Travels : Mykonos, Greece

TRAVELS : MYKONOS, GREECE

Are you looking for a picturesque vacation spot to relax and watch time slow and want something other than a resort? Then try the Greek Island of Mykonos. Stay at the (4 Star) Pelican Bay Art Hotel, where the décor is luxurious and the architecture is like a quaint boutique with wood beam ceilings and stone walls. The attention to detail is incredible, every fixture, every piece of furniture appears handpicked, even down to the classic elevator buttons. Take some time to look at the sculptures and paintings throughout the hotel. During the day you can lounge by the pool and in the evenings sit in your own private balcony.

The Pelican Bay is a five minute walk from a beautiful beach where the water is clear and the boardwalk is lined with restaurants. One for every day of the week. An entree to try is the lamb. It is not only tasty but a bargain, about half the price one would pay in Toronto.

There are many beaches to visit when in Mykonos. One of the more popular spots is Super Paradise Beach. However, if you are after something more  secluded, there are beaches all over the island. Stop off at Ano Mera, a small town for lunch, before heading for the beach in Fokos. A great thing to do is rent a car or a four wheeler and explore. The light house has a spectacular view and the windy roads are fun to whiz around on.

If you are looking for a bit of nightlife or shopping, head into the Town of Hora and get lost in the maze of narrow streets. There are boutique shops, name brand stores, art galleries and endless restaurants, from 2.50 Euro gyros to fine dining. Keep an eye out for the town’s two mascots, a pair of Pelican birds.

Bring a camera, because the cluster of white houses, stone streets and waterfront view is perfect for artistic interpretation. It’s all about taking it easy, having a drink because the view is awesome, taking a few pictures or setting up for that "postcard" shot, doing a little shopping, trying on some clothes, stopping and having some sweets to catch another view, spending some time people-watching and finally look for that special restaurant for dinner.

At some point, all this self-indulging lounging may get to you, in which case you can take a ferry boat to the archaeological Island of Delos. Visit the museum and spend the day hiking through the ruins. Climb atop the mountain for a spectacular view before heading back to the comfort of your hotel and private pool.

All in all, slow down and take in all that is around.

Words + Photos : Tobin Cheung