that blended into the sea and it was pure paradise. Decorated with a borrowed palette, the décor of the entire property is classic Greek design with accents of blue and white to reflect the surrounding nature. A generous king-sized bed, seating area, Jacuzzi tub and indoor-outdoor shower give the space a feeling of indulgence. The floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors frame the masterpiece that unfolds minute-by-minute each day. I choose to leave the curtains open each night to fall asleep to the beautiful blue haze of light coming from the pool against the night, and wake up naturally to the most magnificent sunrises full of pinks and oranges that looked too good to be real.

One of the many beautiful pathways edged in greenery that guide you around the property at St. Nicolas Bay Resort, Crete. Image © Pat Bailey

Gorgeous modern architecture marries with stone accents at St. Nicolas Bay, Crete, Greece. Image © Pat Bailey

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the terrace and taking in the mountain silhouettes at St. Nicolas Bay Resort, Crete. Image © Pat Bailey

The property has many meandering pathways that lead in various directions along with a grand entrance where you are greeted personally by Yiannis Zacharias, one of the managers on site and given a tour before you are escorted to your room. There is a private beach, boutique with locally made items, a small art gallery (Argonaftis) with rotating exhibits of local artists, a cultural centre called the “Cretan Museum,” business centre, a full-service luxury spa and fitness centre, five restaurants, and even an open air cinema on site. There is even a special place for children to go with daily activities planned.

Another of the stunning spaces for guests to unwind at St. Nicolas Bay Crete, Greece. Image © Pat Bailey

Complimentary welcome champagne, mineral water, Greek cookies and fresh flowers, which were freshened every day of my stay, are included in each guest’s stay at St. Nicolas Bay. Along with a 30-minute Anti Stress and Relaxation treatment at the spa which I sorely needed after my arrival.

With five restaurants on site and plenty of places for an afternoon aperitif, St. Nicolas Bay caters to all tastes. Image © Pat Bailey

Modern International Dining

There are five restaurants including the daily breakfast terrace by the pool, and a few bars on property at St. Nicolas Bay Resort which give guests plenty of variety both in experience and scene. The Labyrinthos restaurant is the newest offering and has an international menu with a poolside dining experience, it was perfect for a quiet dinner of reflection. The Blue Bay offers all day dining perched on a terrace above the beach and just below the pool for a panoramic dining experience with a classic Mediterranean menu and Asian dishes as well, I enjoyed a lunch here one day and watched the sunset with a cocktail on my last night. There is also a lower terrace right on the edge of the water and it was the absolute perfect place to enjoy an after dinner tea under the stars. The Minotaure is a private dining spot available for a candlelight dinner under the stars, the space is intimate and romantic and the menu can be catered to the occasion. 

An intimate dining experience under the stars at St. Nicolas Bay Resort, Crete. Image © Pat Bailey

There are five restaurants serving up modern Mediterranean to international cuisine to satisfy the whole family. Image © Pat Bailey

The Greek Kafenion restaurant was my favourite. I made a date with myself reservation here on my last night and was given a beautiful candlelit table on the edge of the terrace overlooking the property, private beach and sea. The menu is a classic Greek one, with an open-air BBQ where the chef prepares the fish of the day caught fresh from the Mirabello Bay. I feasted on baked feta, pasta and decadent Greek dessert paired with local wines. The Astra Bar is situated on the terrace rooftop of the main lobby building and offers cozy seating area and quiet away from the rest of the property with live piano music nightly.

In-house yoga instructor Eleni showing Pat how “The Active Life” is promoted at St. Nicolas Bay Resort, Crete. Image © Pat Bailey

The Active Life at St. Nicolas Bay

I love that the way you can move and explore while staying at St. Nicolas Bay is described as “The Active Life,” “The Happy Life,” “The Cultural Life,” and “The Simple Life.” Everything from every water sport you can think of, to private boating adventures of the angler and leisure kind, and cultural trips to the nearby towns namely the iconic Aghios Nikolaos which is just 1.5km from the property. Every experience can be curated with the hotel’s concierge dependent on which you choose. I took a short 20 minute walk from the property into Aghios Nikolaos one afternoon to enjoy some local shopping and found a beautiful dress and leather sandals.

Plenty of exploration and moving can be done on property as well. Eleni is the Yoga and Pilates instructor on site and I enjoyed a private yoga session with her in the Blue Room of the spa one afternoon overlooking the property with the perfect sea breeze blowing all around us.

I wandered down to the private beach and overlooking stone terraces each day, both at sunrise when it was quiet and I had the perfect Greek soft rays all to myself and at sunset when the soft pinks reflected in the water and surrounded everything. Between the beach, property pool and my own private pool it was hard to choose which splurge to do and I did my best to give each my attention.

There is also a formal fitness centre adjacent to the spa on property if moving with weights and cardio machines is a whim of yours.

One of the many pools at St. Nicolas Bay Resort in Crete, Greece. Image © Pat Bailey

The Poseidon Spa

The Poseidon Spa at St. Nicolas Bay Resort was a welcome respite for me during my stay. I asked to have access to the indoor heated pool area one morning for my personal yoga practice and it was the perfect quiet place to flow and dip. The luxurious spa includes marble Turkish steam baths and saunas, and treatment rooms with Jacuzzi tubs and affusion showers.

A Greek Massage in the Blue Room overlooking the ocean is the perfect elixir to any ailment. Image © Pat Bailey

The “Aphrodite’s Bath” treatment includes a cave for two with a seawater Thalassotherapy pool right next to the sea. The signature “Greek Massage” which I indulged in can take place in The Blue Room which has a private veranda that overlooks the sea. 

