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Mykonos Food Scene – Restaurant Recommendations

If you are planning to travel to Mykonos then look no further as this post will help you with some of the best and unique restaurants in Mykonos on your travels.

Food has and would always be a major deciding factor while zeroing down on a travel destination. For many of us, there is no better way to experience a place than exploring various places to eat. While I cannot stop gushing about the quirky places to eat, there were a couple of them that stood out and are must try:

Kuzina: The beach facing restaurant in the Mykonos Ammos hotel is not only known for the beautiful Aegean Sea views but lip smacking food, especially the sushi (the sushi chef is a master at making yummy sushi). The ambiance is perfect for a romantic dinner date complete with Greek soft music, drinks, and friendly staff. If you are staying at the Ammos hotel, you can even go ahead and try their big breakfast spreads and lunch menus.

Sic, coffee bar: This brand-new coffee shop is located at the heart of the island called the town square. The café located amidst the white washed architecture is perfect to stop for a caffeine shot and small nibbles. The café, being newly constructed is a refreshing welcome for all of us wanting to take a break from walking around the town.

Sunset Bar: Always dreamt of sitting back with a glass of a cool cocktail and watching the sun go down in the horizon? Well, it need not be a dream anymore, because the Sunset bar, located in little Venice is perfect to sit back, relax with a refreshing drink and watch the sunset. You can also get a great view of the town itself, so all in all a great place to chill and unwind after a hard day. Just make sure, you get there in time to watch the sun set.

Veranda Bar: Again, a lovely bar in Little Venice, perfectly situated to watch the sunset and windmills. It is best to take the water edge seats to have good views of the windmill and sunset. Not to mention, their refreshing range of cocktails especially ‘the third windmill’ is a must try. If in doubt about the choice of cocktails, simply ask one of their friendly staff members to help you out.

Vinos: A cozy little place located in the heart of the Mykonos town is a great outdoor place to unwind for a drink and yummy food. They have an extensive selection of Greek wines that pair up wonderfully well with the freshly prepared foods like salads, cheese, and curated meats. If you are too confused about the wines, simply ask one of the ever so friendly staff members for a recommendation. So, sit back and have a guaranteed lovely evening.

D’Angelo Mykonos: There is always an Italian restaurant gem in every city and Mykonos is not an exception. The Italian style bistro is situated en route to the Windmills and is a pleasant outdoor restaurant. They have a wide range of authentic pizzas and pasta, with a wide array of options to satisfy even a vegetarian like me. The wine and food are clear winners here. This is one place we would not mind returning to.

While the list of places to eat are never ending and we need multiple trips to Mykonos to cover them all, but overall the island has surprised us with multiple options to choose from, thereby satisfying every mood and palate. But most importantly the ambience, pretty views, and friendliness of the staff added a cherry to the cake.

Mykonos Travel Diaries

If you have dreamt of holidaying in the Mediterranean, then the Greek island of Mykonos is worth packing your suitcases and taking the next available flight to it. The vibrancy and energy when you simply walk around the distinct white and blue island is tremendous. No wonder it is always buzzing during the peak summer season which typically starts in June and ends in October. It is mostly warm for the major part of the year and the lovely sea breeze blowing through your hair makes it look like a scene just out of a movie.

The sandy white beaches are always beckoning you to visit and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. The most popular ones are Ornos, Paradise, Super Paradise and Elia.

Ornos being closest to the city center is much quieter and the winds are relatively less as compared to the other beaches. Thus, making it perfect for families and for those looking for some ‘me time’.

The Elia Beach has the longest stretch of white sands and transparent waters; although it is far from the city center still attracts many people.

Paradise is the most popular among backpackers and party goers alike. Typically, the beach parties start around 4 pm and go on till wee hours of the morning. The city is best explored on foot or if that is too tedious for you, there are multiple options for ATV’s, bikes, scooters, mopeds and even buses.

You can start walking at leisure around little Venice, which derives is name due to the little houses on the water. This is an excellent place to spend the evening sipping coffee or wine in one of the many bars and catch a glimpse of the sunset. You can also treat your eyes to the white windmills, which are historically symbolic to the island in terms of the prosperity and trade. Out of 16 that are preserved, 7 are perched on a small hill in Kato Myloi (Lower Windmills) in the village Chora.

You can visit 2 of these windmills namely; Bonis Mill and Geronymos mills to get a good look and understanding of how they work.

As you walk around the city passing through cobbled streets and narrow lanes, you cannot help but notice the serene white colored buildings and houses perfectly complimenting the blue Aegean Sea water. Thus, making it a symbol of the Greek flag colors. But more importantly, they were initially painted white to insulate the homes and make it heat resistant. Winters become cooler, but most of the island is empty and only a few hotels are occupied. If you are looking for a relaxing way to spend your afternoon, you can also take a boat tour of the island or smaller islands around for as little as 250 Euros. But make sure to make bookings in advance to get some good deals.

