Tag Archives: island

Skiathos Princess Hotel, Skiathos, Greece

Posted on by

Skiathos is a holiday island popular with the Brits and flights fly-in to the nerve-wrackingly short runway daily. This Greek island is known for its golden sandy beaches, warm weather and recent ‘Mamma Mia’ film fame. We arrived by boat from another island and were efficiently collected by the Skiathos Princess Hotel transfer service. It was a short drive up into the hills to our accommodation.

On first impression, the hotel looks like a business venue; the reception is simple but smart and the process of checking-in seemed very procedural. Our deluxe premier room was on the third floor with a view of the garden and the expansive sea shimmering in the distance. The room was a moderate size with a standard layout, and felt slightly dated in its decor. The bed was comfortable, though it was shame the double was made up of two singles – perhaps I should have made more of an effort to request a double as they are available. The room had a flatscreen TV and a kind offering of fresh fruit and local red wine. The decadent lilac curtains led to a veranda for which I was grateful. The small marble bathroom was a blast from the past with a narrow shower/bathtub in a 1980s shade of brown, but was perfectly adequate and well-maintained.

As is true of most beach holidays, the majority of our time was spent outdoors, exploring the nearby beaches and soaking up the sun on the hotel loungers. The beginning of May is the very start of the season in Skiathos and so the hotel was blissfully quiet and civilised. We only had the chance to try one of the restaurants on offer at the hotel, Basilico, which is their evening buffet option for half board guests. During peak season they also have three a la carte restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines. We enjoyed breakfast and dinner at Basilico, which lays on an impressive range of Greek and Mediterranean dishes. In the morning a chef whips up fresh omelettes and pancakes and a colourful array of fruit, meats and cheeses is available. At dinner we tried delicious roast pork, beef stroganoff, vegetable lasagne and fine Greek wine. Although I dislike the buffet style of dining, as it reminds me of school lunches, this method of catering allows the hotel to offer a wider range of food and guests will never be left hungry!

When the holiday routine requires a little extra luxury, Skiathos Princess Hotel has an underground spa for relaxing treatments. I tried a moisturising facial which refreshed and hydrated by sun-worn skin. They also have an indoor gym for fitness fans, and a large outdoor pool for cooling off. The beach is close to all rooms and is a great asset to the hotel, popular with both guests and visitors, who can enjoy a cocktail at the beach bar.

I recommend adventuring out of the hotel gates to experience the island of Skiathos. The pretty port is perfect for a drink, in particular we loved the al fresco cafe Bourtzi on the picturesque hill, between the new and old ports. Whilst in Skiathos town it is worth trying typical home-cooked Greek food, the best we found was at Bakaliko on the club strip… try the fresh seafood and flavoursome kebabs. If you feel like venturing further afield, there are boat trips to nearby islands Skopolos (where most of Mamma Mia was filmed) and Alonnisos. You can also get a local water taxi to Tsougria, a small uninhabited island with beautiful deserted beaches. Back on Skiathos we spent a nice afternoon at Koukounaries beach which has been voted one of the world’s top beaches. To get around the island with ease and efficiency, hop on the twice hourly island bus with runs the length of the south coast, and costs around two euros a journey.

Skiathos is a simple and relaxed island, ideal for laid back holidays, but gets lively and busy with tourists in the peak summer months. For a comfortable holiday with beachside accommodation Skiathos Princess Hotel will serve you well.

Skiathos Princess Hotel (www.santikoshotels.com, +30-24270-49731) offers 5 nights in a  Superior Double Room Side Sea View on a B&B basis from £672 (based on 2 people sharing).

Akyra Hotel, Koh Samui

Posted on by

As Koh Samui is popular with all kinds of travellers, there are accommodation options to suit all needs. Akyra hotel is one of the more affordable luxury offerings with double rooms starting from £65 per night including breakfast. Situated at the northern end of Chaweng beach, and within close proximity of the airport, it is ideal particularly for short-haul visitors.

The hotel has 65 suites and rooms, a small swimming pool and restaurants, one casual poolside eatery, the other at the front of the property, offering Japanese cuisine. The property is simply designed, concrete features heavily throughout, which sadly looks less cool and more construction site. Perhaps they ran out of money before finishing the plan. One of the hotel’s best assets is the stretch of white sand beach, a lovely place to relax in the sun and frolic in the sea.