There is a full service beauty salon onsite as well. All of the spa services and Yoga and Pilates can be enjoyed in your private room if you’d rather stay put.

Sunset starting to settle in over the main pool at St Nicolas Bay, Crete, Greece. Image © Pat Bailey

St. Nicolas Bay Resort

Aghios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece

Directions:  Fly into Heraklion International Airport (HER) and book a personal shuttle to the property which is about an hour from the airport

Website | Check Prices & Availability

The Fit Traveller was a guest of St. Nicolas Bay Resort for this stay. As always, the opinions, words and images are authentically our own.

Unforgettable sunsets at St. Nicolas Bay, Crete, Greece. Image © Pat Bailey

Pat Russo

Pat Russo is a Mystic, Muse, and Spiritual Teacher guiding women into their hearts with a journey of softening. She is a published poet, a lover of hearts, and a forever student.

Feeling the impossibility of choosing between her two favorite cities, she considers San Francisco and Paris home.

www.patricia-russo.com/

Skye Gilkeson 

The stunning view from Epar Od Mikinou road viewpoint is one that can’t be missed. Mykonos town opens up below like an intricately detailed cubist painting. While it’s tempting to stay in the hotel pool or the comfort of the Mykonos town streets, jumping in a car and exploring the quieter parts of the island is something I highly recommend. There are so many great spots to discover away from the crowds.

We spent our mornings in Mykonos running the empty cobblestone streets taking a break at a cafe near the Old Port. The water was calm, catching the golden morning light and the crowd was masterfully mixed. We saw partygoers wander past, holding each other up with one hand and clutching at early morning souvlakis with the other. They crossed paths with local delivery men, leaping off mopeds and cute, colourful cargo scooters, briefly enjoying the people watching with us, unknowingly part of the show. We would often stay for another round of frappes, not yet ready to leave our perfect viewing spot.

A man sits peacefully in front of the Agios Nikolaos church at the Old Port. As a romantic, I would love to think I caught him by coincidence, but I think this could be a regular stoop for him. He’s catching some of the afternoon sun and watching the boats busily pull in and out of the port. I was captivated just watching him. I wonder if he knew.

The iconic Mykonos windmills snapped form the window of a bar in Little Venice. We got to the bar in the early afternoon and had it almost to ourselves. Typically, you’ll find them full as the sun begins to set with the crowds inching for the best vantage point to catch those peach flushes on film.

My fascination with watching men around Europe catching up on benches continues. It’s something I have long loved to witness; sit back and see how they spend the time to debrief with each other. There are no mobile phones in sight, there never are. It’s time invested in chatting about what has been happening, that day. I suspect these friends have been occupying this seat for many an afternoon over the years. It makes my heart smile to see it.

The magical sunsets over Ornos Bay, Mykonos. Some of the most impressive I have witnessed anywhere. We sat on our deck in our hotel room as we were treated to light show each evening.

I used a Canon EOS 7D to shoot most of these images. Here are some other tech must-haves we never travel without.

Skye Gilkeson

Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller.

She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health.

As a TV journalist and producer, Skye has worked for household names such as 60 Minutes, Sunrise, TODAY and Nine News. She has also written for Women’s Health, Fodor’s Travel and Yahoo7 Travel, among many others.

Equally comfortable in a 5-star resort or hiking a far-off mountain, Skye loves the unexpected and enriching life experiences that each trip brings and can often be found in a backstreet chatting to locals with her camera in hand.

Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her appetite for adventure.

Read more about Skye’s story here.

thefittraveller.com/

Skye Gilkeson

A beautiful quiet morning exploring the Old Port in Mykonos, Greece. Image © Skye Gilkeson

What to Do in Mykonos

My first visit to Mykonos was as an 18-year-old backpacker. I still remember the visit clearly.

We stayed in a stiflingly hot cabin without air conditioning at Super Paradise Beach, danced in the sand and immersed ourselves in the legendary Mykonos all-night parties.

My most recent visit was very different and the island had become so too.

It’s much more sophisticated these days, but it still has that same vibe; a feeling that makes you want to let your hair down, chat with the locals and introduce yourself to perfect strangers across a bar or restaurant.

You know you are going to have fun when you walk the streets of the island, no matter how much party stamina you have.

A little older and potentially a little wiser, we became acquainted with the island and fell in love with it all over again, in a new way. While well-known for its nightlife scene, when it comes to what to do in Mykonos, it’s totally up to your personal pace.

While it can get wild in the early hours is also a beautiful place to spend long summer days; relaxing by a rooftop pool, road-tripping to its beautiful beach clubs or spending hours people-watching over a glass of wine.

Andrew was proud of his flashy red whip. Parked around the corner from Kiki’s Tavern, Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

How to Get to Mykonos

• Flights to Mykonos connect through Athens from around Europe multiple times daily. The flight time from Athens to Mykonos is about 25 minutes.
• Make sure you pre-book a taxi or car before you touch down in Mykonos as the taxis (those Mercedes I mentioned) are limited in number and you will need to line up for a while if you haven’t pre-booked.
• Taxis around the island cost upwards of 10 euros (depending on how far you are going).
• We booked a car for a couple of days during our stay with Pegasus as it was the most reasonably priced. The company also delivered the car to our hotel which was a really nice touch. Make sure you get insurance as the streets are notoriously narrow with solid brick walls flanking most.
• Quad bikes are a popular way to traverse the island. Make sure your travel insurance covers motorbikes and quads, you wear a helmet and don’t drive drunk. There are many serious accidents on the island that you won’t see on anyone’s Instagram feed.

