Just Back from Greece
I’ve recently returned from a glorious trip to Greece where I visited some of our wonderful Waterstone properties. My wife Kathy and I hosted some fantastic agency owners on a couples trip to “rejuvenate and recharge the batteries” and, as a country that practically invented “chill”, I could think of no better destination for this adventure than Greece.
We started our trip at the incomparable PORTO ZANTE VILLAS AND SPA on the island of Zakynthos, a sexy, very private, and ultra-luxury villa resort that sits on a soft white sand beach. John Sotirakos, the impeccable owner of Porto Zante, welcomed us to this Fantasy Island with his team gathered to wrap their arms around us; an embrace that did not ease until we left three days later.
I cannot say enough about John and his team. From 0 to 10 the resort alone is a solid 15, but somehow John and his team take it even beyond that. I have been in this business a long time and even still I was wowed at every turn. Escorted to our respective villas, we were welcomed by chilled champagne and hors d'oeuvres elegantly attended to by a waiter at our private villa overlooking the gorgeous sea.
There are only nine villas at Porto Zante, divided into 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms. Each villa, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and luxury amenities (think full size Bulgari toiletries), offers complete privacy with your very own pool. There are 2 restaurants – one with Greek cuisine and the other with Asian – that serve sublime and exuberant culinary feasts complemented by sea views that go on for miles. The wine list is deep and very impressive. The culinary team has been sourced by some of the best kitchens in the world and the food quality is top tier (A5 Wagyu beef and a personal fisherman that delivers fresh fish daily). All meals were truly exceptional, the music very chill, the sunsets exhibiting other worldly colors, but it was the conversations, laughter and camaraderie that made our meals together at Porto Zante a true celebration of life.
Couples massages for each of us, a private yacht charter to explore the gorgeous coastline of Zakynthos, an authentic lunch at a local taverna; John Sotirakos was a truly generous host. His honest hospitality, love of the “good life” and his infectious laughter were a true joy.
Well rested and in a state of bliss we all left Porto Zante quite wary of going back into the real world, but all fears were relieved when we were warmly greeted at EUPHORIA RETREAT, a wellness center in the UNESCO protected town of Mystras. Marina Efraimoglou, the founder and force behind Euphoria, not only welcomed us to her “home” but ushered us into a place of deep peace. Euphoria is quite impressive. Built under the gaze of a 12th century Byzantine monastery, abutting a thick pine forest, and overlooking the charming town of Mystras, Euphoria seems eternal. The mantra at Euphoria is “Your Life; Your Journey.” And Marina and her team set the perfect stage to explore how to live a healthier and more meaningful life. For three days my traveling companions, Kathy and I dove into a program of treatments, analysis and perspective. One can visit Euphoria to relax and rejuvenate yet many guests come with a focused purpose. All leave equally satisfied.
Our treatments were interspersed with hikes in the mountains, cultural experiences and healthy yet delicious meals. If we were relaxed and joyful when we arrived, Euphoria brought us to Nirvana. After three enlightening days focused on holistic healing, I think the group was darn right grumpy to have to leave. The three days were perfect, but we all wished we could stay longer. We will certainly be back soon.
After an easy 2 ½ hour ground transfer, we arrived in Athens at one of Waterstone’s newest member hotels, the aptly named NEW HOTEL. Upon checking in to this stylish property in the popular Plaka district, we were immediately enthralled with the contemporary art installations, original furniture pieces and a fun, sexy vibe. Though the hotel was sold out the property did not feel crowded but rather it had a laid-back attitude. The management team treated us to a lovely al fresco lunch, after which we were met by Jeanne Amrein, the Director of Sales of our exceptional DMC in Greece, TRAVELIVE. Jeanne was accompanied by one of Travelive’s top guides and off we went on a walking tour of Athens, visiting the Acropolis Museum as well as the Acropolis itself. As have all those before us, we left feeling inspired by the greatness of the Greek nation and thirsting for more.
That evening we were hosted for dinner at NEW Hotel’s rooftop Art Lounge by YES! Hotels’ Managing Director, Stefania Flenga. Stefania was a charming host regaling us with stories of the heritage of YES! Hotels and its famous art collector, impresario, entrepreneur and philanthropist owner, Dakis Joannou. NEW Hotel is authentically art and design driven. Every detail has a purpose and though the hotel quite literally puts a smile on your face, there is no frivolity in design choices. At NEW Hotel you will be faced with installations and artwork that brings on questions for the curious. That is where the well-trained team comes in to explain and, as we learned, to inspire your creative side. We absolutely loved this property, a proud member of the YES! Hotels group (by the way, YES stands for Young, Energetic and Sexy).
Over a delicious multi course dinner, delectable wines, a cool soundtrack, interesting conversation with Stefania and the inspiration of the Acropolis gazing down on us, we enjoyed our last evening together. The next morning my guests departed for home with our mission accomplished: we recharged our batteries, we rejuvenated our bodies and minds and we nourished our spirits. Greece will do that to you and so will good people.
— MARCELO D. VAZQUEZ
CEO and President of Waterstone
A special mention: After the group left, Kathy and I flew with Stefania to see YES! Hotels’ brand-new property, NOUS SANTORINI which officially opened on July 15th. Stay tuned for more to come on this exciting new opening and see a preview of the resort below.
