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The Insider’s Club June 2017
Hot Spot of the Month
Mykonos
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Choose Your News Explore: Mykonos 4-7 Where To Stay 8-11 Exclusive Virtuoso World Travel Experiences 12-21 Tech News: Travel Technology 22-23
Explore: Mykonos
Explore: Mykonos Written by Damien Martin In myth, Mykonos was the site of a battle between the Greek gods and the Giants. The gods enlisted Hercules on their side, and he lured the Giants away from Mt. Olympus, where they were immortal, to Mykonos, where he killed the Giants and scattered their bodies (or testicles, depending on the myth) around the island. The bodies eventually petrified and became rocks that dot the island and waters offshore. Today, things are much more peaceful, but it’s not hard to see how Hercules was able to entice the Giants to come to Mykonos. The Cycladic island boasts several of Greece’s best beaches and a nightlife scene to rival Ibiza. Spend a day there, or just try conducting an interview over Skype with a shaky internet connection, and you’ll quickly realize Mykonos is a place to unplug. The island springs to life in mid-May and quiets down in mid-October. In between, it’s seemingly endless summer. “You can have a relaxed holiday or party all day depending on where you choose to spend your time during your stay in Mykonos,” Kathleen Maniataki, sales and marketing coordinator at Virtuoso-preferred Santa Marina resort said, once we could hear each other. “Or do a mix of both.”
“You can have a relaxed holiday or party all day depending on where you choose to spend your time during your stay in Mykonos,” Kathleen Maniataki, sales and marketing coordinator at Virtuoso-preferred Santa Marina resort said, once we could hear each other. “Or do a mix of both.” With DJs spinning until 4 a.m. or later, you can easily transition from party animal to beach bum without missing a beat. With Santa Marina sporting the island’s only private beach and the Buddha-Bar Beach restaurant and club featuring DJs from all over the world, you can do both without even leaving the resort. You will want to leave, though, because there is so much to do and so many beaches to see. Psarou Beach is where you’ll find celebrities docked on yachts during the day and living it up at Nammos after dark. In between, you can catch the sunset at Agios Stefanos beach, at one of the restaurants in Little Venice (Mykonos was under Venetian control for much of the Middle Ages) or from the line of windmills on a hill in the main town. Platis Gialos is a family-friendly beach surrounded by restaurants. Other beaches are more secluded, but beware, not all the nudity on Mykonos can be attributed to mythological Giants. No matter which beach you go to, be sure to arrive before noon before all the chairs and umbrellas are taken. Shops and restaurants in Little Venice run the gamut from local artisans to high-end boutiques and traditional taverna fare to upscale eateries. In short, there’s something for everyone.
For more active adventure, take advantage of Mykonos’ reputation as the “isle of winds” and do some kitesurfing, Maniataki says. Waterskiing and tubing are also popular. When the winds allow, take a boat trip to neighboring Delos, said to be the birthplace of twin god and goddess Apollo and Artemis. It’s now a UNESCO world heritage site, with an archeological museum and ruins all over the island, which was first inhabited about 5,000 years ago and was sacred to the ancients. Three or four days on Mykonos is typical, Maniataki says, “but people do stay up to a week and much more because there’s so much to do, especially when staying at Santa Marina.” Perhaps like Odysseus on Circe’s island or the Giants lured by Hercules, they just can’t stay away.
Mykonos:
Where you should stay
Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection resort
Unlock a legendary lifestyle. Located only five minutes away from cosmopolitan Mykonos town and set on a secluded peninsula, Santa Marina is surrounded by crystal clear waters and features the island’s only private beach. Pamper yourself in the serene Lotus Spa, delight in a poolside lunch or experience the world’s first Buddha-Bar Beach Restaurant & Bar, where signature dishes are complemented by the creations of mixologists under the sound of top DJs. Choose from 100 luxuriously appointed designer guestrooms and suites, including a selection of exclusive two- to six-bedroom villas featuring private pools and butler service. Santa Marina combines ideal seaside location and distinct lifestyle, standing out for its impeccable facilities and attentive services. ASK ME ABOUT MY EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO AMENITIES
Mykonos Blu Grecotel Exclusive Resort In Mykonos, you’re likely to enjoy the pulsating nightlife on an evening or two, yet you’ll want to escape it as well — which makes Mykonos Blu Grecotel Exclusive Resort your hideaway of choice. Set on a bluff overlooking the famous Psarou Beach, the resort was designed to reflect the cubist lines of the Cyclades. Opt for a Mykonos Blu villa with a private swimming pool — it will be among the most heavenly accommodations you’ll ever experience. The in-room spa is the way to go; sink into an Elixir aromatherapy treatment in the privacy of your own abode.