Mykonos Ferries

• During the peak summer season (May-September), the Athens to Mykonos ferry leaves from Piraeus port in Athens, travelling to Mykonos town up to six times daily. Fast boats take about 3.5 hours from Athens to Mykonos. Hydrofoils take two hours. Prices range from about 20-70 euros.
• The Mykonos to Athens ferry leaves in the early afternoon, as do the faster boats, so you’ll have enough time to enjoy breakfast, check out and get down to the Tourlos area port, 2 kilometres from town.
• The Mykonos to Santorini ferry takes anywhere from about 2 hours to 4 hours, depending on which of the Greece ferry companies you book with. Of course, the bigger your budget, the faster you will get there. The same is obviously the case if you are looking to book a private boat from Mykonos to Santorini.
• Mykonos to Milos takes about 3 to 5 hours by ferry (depending on whether you catch the fast boat) or a quick 1-hour flight. Here is a quick guide for what to do in Milos.
• If you are planning your Mykonos itinerary and your wider Greek Islands itinerary ahead of time, you can plan your multiple-stop trip using the tool here.

The breathtaking view from our room over Ornos Bay at Santa Marina Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Where to Stay in Mykonos

Santa Marina Mykonos

Whether you are on your honeymoon, looking to impress your significant other or simply want to splurge, Santa Marina Mykonos is the perfect hotel.

I still dream about our stay at Santa Marina. With the beauty of the resort itself, the personable service and the unrivalled location, it quickly became one of my favourite hotels in the world and remains so today.

During your stay, they will book restaurants, beach club beds, Mykonos day tours, boat transfers, day trips from Mykonos and car hair for you. The list is endless. Read our full experience here.

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Belvedere Mykonos

Belvedere luxury hotel is the perfect choice for those who want to stay in the heart of Mykonos town, which is considered by many to be the best area to stay in Mykonos.

The property offers a range of rooms and villas looking out to the pool or straight to the sparkling Aegean.

With yoga programs and packages and a beautiful in-house gym, guests can work off all of those cocktails or relax in the stunning Six Senses spa.

Stroll the streets of Mykonos town from the hotel’s front door or relax at the rooftop pool and take in the sunset panorama.

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Complimentary wine waiting for the growing line of guests waiting outside Kiki’s Tavern, Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

The Best Restaurants in Mykonos

Kiki’s Tavern | Agios Sostis Beach

I was a little sad when people started to catch on to Kiki’s. It’s such a special spot but one that would add a little local flavour to your Mykonos itinerary.

There are no advanced bookings at Kiki’s. Lunch starts at about 12.30 pm but you need to join the line well before 12pm to get into any of the seating (they limit the number of people they serve each day).

Wine is served to customers as they wait and many make their way to the beach below for a quick pre-lunch dip.

The food is simple, fresh, delicious, and very affordable. The Kiki’s experience is one you can’t miss while on the island.

Nice n Easy

We had a delicious long lunch at Nice n Easy. The restaurant really lived up to its name, although tasty or healthy could be added in there as well.

The food is organic, farm-to-fork, and gluten-free and when you sit down to eat you’ll find it obvious your meal was made consciously with care. The restaurant’s location is also ideal, right at the feet of the iconic windmills.

Delicious local, organic, gluten-free food in Mykonos with a view of the windmills at Nice n Easy. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Buddha Beach Bar and Restaurant

Specialising in seafood, in particular beautifully crafted sashimi and sushi, Buddha Beach Bar and Restaurant is a fancy date night spot at Santa Marina Mykonos.

Those who aren’t in-house guests can book a table after 6 pm.

Get there promptly to catch the last of the sunset over a pre-dinner cocktail at the bar. It is one of the most glorious sunsets I have ever seen.

Gyros

Whether you’re on a budget or you just need a quick snack, you have to try gyros (rotisserie meat with tzatziki, salad, and chips on pitta) at least once during your time on the island.

For those partying until the early hours, you’ll find gyros answer that carbohydrate calls your body might be making.

Gyros Corner – O Pondos (Enoplon Dinameon) or Jimmy’s (Lakka) are both popular places.

Wait eagle-eyed for a table or better yet, grab yours to go and hunt down a quiet stoop in the back streets or spot on the water for a picnic.

The trademark red umbrellas at Nammos Beach Club, Mykonos shade a full beach. Image © Skye Gilkeson

The Best Beach Clubs in Mykonos

SantAnna Beach Club

SantAnna really is a choose-you-own-adventure type of venue. Located on Paranga Beach, just up the road from the famed Scorpios, SantAnna but a much more grand affair.

Boasting Europe’s biggest beachfront pool, take a dip in the 22,600-square-foot saltwater pool, book a cabana on the sand, or splurge on a private island experience. SantAnna is the typical Mykonos day club, amplified with no VIP experiential stone left unturned.

Nammos Beach Club

Save your pennies for a day at Nammos Beach Club and make sure you book a restaurant table, beds or cabana before you arrive. This place heaves with people in high summer.

A voyeur’s paradise, it’s definitely a case of less is more when you hit the sand at Nammos and that extends to the wait staff, baring all for their tips at they cart cocktails back and forth from the bar to the beach.

Nammos is the place to be seen in Mykonos with patrons dripping in labels and multi-million dollar boats bobbing just offshore. Settle in for a mid-morning tipple and stay for lunch or longer.

Parking is hard to find around Nammos as the roads are typically narrow, but there are a couple of car parks nearby (for about 10 euros a car).

