The Ultimate Fam Trip - Mykonos with Mr & Mrs Smith
As a travel agent, I get opportunities to go on Fam Trips – Fam here is short for familiarisation, and these trips give us the chance to fully immerse ourselves in destinations and experience first-hand the very best hotels. I can then offer my customers specific advice and bespoke service, with exceptional touches and direct contacts. My aim is to make all of my clients feel like VIP guests from the minute they start their holiday.
Last week, I was lucky enough to be invited by Mr & Mrs Smith, the global private members’ travel club, to view the luxury & boutique hotels that they have uncovered on that most uber of Greek islands, Mykonos, also known as 'Queen of the Cyclades'. Launched onto the international map when Jackie Onassis visited the neighbouring sacred island of Delos in 1960, Mykonos is now notorious for all-day partying and hedonism, but in the quieter months of September and October, you’ll find a more laid-back vibe and a spiritual, mellower pace.
In keeping with the ethos of Mr & Mrs Smith properties, all 12 hotels on the itinerary provide a respite, or at least a bridge, to and from the beach bars and clubs. Each one has its own distinct style, the differences often coming down to the smallest details as well as the magical people we met. Almost all provided provided views of Delos, the cyan sea and the most mesmerising sunsets.
At Bill & Coo Lounge & Suites, a contemporary and cool hotel with a resident DJ, the Athenian General Manager was a charming, old-school gentleman, who clearly cared deeply about his guests and his staff. Also, the BEST breakfast.
At the bright and breezy Ambassador hotel overlooking Platos Gialos, with Nicol and Vaya we enjoyed exquisite food and learnt how smart, strong, and funny Greek women are. While at timeless Kalesma, on the site where, according to Greek myth, the god Apollo kept his horses, you will find a private Greek Orthodox chapel on site, a modern interpretation of a centuries-old tradition.
Amyth Mykonos provides a peaceful crash pad for the fashion crowd above Mykonos town, a bar with a superlative curated cocktail list and the sleepy presence of its resident cat, Ziselle – this is a pet-friendly hangout.
Branco is a stylish boutique hotel mere steps from the sea, perfect for a girls’ weekend, where beautiful waiters serve beautiful sushi to a backdrop of soul-stirring tunes.
Deos is one of the newest properties on the island, so peaceful and incognito that there are hidden underground tunnels for staff to look after the needs of their guests without disturbing the zen vibe.
And finally, beyond the window of my circular rooftop suite at Rocabella, the churning Aegean sea and skies are the purest shades of blue. The October Meltemi north wind cuts through the bold sunshine, turning the air crisp and transparent above the low whitewashed buildings sitting on barren soil.
My advice is to visit Mykonos during the shoulder months, when the sea is warm, the produce is fresh and plentiful, clubs are still open, but without the crowds for a restorative break. Contrary to popular belief, this is an ideal destination for romance, whether on honeymoon or celebrating an anniversary. You can find peace beyond the parties, Greek hospitality will greet you everywhere you go, and with a Mr & Mrs Smith hotel you are guaranteed a stay that will make you feel relaxed, seductive and like an insider to an exclusive club.
I am delighted to be able to offer Mr & Mrs Smith’s exclusive collection of international and UK properties to all of my clients.