Mykonos has something for everybody; families, honeymooning couples, solo travelers and even senior citizens. You can enjoy the fast-paced beach parties or relish your favorite dish or simply plonk yourself on of the quieter beaches to catch the sunset and windmills. If Greece is on your bucket list, be sure to include Mykonos in the itinerary because it is truly worth it.

Beach Beauty Essentials

Summer breeze, the sun, sand and the sea all call for a beach day.

With the weather getting better, you can’t stay indoors and the beach is a perfect getaway. But packing for the beach can be tricky. Also, the sun and sea don’t get along with skin and hair very well. Sun burns, tans, frizzy unruly hair and many other issues can ruin your vacation and that’s the last thing you want. Be a beach beauty with these must have beauty products in your beach bag.

Here is a snap of the products I packed into my bag for my last beach holiday.
Take a leaf from my book of advice and don’t forget to take these must have products with you.

Be a beach beauty with these must have beauty products in your beach bag:

Sunscreen: Wearing sunscreen every day is an unwritten rule in the book of skin care so the beach is no exception. You may use SPF 20 – 30 for regular use but for beach holiday go for a sunscreen with UV A/B protection with SPF 50 or more which is water resistant.

Tinted moisturizer with SPF: If you are not in the mood for applying a foundation and want to go for a minimalistic makeup routine then go for a light non-greasy formula when picking a tinted moisturizer. It helps even out the skin tone and keeps your face hydrated and also protects you when stepping out.

Primer with SPF: For a long lasting picture perfect make up invest in a light weight primer with SPF for skin protection. The primer will give you an even base for your makeup and also help cover any redness because of sun exposure easily.

Powder based foundation: Cream based or liquid foundation can give you an oily finish or a melted look. Powder based foundations are great during the summer to achieve a sweat proof makeup look.

Lip balm: The last thing you want is dry and chapped lips. It’s important to moisturize your lips even during the summer. I prefer using a lip balm with SPF, especially if I’m stepping out in the sun. Also, your lipstick or gloss looks way better on hydrated lips.

Blue eyeliner: Ditch the black eyeliner on your beach holiday. Summers are all about vibrant colors. Let your makeup reflect that summer vibe with colored eyeliners.

Sea salt hairspray: The sun exposure, dips in the salty ocean and chlorine filled pools can take a toll on your hair. To add to that you often end up using styling tools to avoid frizzy hair because of the humidity. Switch your styling tools and products for a sea salt spray and flaunt those beachy waves effortlessly.

Body Mist: A body mist is light and perfect for the beach. You can carry a small bottle in your beach bag for a refreshing spray whenever you are feeling sticky or sweaty. Get a floral or zesty fragrance for the summer.
Conditioner: With all the sea salt and humidity in the air, a good conditioner is a must to make sure your locks well cared for no matter what and I have chosen the Redken Volumising conditioner to make sure my hairs are not flat.
Hat, Sunglasses & Book & Magazines – These are some of the accessories that are a must in your beach bag to give you right protection from the sun and also some entertainment when you are sun bathing on the beach.

Are there any products that you never travel without on your beach holiday? Let me know in the comments below.

Beach Holiday Essentials – What to Pack Series

Summers are the perfect time to travel and being a travel addict that I am, I make it a point to travel as often as I can. It helps me relax and rejuvenate myself and one of my favorite travel spots is a beach. It’s one of the best escapes from the city life.

If you are also planning your next beach getaway, get ready for the sun, sand, and the sea with this is a cheat beach sheet for a great holiday by the shore. This holiday tip list is something unique and personal. It has been developed over a period of time from all the lessons I have learned from all the different holidays I have been on. So read on and get ready to book your tickets, pack your bags and make memories of a lifetime this holiday season.

One of the sacred things on a beach holiday is your sunscreen. It’s the one thing you cannot avoid. Take care of your skin when sunbathing for perfect tan lines.
Sunrays and UV rays are harmful. Sunscreen by itself isn’t just enough to protect you. Carry a big floppy hat to cover yourself from the sun and look stylish at the same time. It’s also helpful if you are having a bad hair day because of the humidity.
A dip in the blue waters is one of the things I look forward to the most when on a beach holiday. I always take more than one pair of bikini or swimsuit as I get bored wearing the same one. Plus I don’t have to worry about getting it dirty in the sand.
Also, carry a few stylish cover-ups for when it’s sunny. You can layer it over your bikini top and shorts when walking around the hotel lobby or on the beach.
Go short this summer and pack a few short and flowy dresses. Remember to keep it light and comfortable.
Protect your hair from the damage of the harmful sun rays and the sea water by carrying a humid protection and sun SPF protection spray.
Catch up on some reading. Carry a novel or a book to read while you relax on the beach.
When it comes to makeup, carry only basic products. Use a tinted moisturizer instead of a foundation. They are lighter in texture and more effective for the weather.
Say no to a highlighter and it gives you a very unnatural look in the pictures when in the sun.
Use a bronzer as a blush and contour for a natural sunkissed glow.
Keep your skin smooth and don’t forget to moisturize it after salt exposure.
Last but not the least don’t forget to enjoy the view you’ve traveled for and go offline. Get a digital detox on a vacation by switching off from your social media channels.