Those with a generous budget or looking to impress would be better to book a boat through your hotel or Nammos directly.

Scorpios Beach

Located between Paraga and Kavos bays, about 20 minutes south of Mykonos town. Book a table at Scorpios for a beautiful organic, farm-to-table Mediterranean meal accompanied by a fresh cocktail or two at Scorpios.

Communal tables act as the heart of the open-air restaurant. Design elements pop from each of the spaces around Scorpios, from the restaurant to the terrace or the house.

You’ll want to recreate each when you get back home. A small cluster of rustic beach cabanas awaits on the water’s edge so you can sleep or swim off your meal afterwards. Get your hotel to book you in before you drive out. This is a popular spot.

Buddha Bar Beach

The private beach at Santa Marina Mykonos is an idyllic place to spend the day. Join guests of Santa Marina Mykonos at the beach club for the day by requesting a booking.

A chair at the exclusive Buddha Bar Beach Club will set you back about 100 euros per day. Settle into the sand, grab a casual meal or cocktails direct from the bar or reserve a table at the restaurant for dinner.

Wander the Mykonos streets in the early hours of the morning before the tourists wake. Image © Skye Gilkeson

What to Do in Mykonos

1. Wander the Mykonos Town Maze 

Navigating the white-washed maze of Mykonos town is one of the highlights of your stay on the island. We found one of the best time to explore was before all of those sore heads rose out of bed.

We ran through the winding streets, carefully treading the cobblestones and taking in the breathtaking cubist shapes of each of the buildings, flushed with the fuchsia bougainvillaea or trimmed in trademark cobalt blue.

Once visitors and locals wake up the streets become chaotic and the face of the buildings change as store owners display their wares.

2. Check out the Mykonos Churches

Whether you are religious or not, the churches dotted around the island are a lovely part of the landscape to see.

We came upon a handful of churches by accident which can sometimes be the best way to find them.

Most are tucked away around the next corner so you’ll only be guided by a bell or a cross reaching above the rooftops towards the blue.

The Church of Panagia Paraportiani, Agios Nikolaos, and the Panachra Church are all a short walk from each other between the old port and Little Venice.

Quiet mornings in Mykonos with the streets to ourselves for a run in the white-washed maze. Image © Skye Gilkeson

3. Say Hello to Petros the Pelican

The legend says the original Petros the Pelican was rescued by a fisherman back in 1954.

He nursed Petros back to health but Petros decided to hang around the town.

Petros passed away but has since been replaced will several other pelicans who act as mascots for Mykonos. This is definitely a must-do if you are in Mykonos with kids.

4. Find Your Favourite Mykonos Beach

The best beaches in Mykonos are historically considered the busy spots southeast of Mykonos town like Super Paradise and Paradise.

But there are a lot of less crowded beaches to the north like Houlakia and Fokos that would suit anyone hoping for a quiet Mykonos vacation.

Here is a great list of the best Mykonos beaches.

The island is easy to drive around you can visit a lot of beaches during your stay.

Gorgeous Agios Sostis beach as the afternoon glow starts to sweep in. Image © Skye Gilkeson

5. Visit Ano Mera

When you need a change of scenery or to add a little history to your Mykonos itinerary, jump in the car and head to Ano Mera for a visit.

Ano Mera is the second biggest village on the island after Mykonos town. Known for the Monastery Of Panagia Tourliani, the town square is also worth wandering through.

We ate lunch at one of the restaurants there but found the food to be much better in Mykonos town, so stop in for a coffee and jump back in the car.

Happy snaps with Andrew at the Epar Od Mikinou road viewpoint on the way to Ano Mera. Image © Skye Gilkeson

6. Visit the Best Instagram Spots in Mykonos

Mykonos knows she’s pretty. It’s almost like she’s showing off as each new bend reveals a new beautiful building, a local’s smile you are dying to capture, or the indescribable hues of blue that shimmer just off the Old Port wall.

The best time to take photos in Mykonos is in the early hours of the morning for the Old Port, the windmills, and the quaint narrow streets of Little Venice.

The rest of the day you’ll find tourists swarming around every corner. You’ll need to get a spot early at one of the restaurants in Little Venice for that quintessential sunset shot too.

Book a Mykonos day tour or hire a boat for an hour and get snapping from the water back to the island will give you a unique perspective.

Also, don’t forget to stop in and join the quad bike riders who pull over on the Epar Od Mikinou road view-point which provides the ultimate panorama from the picturesque white-washed townscape to the horizon.

Pack your GoPro too to get those Instagrammable shots in the water and back to the beach. Take a virtual wander around Mykonos with me through this Mykonos Greece gallery.

Skye Gilkeson

Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller.

She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health.

As a TV journalist and producer, Skye has worked for household names such as 60 Minutes, Sunrise, TODAY and Nine News. She has also written for Women’s Health, Fodor’s Travel and Yahoo7 Travel, among many others.

Equally comfortable in a 5-star resort or hiking a far-off mountain, Skye loves the unexpected and enriching life experiences that each trip brings and can often be found in a backstreet chatting to locals with her camera in hand.

Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her appetite for adventure.

Read more about Skye’s story here.

thefittraveller.com/

Skye Gilkeson 

Ornos Bay, Mykonos. Home to Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort. Image © Skye Gilkeson

We had only driven through the Santa Marina Mykonos gates an hour before and I was already drifting off to sleep in the sun before lunch time. I notice I’m not alone. Other guests are overcome by the same feeling of relaxation – some lay in slumber in shaded day beds while others slowly wade into the calm blue waters near our feet. Up at the bar, a table of guests erupts with laughter as they order another bottle of soft pink rose and sparkling wine. Time appears to be standing still. I soon learn, that’s the way things work in Mykonos and that’s what they aim to achieve at Santa Marina, with great success.

Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, Ornos Bay, Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Arriving at Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort is like stepping into an entirely different world from busy Mykonos town, just ten minutes away. The resort is, without doubt, one of the most special properties we have ever stayed at. Santa Marina is a part of the fabric of Mykonos. It has been owned and run by the Papageorgiou family for more than two decades. After the passing of her father, Christiana Papageorgiou took the reigns and has just completed a three-year, multi-million dollar renovation of the resort. The result is incredible.

Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, is situated on the exclusive peninsula in Ornos Bay, Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

The secluded property covers more than 70 acres of prime land on the peninsula in Ornos Bay. It’s southerly aspect means it is protected from the strong winds from the north (that give Mykonos its nickname as the Island of the Winds). In true Cycladic architectural fashion, the resort’s white washed buildings nestle into the hillside. The layout is clever; leisure and relaxation spaces are staggered from reception, down to the large, open lap pool on the cape and so on, until you reach the sand. Santa Marina is also the only resort on Mykonos with a private beach.

Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, sits comfortably in its Mykonos hillside setting. Image © Skye Gilkeson

At the beach, you’ll generally only be joined on the sand by a few guests staying on super yachts that pull up anchor in Ornos Bay. Otherwise, the resort keeps the front gates tightly monitored. All of these varied spaces ensure there’s more than enough space for guests to spread out and relax without feeling overwhelmed by others. So it’s no surprise Santa Marina has long been a favourite destination for celebrities and the jet-set crowd. Richard Branson, Oliver Stone, Harrison Ford, and Denzel Washington and football star Ronaldo have all stayed at the hotel and the more than half of the resort’s clientele are returning guests.

View of Ornos Bay from our private terrace at Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Pure Luxury Overlooking Ornos Bay

There are 101 rooms (some with their own pools), including 11 luxury private villas. Every room in the resort has been designed to take advantage of views of the stunning South Aegean sea blues. We stayed in a Superior Sea View room. I’ll be honest, when I stepped into our room, I absolutely wished I could have transported the entire room, including every design detail, back home. It’s evident every style element brought in with the multi-million dollar makeover has been carefully thought through. From furniture and linens made from natural fibres to the decorative details that bring the ocean indoors, the room and the wider living spaces are at the same time elegant and comfortable. So comfortable in fact that I am slightly ashamed to say I went to have a nap on our first afternoon at Santa Marina and woke up 16 hours later (no wonder I want to ship that bed home!).

Superior Sea View room at Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Stunning design details feature throughout the room. Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Our room was decked out with everything you would expect from a Starwood Luxury Collection hotel; a king sized bed dressed with top of the line linens (obviously they were a hit), a work space, television, minibar, Nespresso machine, walk-in wardrobe with dressing area and luggage hold, a large bathroom with monsoon shower head, hand carved wooden basin, stone vanity and delicious Acqua di Parma products, and of course a personal favourite, the nightly turn down service. It lives up to both the respected Santa Marina name and the coveted Luxury Collection label.

Sun loungers on our private terrace with a 180 degree view of the peninsula and beyond. Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

My favourite part of the room was the terrace. Big enough to hold a decent sized yoga class on, sun loungers sat at one end and a cosy table and chairs at the other. We spent a lot of time watching helicopters drop off guests on the headland, boats navigating the coastline and of course the magnificent Mykonos sunsets.

Table & chairs, perfect for an sunset cocktail on our private terrace at Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Sunset from our private terrace at Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Aegean Fine Dining

Colonial Pool Restaurant & Bar

A stroll down the stairs from your room and you’ll start your day at Colonial Pool Restaurant & Bar. Serving up a buffet breakfast poolside, grab a table towards the end of the bar for a full view of Ornos Bay too. Comfortable cane chairs, great coffee and a huge, healthy breakfast spread (eggs, green smoothies and coffees made to order, fresh baked pastries and breads, smoked salmon, local cured meats, cheese and yoghurt. The list goes on), often anchored us at the restaurant for hours in the morning. How could you possibly get motivated to leave a spot like that? It was perfection. The restaurant also offers Mediterranean style lunch by the pool if you can tear yourself away from your day bed.

Santa Marina’s dining destinations take full advantage of its enviable seaside location in Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

The Best Seat in the House: Breakfast with a view of the beach & Ornos Bay. Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Buddha Bar Beach 

Buddha Bar is synonymous with experiential drinking and dining. Buddha Bar Beach at Santa Marina Mykonos, is the world’s first beachside Buddha Bar; Picture world-class mixologists designing your cocktails from the best pours and fresh fruits, herbs and spices, a world-class chef creating dishes that look as beautiful as they are delicious, while a world-class DJ plays a chill-out set on the decks, all while you sit just footsteps from the sand. It paints a pretty special and uniquely holistic dining experience.

Afternoon tipple just footsteps from the sand at Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

During the day, guests wander up for a reprieve from the sun in search of a refreshing drink, coffee or a snack. With sandy feet they get comfortable in the cushioned chairs with the perfect vantage point for a little people watching and a view over the beach beds to the sand and sea. Most settle in for the afternoon as the beach club gets busier and the music a little louder (just a little). The staff are friendly and playful and help set a relaxed, casual vibe.

