Friendship Travel

Greece

Mykonos

Mykonos is, quite simply, the most glamorous island in the Med! Sure, there are plenty of white-washed houses with blue shutters and yes – this is where Shirley Valentine found her mojo.

But while Mykonos has all the Greek cliches, it also has some of the best nightclubs in Europe, the best beaches in the Med and the most stylish bars anywhere.

Gay travellers were the first to discover the island’s sophisticated charms, but now Europe’s fashionistas flock to Mykonos to top up their tans in boutique hotels, paint the town red in nightclubs like Guzel or Cavo Paradiso and generally hang out in ‘the funky face of the Med’.

On the south coast you’ll find sweeping beaches with golden sand – some of the most popular are Platis Yialos, Ornos and Aghios Yiannis, which is still trading on its fame as the spot where Shirley Valentine fell in love with Costas.

Mykonos Theoxenia

This is more than a boutique hotel. The Mykonos Theoxenia is one of the coolest hotels in Europe. It is superbly located beside Mykonos’ iconic windmills, right on the coast looking out to sea. The town’s sophisticated nightlife is a five-minute stroll away, yet you feel as if you’re in a little oasis of calm.

This 5-star is a real find for Friendship Travel and the friendly management takes great care of our guests on our spring and late summer holidays.

The hotel has been re-stored to its original 1960s style – it is recognised as a ‘national preserved property’ and the look and feel of the hotel is pure retro-chic. Splashes of bright blue, green and orange highlight the cool white and stone interiors. It’s groovy and we love it! The attractive pool area has sea views for fantastic sunsets and cooling breezes. There’s a Jacuzzi at one end of the large pool and plenty of comfortable sun-beds – you can even get a massage here.

There are two bars: ‘Breeze Out’ with comfy chairs beside the pool and ‘Breeze In’, which serves great cocktails – a favourite with the visiting Athenians. ‘The Plate’ not only serves good food but has two glass walls for maximum sea views! We have opted for half-board, with a mix of lunches and dinners, allowing us to sample Mykonos Town’s superb variety of restaurants during the week (at our own cost).

Every room has a stimulating colour scheme, deluxe bathroom and a balcony – or verandah or terrace depending on which floor and which view. The holiday price is based on a Superior Garden View Room – a double for sole use of course.

Upgrade to a spacious Deluxe Room with its own lounge area and your king-sized bed will be on a raised wooden platform, plus the bathroom has both a bath and separate walk-in shower for £25 a night or to a sea view deluxe room for £40 a night.

To sum up: this sophisticated hotel combines 5-star style and service with extraordinary value.  We use a local host on the island and the feedback from 2010 guests is that the Mykonos Theoxenia is absolutely perfect if you’re looking for a first-class hotel as a base for a more independent holiday.

Comparing this holiday with other travel companies?

Friendship Travel believes we offer good value holidays for like minded single travellers, backed up by our personal service.

There’s plenty to do and see, but the ‘must do’ trip is to visit the tiny island of Delos, which has so many fabulous archaeological remains that it has UNESCO World Heritage status. The chic heart of Mykonos Town is so pretty. Its cobbled streets are packed with classy shops and the Little Venice area has lots of seafront bars. The ancient windmills next door to our hotel have become the island’s trademark, featuring on every postcard! And that nightlife? The cosmopolitan bars and clubs welcome all party people with beachparties getting underway before sunset, although the funkiest clubs don’t get goin guntil after 11pm – but don’t worry, you can sleep all day by the pool. So if you’re looking for an up-market beach holiday in an idyllic location with fantastic nightlife and bags of style, then there is only one place to be in 2011 – our five star hotel on Mykonos!