Mykonos Travel Guide

Mykonos is an island in the Cyclades (in the Aegean Sea). It's most popularly known for its summer party atmosphere and beach clubs, but offers far more than just a party scene and thumping music. With iconic landmarks like 16th-century windmills, charming streets filled with Cycladic architecture and an incredible food scene, this cosmopolitan destination isn’t one you want to miss.

I came to Mykonos for my friend Victoria’s hen-do (or bachelorette party). It was such a fun destination to visit with a group. If you want help planning a bachelorette or any kind of group trip here, book a travel consulting session with me… I would love to help!!!

In the meantime, here are a few things you absolutely can’t miss while visiting Mykonos:

1. enjoy the beach clubs

As previously stated, Mykonos is famous for its beach clubs. Whether you’re in the mood for lounging on a sun bed, a great meal or a wild dance party with a DJ… you can really do any of the above at a beach club! Beach clubs don’t really “get started” until the afternoon, but then continue on into the night. No matter when you go (or where you go!) a reservation is advised to ensure you’re getting the kind of experience you want.

We went to Paradise Beach Club for Victoria’s hen party (which was so fun!) We also went at the beginning of May, so several beach clubs hadn’t opened for the season quite yet). I definitely want to go back again someday and try other beach clubs like Scorpios, Principote, Jackie O and SantAnna!

Read up on which club(s) are most appealing to you, then contact them in advance (keep in mind when you’re visiting- summer is quite busy so you’ll want to contact at least a few months in advance for optimal booking availability!)

2. GO FOR A BOAT DAY

Another activity we loved was hiring a boat for the day to get out at sea. We hired a private boat with Phoebus - which made for such a fun day! Similar to my experience in Santorini, our boat day in Mykonos included a Greek feast grilled fresh on the boat (souvlaki, Greek salad, tzatziki, fresh veg, pita + rice). We had speakers to play our own music, as well as wine / drinks available.

3. GET LOST IN THE STREETS

Mykonos town is the most convenient place to stay (so you’re walking distance to the best shopping and restaurants). This area is brimming with alleyways to get lost in, lots of great shopping (and more importantly, idyllic facades that you can’t help but take lots of pictures of!

4. WATCH SUNSET IN LITTLE VENICE

Little Venice is one of the most popular spots in Mykonos (and is home to these famous windmills!) It’s also arguably the best spot to watch the sunset. Keep in mind, you can’t just show up right before sunset and expect to grab a table… plan to arrive at least an hour or two before (depending when you go) to claim a good spot. We loved Negrita (a gorgeous spot with bougainvillea draped above and a wonderful cocktail menu).

5. SAMPLE THE GREEK FARE

Greek food might be my favorite cuisine on the planet: it’s fresh, feels healthy but also gives a sense of indulgence too! Mykonos has no shortage of delicious cuisine to sample while you’re here. It’s always best to have a booking to ensure you get to try the spots that are at the top of your list. Here are a few of my favorites that we tried while we were here:

• Niko’s Taverna (Absolutely delicious food and low-key atmosphere. Go for lunch and sit outside!)

• Negrita (As previously mentioned, my favorite spot for cocktails at sunset!)

• Avra Mykonos (Delicious food in a beautiful setting. Makes for a great dinner spot!)

• Mamalouka (Another spot with delicious food in a beautiful setting. Makes for a great dinner spot!)

• 180 Degree Bar (Another spot on my list that’s incredible for sunset!)

• Kiki’s Tavern (Another great lunch spot!)

• Spilia (A dinner spot on my list that’s hidden in a cave).

• Interni (This spot was high on my list for dinner but wasn’t open for the season just yet!)

  *NOTE: A lot of the previously-listed beach clubs make great spots for meals as well!

BONUS: STAY SOMEWHERE WITH A GREAT POOL!

We stayed in two different places in Mykonos: Semeli Hotel at the beginning of our trip, and then a private villa we rented out when the rest of the hen party arrived a few days later. While Semeli was a great luxury hotel located right in the heart of Mykonos town, our villa was in a different area of the island. Both had advantages (Semeli was great for being centrally located to walk to shopping and restaurants, while our villa was great for a group to have our own space!) But one thing the two had in common? They both had a great pool! Given the “fun vibes” that Mykonos evokes, I loved that a great pool was available to us during the entire trip. For more about the best place to stay for your particular trip, book a travel consulting session with me!

MYKONOS PACKING INSPIRATION

While there is a lot more I could say about Mykonos, everything from where you stay to where you eat to what you do really depends on the type of trip you’re taking. Book a travel consulting session with me for help catering to your preferences to ensure an optimal trip!

Thanks as always for reading and I hope you love Mykonos as much as I did!

xx

Whitney

Best Movies for Travel Lovers

We’re all (hopefully) spending copious amounts of time indoors these days. If you’re like me and already missing being out in the world, here is a list of movies to watch that will help satisfy your travel appetite:

10 MUST WATCH FILMS FOR TRAVEL LOVERS

1. Roman Holiday

2. Midnight in Paris

3. About Time

4. Eat Pray Love

5. Mamma Mia!

6. Sound of Music

7. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

8. Under the Tuscan Sun

9. Wild

10. Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

A few other films I love that are feel-good (and still have a touch of travel) include:

• LION

• It's Complicated

• Hidden Figures

• Mona Lisa Smile

• Forrest Gump

And if you find yourself needing some perspective that things actually could be much worse (but also, still want a touch of travel):

• JoJo Rabbit

• Life is Beautiful

• Les Misérables

I’ll continue to add to this list over the days and weeks ahead… but wanted to save these in one spot to easily be able to reference. What are some of your favorites that I failed to mention? Tell me below in the comments.