We were unenthusiastically checked in and shown to our Grande Deluxe Double room. The room was basic but comfortable and clean, decorated in natural coloured hues and organic materials. Alongside the nicely dressed double bed was a full-size sofa, flat screen TV, mini bar facilities and bath robes. The bathroom was industrial but spacious, with a power shower and conveniently big mirrors. A small wooden terrace was pleasant for outside reading in the afternoons.

Very few guests seemed to make use of the food outlets on site, and consequently the main restaurant, Noodle House felt soulless and empty. The waitress seemed glum about it too as she grumpily wandered around looking for something to do. The food (we tried spring rolls and noodles dishes) was okay, but with such good street stalls nearby I’d recommend venturing out for anything more than a snack. Club Akyra was slightly more lively at lunchtime, offering fragrant curries and fruit juice, it was satisfying and tasty for a midday meal. Breakfast is served in Noodle House, an array of fruit, pastries and savoury options.

When we visited a few months ago this resort felt tired and unloved, the staff seemed disgruntled and the property’s character jaded. With such an enviable location and competitive prices Akyra really does have potential to be a successful business but currently their are many hotels I’d recommend staying at instead.

More information and book here.

Things to do in Venice

Posted on by

This magical drowned city is quite unlike anywhere I’ve ever visited before. Functioning almost solely for tourists you’d assume the city would be tacky and lacking in culture. Quite the opposite. Beautiful bridges and basilicas, hidden foodie delights and a breathtakingly view from every street and every square. Let me introduce you to Italy’s most miraculous city, Venice.

To stay

Generator Hostel Venice – feel part of the coolest club in town at this hip and handsome hostel on Giudecca island, opposite the main island of Venice. With spectacular views and cool retro design you definitely get more than just good value for money!

To eat

All’Arco – avoid the tourist traps and head for this little bacari for a selection of cicchetti (small snacks). After picking 9 assorted mouthful sized bites we sat outside on the street with the rest of the guests. I can particular recommended the grilled aubergine with tomato and cheese.

Cip’s Club –  With the most spectacular views over Venice, this outdoors restaurant at the smart Ciprani Hotel is booked early in advance. Sip at a light Italian white wine, devour the breadcrumbed veal escalope and marvel at the sunset over the water. Perfect for a special celebration or occasion.

Arte della Pizza – Don’t expect to find tasty pizza on every street, it isn’t famous here like other Italian cities. If you do crave it everyone agrees that Arte della Pizza is the place to go. Avoid the precooked thick pizza on display, instead order a fresh pizza with your own choice of toppings. With such delicious dough and fresh ingredients, it really is the best in town.

Trattoria Ca D’Oro alla Vedova – famous for its irresistible polpette (meatballs) this traditional trattoria is hidden at the end of a narrow alley. For fresh, seasonal and reasonably priced vibrant Italian food and wine this is a brilliant option. I opted for an exquisite plate of Bucatini pasta with bacon, onions, tomato and pecorino.

To drink

Londra Palace bar – most will instruct you to try the famous Harry’s Bar for a Bellini… Don’t succumb to the hype, the drinks here are made with frozen peaches and cost a small fortune for an even smaller glass! Instead visit the luxurious and centrally located Londra Palace hotel for a properly made peachy pink Bellini. This bar will only use peaches when they are in season and sweet, in Spring order a Rossini (with strawberries), for Autumn a Tiziano (with red grapes) and in Winter choose a Mimosa (with oranges).

La Cantina– the waiters here are extremely proud of their Venetian lifestyle, and sneer customers who act like annoying tourists. Do what the locals do… Order a cheese and meat board to eat and their own home brewed Morgana beer to drink.

Al Merca– cheap and cheerful this little bar by Rialto market is always full of happy locals. Soak up the street atmosphere whilst enjoying a 2 euro glass of light and bubbly prosecco.

Do Mori – This classic cicchetti bar is a Venetian institution. This atmospheric little venue offers delicious bites to eat and flavoursome house wine.

Café culture

Caffe del Doge – Venice doesn’t have many great options for decent coffee. This concealed café offers one of the creamiest and richest roasts in the city. Try their speciality cappuccino topped in white chocolate crumbs.