Gorgeous fresh local fare delivered to your beach chair at Santa Marina Resort, Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Greek-style coffee frappe, for a chilled caffeinated cooler in the sun. Santa Marina Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

The lunch menu caters consciously to the healthy traveller – with green smoothies and juices to help preempt a few night time wines, delicious and allergy friendly selections from seafood to simple salads. We ordered salads to our loungers for a beach picnic – a Greek Salad (with melt-in-your-mouth feta cheese, olives, capers, sweet tomatoes and cucumber), and a Quinoa Salad (with avocado, fresh mint, goji berries and cherry tomatoes). A cool coffee frappe to finish and we were full and satisfied, without any guilt.

Watch the sky turn as pink as your drink at Buddha Bar Beach Restaurant, Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Private, pretty & peaceful setting for dinner at Buddha Bar Beach, Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

For dinner, Buddha Bar Restaurant makes use of the abundant local seafood, serving up perfectly prepared sushi and Asian fusion dishes. We got down to the restaurant early to watch the sunset over the bay while we ate. The restaurant sits perched on the hillside above the beach club so the view extends out across the beach to the sea. It’s a lovely time of the day to be down at the bay – there’s no one left at the beach (only a few boats in the bay) and the restaurant was nice and quiet. We chose the spicy tuna maki roll, some fresh salmon sashimi, steamed bream Asian style and Black Pepper Wok fried Beef. We couldn’t resist trying a sake with the meal too.

Spicy tuna maki & salmon sashimi at Buddha Bar Beach Restaurant, Santa Marina Resort, Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Steamed sea bream Chinese style at Buddha Bar Beach, Santa Marina, a Luxury Resort, Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Black Pepper Wok Fried Beef at Buddha Bar Beach, Santa Marina, a Luxury Resort, Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Chic & comfortable design at Buddha Bar Beach at Santa Marina, a Luxury Resort, Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Sake at Buddha Bar Beach Restaurant and Bar, Santa Marina, A Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Things to do at Santa Marina Mykonos

The best way to spend your mornings at Santa Marina is to simply relax on a beach bed on the sand. The beach club setting is the ideal place to catch up on your holiday reading, flick through a magazine or newspaper and of course if you’re brought the office with you in the form of a laptop there’s wifi on the sand.

Ease into the day with some time spent on the sand at Santa Marina’s private beach. Image © Skye Gilkeson

There are also two pools at the resort; the upper pool which is great for those who want a bit more space to splash out or as a workout destination for your morning laps in. The other pool sits next to Colonial Pool Restaurant and Bar. It’s there you can absorb the beauty of the panorama during a dip. It’s also located just around the corner from the Kids Club in case you need to check in on the family.

Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, is the only hotel in Mykonos with a private beach. Image © Skye Gilkeson

The truth is you’ll find it difficult to leave the resort grounds. But that’s where the staff can help. If you want to take a boat tour around the coast, they can organise a boat that will pick you up on the jetty.

The jetty at Santa Marina provides direct, speedy access for boats to the surrounding bays and super yachts that pull in to Ornos Bay, Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

We decided at the very last minute that we would spend a day exploring the island by car. Within 30 minutes, the hotel had arranged car hire for us (at a very reasonable rate), the car hire company had the car on site, we’d signed the paperwork and we were driving out the gates with several great tips for towns and restaurants to visit from the front desk. With valet parking we simply handed over the keys on our return. That is just one example of the level of service we experienced during our stay. Incredible!

The Lotus Spa

The Lotus Spa is where you’ll go for anything from a facial or nail touch up to a Turkish Bath or a massage with your better half. Massages are also available closer to the sand in the Beach Spa Room so you can peek at the water while you drift off to sleep.

The Lotus Spa, Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Stay Active at Santa Marina Mykonos

We started each day at the Fitness Centre for a morning workout. The space has been designed as a multi-functional studio for circuit style training, including a treadmill, power plate and free weights at one end and top of the line cardio equipment at the other (treadmills, cross-trainers and stepper).

For those who prefer to sweat it out in the water, the lap pool is a great place to get moving in the morning. You’ll most likely have it to yourself and you’ll beat the strong summer sun if you dive in before breakfast. If you’re a tennis fan a full sized court is at your disposal with floodlights for a late afternoon match up. SUP and kayaking off the jetty is also a great way to cool off. The hotel can help meet any fitness needs from equipment to trainers or coaches. They have a strong focus on both wellness and service which is great for anyone trying to maintain their training habits on holidays.

Read our Pocket Travel Guide to Mykonos

Browse our Mykonos gallery to take a virtual tour around the island

The Fit Traveller was a guest of Santa Marina for this stay. As always, the opinions, images and words are authentically our own

The lap pool is a great place to getting a healthy start to the day at Santa Marina, a Luxury Resort, Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Sunset at Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort

Skye Gilkeson

Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller.

She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health.

As a TV journalist and producer, Skye has worked for household names such as 60 Minutes, Sunrise, TODAY and Nine News. She has also written for Women’s Health, Fodor’s Travel and Yahoo7 Travel, among many others.

Equally comfortable in a 5-star resort or hiking a far-off mountain, Skye loves the unexpected and enriching life experiences that each trip brings and can often be found in a backstreet chatting to locals with her camera in hand.

Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her appetite for adventure.

Read more about Skye’s story here.

thefittraveller.com/

Stephanie Hunt 

Stephanie Hunt immersed herself in the history & culture of Athens, Greece. Image © Stephanie Hunt

St. George Lycabettus Boutique Hotel is a beautiful base. The cute rooftop pool and bar are spotted with white pots of geraniums – just like my granddad has. The restaurant view is just as impressive – you can eat your eggs while taking in the panoramic view of the Acropolis.

