Siren's Call

Greece, with its entire unfortunate economical debt crisis it has been going through since 2009, it is still my favorite place to travel to from such a short distance – Beirut, Lebanon.

This year I traveled to Greece in June to visit a friend in Athens for a few days and then in July to visit two islands to promote Greece as one of the most popular vacation spots. Although there were strikes in the city center, we were 30 minutes away on the beach catching some rays and free WIFI at Astir beach. While lounging and enjoying a good book, all of a sudden big black clouds obscures the clear blue skies, bringing on rain descending on our bikini-clad bodies. All took cover under the umbrellas waiting for the clouds to pass; some took to the sea swimming with carefree laughter. It was amazing looking on the contrast of people’s reactions.

When explaining Greece to my friends, I always mention that you get to explore two different worlds; the historical city where even the sea has a siren’s pull calling you to dive in its fresh clear waters and ofcorse the islands. When choosing an island, I tend to pick a new one each time; there are after all 6000 islands and islets.

Come July, I was looking forward to some island hopping. And this year Crete was the winner for some chic spa relaxation; of course it comes right after Mykonos’ beach parties. Who would ever miss out on cosmopolitan Mykonos!

Mykonos oh Mykonos while small it sure packs a big punch of heart throbbing dance moves. Staying at Kivotos hotel was serene with an old style setting. They even had Shakira and her beau staying in their villa, which was pretty amazing as I had just seen her in concert in Beirut in May.

Whether you are the type who likes to zoom on a mo-ped or play it safe driving a car around the island, always remember to bring something warm when the sun sets, as it can be windy at times. There is much to do in Mykonos, walks through the narrow streets of town for shopping of brand names, souvenirs, restaurants, cafes and pubs scattered along white and blue-shuttered two story buildings. Our evening started with sushi and lots of cold saki, but this time nobody drove as we were as the locals say "methismenos". We grab a cab and head out as the night only continues on to Super Paradise Club for some after hour clubbing until the sun rises; make sure to bring your sunglasses you’ll need them to safeguard that the pictures you’ll be taking won’t have you looking like Kermit the frog with puffy ‘beer’ goggled eyes.

Embarking onto the next island Crete, heading out to Capsis resort, a 20-minute drive from the airport while admiring the scenery from the back seat window of the car; cruising through winding roads, you can sense the calmness in the air, the picturesque mountains and rows upon rows of pine trees passing to my left while I turn and look down at the stretch of sea leaving behind Heraklion. Capsis Resort a unique peninsula with 5 hotels surrounded by a botanical park. We spent 3 tranquil days of sun, having little fish swim around my legs with a clear view of my pink colored toes and as for the Cretan cuisine at one of their restaurants, makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Before our last day the long awaited day at the spa leaves us feeling revitalized.

The next morning we decide to drive to the northern coast of Crete; Elounda Peninsula resort, an hour drive, was our next destination. Did I mention that one of the best spas in the world, the six senses spa, was where we were headed! Oh yes, I couldn’t wait until I got their signature treatment as well as enjoying the Turkish hammam. With such an extraordinary day at the spa, I was energized enough to wake up before dawn. Stepping out to the private deck of the suite enclosed by 2 walls on each side, all you see ahead is the bay of the Aegean Sea as far as the eye can see. I sit at the edge of the lounge chair watching the sunrise over the horizon as the last glimmers of the stars disappear.  Words cannot describe how magical it felt, it will always be etched in my mind. Realizing how private and quite my surroundings were, I look down where a winding staircase leading to rocks and sea inspired a little devilish grin to test the waters. With such complete privacy, except for some anchored boats, I look left and right…hell it’s all about adventures!