Graceful Greece at Grace Santorini and Grace Mykonos

While our stay in Santorini was hugely relaxing and indulgent, much like the island itself, Mykonos was its fashionable yet mischievous younger sister which made for a more stylish and social experience. The combined stay creates a wonderfully glamorous Mediterranean getaway especially for couples who want to be spoiled with the best of both worlds -- serene relaxation and a buzzing party scene.

Grace Santorini aerial view

Grace Santorini is a honeymooner's paradise with breathtaking views stretching out from the tip of the north-western part of the island. The typically Greek, gleaming white hotels are carved into the hillside and stacked like elegantly decorated cakes separated with winding steps and sparkling pools. The Grace hotel is perfectly designed to maximize the hillside space and the view while still maintaining the utmost privacy. A chilled champagne reception on arrival was just the ticket to welcome us to the hotel.

Our room evokes the islands history with cool stone flooring and the quintessential Greek white washed walls. Just outside our room is a private plunge pool and with more champagne on ice to greet us it seemed only fitting to toast to our stay immediately with a dip. For added privacy you can book a VIP or Superior Suite or even the ultra fabulous Villa which offers two exquisite bedrooms, its own spa, private kitchen, private heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi and treatment room.

Grace Santorini pool

Relaxing poolside whiles away the hours surprisingly easily especially as the hotel does not allow young children ensuring undisturbed peace. The staff are attentively available to set up sun loungers or take menu orders. For a refreshingly light cocktail, order the Grace Signature which goes down almost far too easily!

Beside the infinity pool, dinner on the terrace is an ideal spot to watch the sunset and a truly wonderful experience teamed with a delicious tasting menu. For a more private dining experience, dinner or the daily champagne breakfast can be served on your own private terrace. Breakfast itself is a feast worthy of the Greek gods themselves. Each day features a different five-course menu kicking off with a healthy smoothie and Greek yogurt, followed by a homemade puff pastry pie and rounding off with a sweet or savory treat.

Grace Santorini deluxe room

The few days we spent lazing at Grace Santorini were beautifully serene and it is somewhere that I would endeavor to return for pure bliss and relaxation.

Feeling suitably relaxed we set off for the more lively island of Mykonos. The transfer was a breeze courtesy of the hotel's organization of transfers and ferry tickets. The reception greets us with a small luxury designer boutique and art gallery. As a contrast to its sister property in Santorini, Grace Mykonos accepts families with children and is conveniently located alongside the beach and just minutes from the town center.

Rooms are cool and elegantly furnished with the traditional white washed walls and balcony overlooking the pool and beach of Agios Stefanos. For added space book one of the luxury suites with larger terraces or one of the family suites. The poolside restaurant served a generous Champagne breakfast as well as light bites throughout the day.

Grace Mykonos superior suite balcony

Mykonos may be modest in size but is certainly not lacking in character or atmosphere. From swanky A-list restaurants to traditional Greek courtyards, the palate is spoiled for choice of dining options. Each room came with a hefty guide to the island's hot spots and the hotel staff were on hand with tailored recommendations. My only regret was not being able to spend more time to visit them all! Before you leave Grace Mykonos I highly recommend a visit to the spa for some pampering from spa veteran Katerina. A wonderful end to a great trip.

Booking Offer:

Grace Experience

Spend three nights at Grace Santorini and three nights at Grace Mykonos with the Grace Experience, and receive a 10% discount and a complimentary 3-course dinner with a bottle of local wine in the restaurant of either hotel. The islands are located approximately 2½ hours apart by boat across the stunning Aegean Sea (cost of transfer is not included). Valid for one month from the first night's stay.

Booking contact details:

Grace Mykonos: T.: +22890 20000 / E.: res.mykonos@gracehotels.com / www.gracehotels.com/mykonos
Grace Santorini: T.: +22860 21300 / E.: res.santorini@gracehotels.com / www.gracehotels.com/santorini

Top photo: Grace Mykonos