St. George Lycabettus Boutique Hotel

The rooftop pool at St George Athens Lycabettus Hotel. Image © Stephanie Hunt

Breakfast with a view at St George Athens Lycabettus Hotel. Image © Stephanie Hunt

Hike Lycabettus Hill

The hotel is nestled against the slopes of Lycabettus Hill – which is well worth hiking purely for the view of Athens. Half the fun is walking up there amongst the Athenians.

Mums, dads, kids, grandparents, young lovers, and dogs,  all push forward with their arms folded behind their backs, talking about the meaning of life.

If the hike is too much, or you’ve eaten too much baklava and can’t move, you can always opt for the cable car.

Post-hike, you’ve definitely earned yourself a cocktail or two. Head to Galaxy Restaurant & Bar on the Hilton Hotel rooftop for sunset drinks.

Acropolis of Athens. Image © Stephanie Hunt

The Acropolis

Get set for the beauty of Greek ruins. The Acropolis and its monuments form the greatest architectural complex left by Greek antiquity to the world. 

Plans for The Acropolis were put in place in the second half of the 5th Century BC after Athens had just thrashed the Persians. Around the same time a democracy had been established.

The Parthenon and the small temple Athena Nike are my highlights.

The Acropolis

Anafiotika Cafe, Athens: Where Athenians cool off over a home made lemonade. Image © Stephanie Hunt

Stroll Around Anafiotika

For its size, the heart of Athens is actually quite easy to walk around – but it is hot.

On the way down from the Acropolis I took a stroll through Anafiotika, a 19th-century neighborhood on the northern slopes of the Acropolis hill. 

Anafiotika seems far removed – it’s almost as if you’ve entered a long-lost land. Bougainvilleas climb whitewashed walls and cats pounce from balcony to balcony.

Cafes are squeezed in between endless runs of stairs.

Anafiotika Café was always packed with locals – a good sign. It offers traditional Greek food, hearty salads, great coffee, homemade lemonade, and a free shot on departure.

The waiter told me the name Stephanie is Greek, and it means Crowned One. He also suggested we were probably cousins. What’s not to like about that?

Visit the Museum of Cycladic Art

Another good tip from my local mates – check out the Museum of Cycladic Art.

Here you can see bits and pieces from the 3rd millennium BC. Unbelievable.

Athens Shopping

Finally, what’s a trip to Greece without dropping some cash at the shops? 

Plaqa and Syntagma Square in the center of town have the staples like Massimo Dutti and Zara. 

Kolonaki has a few of the big chains, like Sisley, but also lots of little boutiques and family-owned stores.

Step into the past at Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art. Image © Stephanie Hunt

Graffito, the first concept store in Athens, serves healthy snacks and great Greek coffee while you shop. Image © Stephanie Hunt

My favourite is Graffito just near Kolonaki Square.

I walked past the shop on its opening day and instantly fell in love with the clothes, shoes, homeware, and friendly staff. There’s everything from locally designed bags and shoes to leather lounges and film set lights to a cute little cactus collection.

The raw food cafe serves excellent coffee and top-notch gluten-free chocolate pie.

Don’t forget to ask to look at the kooky artwork in the back patio. The staff had to literally push me out of the store at closing time.

Fashion, furniture and fresh, healthy food come together at Graffito, Athens. Image © Stephanie Hunt

Grab a gift and a piece of raw cake at Graffito, Athens. Image © Stephanie Hunt

Delicious coffee and raw cake at Graffito, Athens Image © Stephanie Hunt

Another cute little food surprise is Era Nuts.

Past the old, heavy wooden doors is a magical display of nuts, herbs, spices, and sweets.

Almonds, cashews, dried fruits, and your healthy fare are presented in tall glass bottles along with an evil selection of chocolates, baklava, homemade honeycomb, and Turkish delight.

Of course, wine and spirits are also on offer. Heaven.

From Athens, there is so much more of Greece to see:

Take a short trip from Athens city to Eleusis, an ancient city with a mysterious story.

Also near Athens is the gorgeous Agistri Island.

Jump on a plane and discover all the amazing things to do in Mykonos.

Spend a few romantic days in Santorini and try these Santorini hikes.

Local and delicious products from Era Nuts, Athens. Image © Stephanie Hunt

Stephanie Hunt

Stephanie Hunt is an Australian journalist based in Sydney. She is also the creator and host of the podcast ‘And We’re Rolling’, where she interviews female industry leaders to find out what scares them and how they find the grit to do it anyway.

Steph and her husband also created Habari Productions – a photographic, storytelling, and travel hub. Together they’ve explored places like Syria, Iran, and Mongolia and spent 2012 living with Africa’s most remote tribes.

stephaniehuntmedia.com/

Stephanie Hunt

Kekrifalia Luxury Hotel, Agistri Island, Greece. Image © Stephanie Hunt

Agistri Island

I landed in Athens and again headed straight for an island – but this time one that was a lot closer; Agistri Island. The ferries were just as I remembered: seasick tourists hurling into little white bags, as the locals sipped their iced coffee frappes with a mix of glee and concern. When I finally arrived at beautiful Agistri Island, I was the only person to hop off. I strolled up the road to Kekrifalia Luxury Hotel and Bar and met the lovely Leila. A stunning white-washed retreat resting on the cliffs above the turquoise Saronic Gulf.