Torrefazione marchi – This was one of my favourite finds in Venice, a charming and popular café/bar in the Cannaregio neighbourhood. The coffee aroma wafts out the door and encourages you in. Stand at the bar and order a Venexian (coffee, cocoa and milk foam) or buy a packet of their caffe della sposa ground coffee (made from eight of the best blends Arabica blends) to take home.

To see

Bridge of Sighs – Venice’s famous Bridge of Sighs was designed by Antonio Contino and was built at the beginning of the 17th century. Spanning the Rio di Palazzo (Palace River), the bridge was intended to connect the Old Prison and interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace to the New Prison, which was situated directly across the river. One story says that if a couple kisses under the bridge while drifting below on a gondola at sunset, they will enjoy eternal love. Thus, the “sighs” are said to come from lovers who are overwhelmed by the romance of the whole scene.

Santa Maria della Salute – The magnificent Roman Catholic church is located in the Dorsoduro sestiere of Venice. It stands on a narrow piece of land between the Grand Canal and the Bacino di San Marco so the church is visible when entering the main Piazza San Marco by water.

San Sebastien church – this beautiful church showcases the work of Renaissance painter Paolo Veronese. The stunning ceiling was completely restored back to full glory in 2012.

Rialto market – open from Monday to Saturday spend a morning strolling round this vivid food market and see endless stalls of tasty produce. Stop by a local bar to refresh with a glass of Prosecco and a snack.

To do

Go on a gondola ride – hail a striped gondola driver and float around the town for 40 minutes in this romantic mode of transport. You will see remote streets only accessible by water and wonderful little bridges. Don’t try to bargain, every boat should charge 80 euros for the standard trip, and the boats can fit up to 6 people in. Those feeling a little more adventurous should hail a Traghetto (the decommissioned old gondolas) the quickest way of travelling across the Grand Canal and perfect for accessing the city’s more obscure streets.

Climb St Mark’s clock tower – there is much less exercise involved than you’d expect. Pay your entrance fee, travel up in the lift and admire the impressive views over the whole water-work city.

Peggy Guggenheim – it was a joy to visit another Guggenheim collection. This wonderful modern art museum exhibits the private collection of American heiress Peggy Guggenheim. As the former wife of Max Ernst there are some brilliant pieces by him as well as works by Pollock, Picasso and Braque.

Enrica Rocca – Learn to cook with Venice’s favourite chef, Enrica Rocca. Having just received rave reviews for her cookbook ‘Venice on a plate’ there is no-one better to teach you about Italian culinary traditions. Her website also offers the best tips for staying and eating in the city.

To shop

VizioVirtu – a chocoholic’s heaven this little shop sells beautiful hand crafted treats. We tried the delicious and rich ganache cake.

Casa del Parmigiano – cheese freaks should head here for the best Parmesan and stock up on Italian delights like the popular Planeta olive oil.

Atelier Sagalin do Daniela Ghezzo– a magical and old fashioned shoe emporium. Admire the collection of amazing vintage pairs or design your own couture tailored pair.

Island Escapes

Lido island – when the weather is warm in Venice many head to the nearby beach island, just 20 minutes away from the centre of town by Vaparetto. Join the crowds at the rowdy public beach or enjoy the luxury of a private cabin for the day.

Torcello – a quaint and quiet almost deserted island. Appreciate the beautiful old church buildings and eat at the wonderful Locanda Cipriani restaurant, the rose filled terrace is particularly pretty.

Mazzorbo – this idyllic island is ideal for relaxing walks along the canals. I urge you to visit the spectacular Venissa Michelin starred restaurant. Owned by the Treviso-based wine and Prosecco maker, Bisol, the focus here is on immaculately presented fresh and healthy local fare. Sit outside where you can be surrounded by the rare Prosecco vines and breathe in the fragrant scented air. Our meal here was a real highlight of the trip to Venice.

Murano – Known for its colourful glass-blowing traditions, wander round this sweet island spying the craftsmen at work, and admire the bright glass objects in the museum or shops.

Burano – this picturesque island is impossible not to photograph. Filled with candy coloured houses everywhere, tourists can browse in the lace shops, dine at the casual eateries or just wander amongst the rainbow scenery.