Stay safe, healthy + enjoy your armchair vacation!

xx

Whitney

10 Things You Can't Miss in Madrid

The Spanish capital is often overshadowed by everyone's love for Barcelona. Because of this, my expectations upon arriving to Madrid honestly weren't very high. Yet, much to my surprise, I quickly fell in love with so much about this city. With it's grandiose baroque architecture, impressive museums, plentiful green spaces and street markets… it's now wonder Dalí and Hemingway and Picasso were all fans of Madrid. So if you find yourself planning a visit of your own, here are 10 things you shouldn't miss.

1. DRINK SANGRIA AT TATEL MADRID

We came to Tatel for dinner on our first night and were blown away by the food… but more than anything the sangria! It was hands down the best I’ve ever had in my entire life! The art-deco decor makes for a great ambiance… whether you opt to just enjoy the sangria, or stick around for dinner (which has delicious gastronomic options as well!)

2. EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH MERCADO DE SAN MIGUEL

Mercado de San Miguel is over 100 years old and is the perfect place to get your fix of Spanish croquettes, manchego cheese, carne asada, and of course, churros! ‘From the finest Iberian ham and freshest fish and shellfish brought in daily from Galicia, to Mediterranean rice dishes and the most exquisite cheeses from Castile, Asturias and the Basque Country - at the Mercado de San Miguel, you'll find all the highlights of Spanish Cuisine Spread out over more than 20 stands, the common denominator here is a commitment to high-quality tapas and pub fare.’

3. STROLL THROUGH PARQUE DEL RETIRO + PALACIO DE CRISTAL

Photo c/o Pinterest

If the weather is nice, head to El Retiro Park: covering over 125 hectares and comprising more than 15,000 trees. It’s full of gardens, interesting monuments and the famous Palacio de Cristal. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city (or simply enjoy being in nature on a nice day).

4. WATCH THE SUNSET AT CÍRCULO DE BELLAS ARTES

Easily one of the most popular rooftops in Madrid Círculo de Bellas Artes boasts beautiful views of the city (including the famous Edificio Metrópolis building. Try a Tinto de Verano (a red wine and soda cocktail) or a glass of sangria, but make sure to get there early if you want to get a good spot! (They’re open Monday to Friday: 9 am - 10:30 pm. Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays: 11 am to 10:30pm). To access the roof-terrace, take the lift in the lobby to the top floor where there is a bar and restaurant. Tickets can be purchased in reception (€5).

5. GET YOUR ART FIX AT MUSEO REINA SOFIA

While Madrid is home to several great museums, I personally loved Museo Reina Sofia. This art gallery is home to famous pieces by Dalí, Picasso, and Juan Gris (among others- over 22,000 total!) When I researched the art that was in Madrid, I (personally) thought this museum had the most noteworthy and interesting pieces that were worth seeing. Plus, if you go in the summer and need a break from the heat… this is a great place to seek shelter!

6. LUNCH AT MERCADO SAN ANTON

In the heart of the Chueca neighbourhood (which feels unbuttoned, artsy and colorful), you’ll find another great market to snack on Spanish delicacies. On the first floor, you’ll find perishable goods like meat, fruit and vegetables. The second floor boasts a wine bar and food tills where you can grab takeaway. The top floor is the Cocina de San Antón kitchen where customers can eat their goods bought on the first floor (for a small fee). There are also a couple Spanish restaurants with local cuisine and international touches.

7. SHOP FOR ESPADRILLES AT ANTIGUA CASA CRESPO

For over four generations, Antigua Casa Crespo has been hand-crafting beautiful espadrilles and selling them in their quaint little family-run shop in Chueca (the same neighborhood as Mercado San Anton). I purchased a pair here that people ask me about all the time (they’ve held up for years now!) It’s the perfect place to pick up a special souvenir to remember your trip by.

8. EMBRACE MADRID’S ROOFTOP SCENE

In addition to Círculo de Bellas Artes, Madrid has a variety of other wonderful rooftops that make for a perfect place to have a drink and watch the sunset. A few other favorites I love? The NH Collection Madrid Suecia Rooftop is far more quiet (and still incredibly cute!) If you’re looking for a bit more of a “scene” and a touch of “swank”, head to Radio Me Madrid Rooftop Bar.

9. EAT DINNER AT MARICASTAÑA

In the heart of touristic Malasana, we stumbled upon Maricastaña: a pleasant surprise that was equal parts beautiful and delicious. The ambiance couldn’t have been more ideal (think exposed brick, rustic wood, candle light and fresh flowers). The food was exceptional (I loved the pumpkin and ham croquettes, among many other menu items).

10. SEE A FLAMENCO SHOW AT VILLA ROSA

I wasn’t sure if Flamenco would end up being a completely touristy/cheesy experience… but in hindsight I’m so glad we experienced this! Our hotel (we stayed at Heritage Hotel Madrid- which was perfect!) recommended Villa Rosa to us saying that while any show would be touristy… this one was actually really good and worth seeing. The show was highly entertaining and the dancers all performed with so much passion- it was a great night!

While there is lots more to know about Madrid, hopefully this is a helpful start! If you’d like more assistance planning your trip, book a travel consulting session with me for the personal customization you need.

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you’ll love the Spanish capital as much as I did!

xx

Whitney