Kekrifalia Luxury Hotel | Skliri, 180 10, Agistri Island, Greece

Nourishing body and soul at Kekrifalia Luxury Hotel, Agistri Island, Greece. Image © Stephanie Hunt

Breakfast at Kekrifalia Luxury Hotel is more like a royal engagement than a meal. The courses just keep coming. Fruits, yogurt, omelette, salad, breads, cheese, meats and a few little sweets. I could barely ride my bike around the island to explore.

Rosy’s Little Village | Agistri island, Greece

Two doors up is Rosy’s Little Village. A yoga, meditation and bodyworks haven, with the best vegetarian lunch on the planet. I met Rosy and her German and Dutch yogis. These older women were all fit, lean, strong and alive. They asked me about my life, work, husband, dreams and gave me the pep talk I needed. They pointed to the three older Greek granddads bobbing in the ocean who were stretching and doing bicycle kicks in the air. ‘It’s important to keep moving as you get older,’ they remind me, ‘and make sure you keep having fun.’ Suddenly a healthy mix of salad, pear, avocado, pumpkin seeds, orange and olive oil was placed in front of me. ‘Eat up, Steph. You’ve come a long way. You’ve been working hard.’ I took at dip in the aquamarine sea until Leila called from the hotel balcony, warning that a big storm was brewing. Suddenly it was quiet. Really quiet, aside from the rain, and there was nothing to do. No Internet, no TV, just time to relax, re-group and listen to the thunder. It had been months since it had rained in the Middle East. 

A few more days of eat, read, roll, repeat and I was feeling balanced and blissed out. The afternoon storms and even one day of flash flooding just added to the mood. I was now ready to head back to the mainland and give Athens the attention she deserved.

Rosy’s Little Village, Agistri Island, Greece Image via Facebook

Stephanie Hunt

Stephanie Hunt is an Australian journalist based in Sydney. She is also the creator and host of the podcast ‘And We’re Rolling’, where she interviews female industry leaders to find out what scares them and how they find the grit to do it anyway.

Steph and her husband also created Habari Productions – a photographic, storytelling, and travel hub. Together they’ve explored places like Syria, Iran, and Mongolia and spent 2012 living with Africa’s most remote tribes.

stephaniehuntmedia.com/

Alicia Lagourcette

Alicia Lagourcette with the famous Santorini background. Image © Alicia Lagourcette

Before we talk about that, it is important to give you an idea of what life is like for the travelling tourist in Santorini. The cobbled stone streets weave past beautiful handmade jewellery stores, restaurants and hotels. If you are looking for a work out, deny your hotels offer of a hunky greek bell boy who literally carries your bag through those streets. Wheels have no purpose here, as Santorini’s steps challenged us to carry our 30 kilo bags to our cliff-face hotel. I travelled Europe with two girlfriends, and Santorini was at the end of our trip, so you can imagine our bags were quite heavy by then.

 

Breathtaking views of the sea from the Santorini cliffs. Image © Alicia Lagourcette

The island heavily relies on the tourism industry, with more than half of its inhabitants abandoning the place in the off-season, so you are made to feel very welcome. Santorini oozes relaxation, not only from the holidaying tourists, but from the locals. Their carefree attitude about life, work and love is contagious.

The perfect spot to take in the Santorini panorama at The Loucas Hotel. Image © Alicia Lagourcette

Oia to Fira Hike

We met so many eccentric locals, who were so full of life and character. From deep-sea divers who took lucky tourists to meet the local sea life, to the old men who cared for the donkeys that transported other visitors up and down the steep cliffside steps.

A donkey herder taking a break in the shade on the steep Santorini cliff side tracks. Image © Alicia Lagourcette

Santorini donkeys carry food, supplies and sun kissed tourists up and down the cliff side. Image © Alicia Lagourcette

Each told us of the rarely travelled trail running along the cliff face, the Oia to Fira hike. We took the trail leading from Santorini (Fira) to Oia, the home to the most spectacular sunset in the world. Being true Australians, we embarked on the three-hour hike the next day in thongs with only a water bottle in hand.

Purple wild flowers reach for the sun on a Santorini hilltop. Image © Alicia Lagourcette

Once the houses and shops started to disappear, we were able to truly understand the magnitude of the beauty of the island. Wild flowers lined the hills that overlooked the water, and as the stone pathway turned to dirt the scenery became more wild.

Hiking up the Santorini hills delivers breathtaking views & peaceful pathways. Image © Alicia Lagourcette

As the afternoon began to slip away we picked up the pace so we’d make it to Oia in time for the world-famous sunset. On our way we made friends with a gentle, shaggy-haired puppy, who was intent on sticking close to our heels until we made it to cobbled stone pathways again.

Hilltop tracks in Santorini delivered us to Oia in time for the sunset. Image © Alicia Lagourcette

A local puppy joined our group to hike the sunny Santorini trails. Image © Alicia Lagourcette

A postcard perfect Santorini sunset. Image © Alicia Lagourcette

Oia lived up to the legend as one of the best sunset spots on the planet. Flocks of tourists and residents alike fight for the best spot to watch; sitting on fences and pathways, listening to the three-piece acoustic band that had come out to set the mood for the spectacular show. Lovers embraced as literally everyone sat in silence and drank in the sunset. If you are travelling to Santorini, Oia is a must do. I highly recommend heading there on foot from Santorini, but perhaps wear some appropriate footwear.

Alicia Lagourcette

Alicia Lagourcette is a budding producer, food-lover, and fanatic traveller.
She has a background in television which has taken her right across Australia and overseas.
She has a passion for photography and hopes to document every corner of the globe.
You can follow her on her Instagram @alicialag or on Facebook.

www.facebook.com/Lagourcette-Photography-262493263907371/