Kivotos You’ll be hard-pressed to decide what you love most about Kivotos. Is it the private, golden-sand beach, one of the loveliest on Mykonos? The seawater pool with underwater music and swim-up bar? Or perhaps the upper-level pool surrounded by fragrant gardens? Maybe it’s the sense of bliss you find with daily yoga classes, the relaxing hammam or the therapeutic spa treatments. Truth be told, you’ll relish every moment in this 39-room refuge, designed to reflect the spirit of a family villa and adorned with an impressive collection of objets d’art. Just-caught seafood in the candlelit veranda completes the experience.
Myconian Villa Collection Whether you’re looking for a romantic hideaway as a couple, or an idyllic place where families and friends can come together, these superb villas are the perfect setting for the high point of the year. The villas offer the most spacious and serviced elegantly appointed interiors, state-of-the-art amenities, gourmet restaurants as an alternative to a private chef, and a world-class thalasso spa center. With sweeping views over the Aegean – steps away from the famous Elia Beach where private loungers and umbrellas await – a magnificent pool deck and the spacious luxury of your own villa with its private infinity pool, your only regret may be that you can’t be everywhere at once.
Exclusive Virtuoso
World Travel Experiences
Suitely Sensational Complimentary 3rd Night San Clemente Palace Kempinski, Venice
Valid for travel now through November 5th, 2017
Experience Includes: • • • • •
3rd night with our compliments from Junior Suite category and up A bottle of Prosecco and strawberries upon arrival Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability Full breakfast daily for up to two in-room guests, served in restaurant A $100 USD equivalent food & beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full, excludes mini-bar and room service charges) • Complimentary one-way private airport transfer (valid from Giardini Suite & above) • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability • Complimentary Wi-Fi
Exclusive Virtuoso
World Travel Experiences
10% + Upgrade for Summer The Greenwich Hotel, New York
Valid for travel now through September 4th, 2017
Experience Includes:
• 10 percent off Best Available Rate • Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability • Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests ($25 breakfast voucher per person, per morning will be provided upon check-in) • $100 USD Equivalent Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full) • Complimentary Wi-Fi • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Exclusive Virtuoso
World Travel Experiences
Complimentary Nights
Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, Bermuda Valid for travel now through December 31st, 2017
Experience Includes: • Every 4th night free • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability • Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests, served in Crown & Anchor Restaurant • $100 USD Equivalent Resort or Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full) • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability • Complimentary Wi-Fi
Exclusive Virtuoso
World Travel Experiences
Summer Promotion 3rd Night Free Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, CA
Valid for travel now through September 30th, 2017
Experience Includes:
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability • Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests in AVEO Table + Bar or via room service • $100 USD Resort credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate or retail items, no cash value if not redeemed in full) • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability • Complimentary Wi-Fi
Exclusive Virtuoso
World Travel Experiences
Forever Summer
Viceroy Zihuatanejo, Mexico Valid for travel May 1st through December 21st, 2017
Experience Includes: • • • •
Up to 55 percent off standard rates Full breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability $100 USD Equivalent Food & Beverage credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full) • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability • Complimentary Wi-Fi
Tech News:
Travel Tech
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Fly Legsup The Fly Legs Up Flight Hammock is the ultimate travel companion for adults and children on economy long-haul flights. It is a tool to help make your flight more comfortable by enabling you to elevate your feet and legs into many different positions, supported by comfortable inflatable pillows. The hammock attaches to the drop down tray table in front of you. It’s very adaptable and supports your legs either stretched out or curled up, so adults can sleep on their sides and kids can sleep flat.
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