What are the basic tips you always follow on your vacation? Share your beach holiday tips with me in the comments below.

Salcombe – South Devon Series Part 3

Salcombe has one of the most untouched beaches; South sand in Devon is one of them. Blessed with abundant natural beauty, the Salcombe beach has a range of different things to do and see all year round. If you are from England then you don’t have to travel too far to enjoy some sun, sand and the sea in the summer. During the summer season, Devon usually has a Mediterranean climate. Clear skies, deep blue seas, and soft sands are a paradise for any beach lover. Salcombe offers a blissful mix of the sea, sun and the sun; it is a place to go to if you are a beach lover. This lovely town is place for a family holiday or a weekend out with friends.
This town is more up market than Stoke Fleming and Dartmouth and has some really nice boutiques shops, bars, cafes and restaurants which offer local cuisines. If you are an adrenaline junkie then Salcombe offers a variety of water sports. You can easily hire facilities like catamaran sailing, dinghy sailing close to the beach, canoeing, wind surfing, and one can also hire equipment and tools for scuba diving and you can explore the marine wildlife and local shipwrecks around. If you like to enjoy the sea then you can also sign up for one of the sailing courses or rent a power boat and spend some time away from land or can hop on to one of the colorful ferries which operate between South Sand and Whitestand Quay in Salcombe. We did boating in Salcombe and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
The beach is also surrounded with a picturesque countryside backdrop. You can walk around to soak up the culture and explore the town. The country side has the most magnificent view. If you plan to spend the night at Salcombe then there are also plenty of accommodation choices from swish hotels to campsites. Now talking about facilities, the car parking is very close to the beach and there are facilities for the disabled. South Sands is actually part of a bay so you’re sheltered from the harsh sea winds, but at the same time you can lie back, soak up the rays and enjoy the breeze.
A fun fact about the town, the south Devon resort of Salcombe, dubbed Chelsea-on-Sea, has made a surprise entry in a list of UK millionaire hotspots as rising demand for second homes has driven up property prices.

In Salcombe, I went to Wardroom restaurant for breakfast and evening drinks. I wore white Capri and a spaghetti top with a light jacket. In the evening I had to carry a light jacket as it was a little chilly that evening. I always carry a light jacket or a cover-up with me in evenings as the English weather can sometimes be unpredictable.

Stoke Fleming and Blackpool Sands Beach – South Devon Series Part 1

Travelling, it leaves you speechless and turns you into a storyteller. Here’s my story of my travelling expedition to Devon, located in South England. Devon also known as Devonshire is a county of England and is gifted with both cliffs and sandy shores on it coasts. A coastal part of the country, known for its beaches, green farms, seaside resorts, ports and fishing towns. For me it is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city,.
One of the places I visited during my stay in Devon was the Stoke Fleming and Blackpool sand beach. Stoke Fleming is a small village in South Devon and Blackpool Sands is a private beach with Venus Café. The beach is surrounded by pines and evergreens. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Devon. The only downside for me personally was that it is pebbly beach and not a sandy one but has lovely turquoise blue sea.The water is clean and clear and superb if you love swimming. During the summers the beach is cleaned regularly.
The beach has various activities like rafting, wet suits, kayaking and stand up paddle boards for hire. You can also enjoy a range of delicious cuisine at Venus café. The Café offers locally produced and organic food which is delicious and also has a beach shop where one can buy beach games and goods. The beach is also equipped with refreshing shower facilities, toilets and disabled facilities.
The beach also hosts several summer events and the cafe is open in the evenings for dinner for July & August, making it a perfect summer getaway. Overall Stoke Fleming and Blackpool Sands beach has something for everyone. It is definitely a must visit if you are in Devon.
Now talking about my outfit. I wore a dark pink dress with a floral head band. I was aiming for a very bohemian and beachy look. Bright colored dresses are perfect for a day out in the sun. One of the most important things that you should wear when going to the beach is sunscreen. Also sandals and slippers are a great option for the beach. I tried to keep my makeup minimal and let my outfit do the talking. PS:- forgot to click pictures during the day, got so busy enjoying the sun and water games
Outfit Details:

Sundress – Dark Pink Dress
Floral Headband – Monsoon
Scarf – Oasis

Later in the evening, I went to Radius 7 Restaurant for dinner and wore an off shoulder lace top with a white Capri. It was a semi casual look which is appropriate for most occasions and places. I also kept my accessories to bare minimum. Off shoulder tops and cold shoulder are in this season. Also this semi-casual look is perfect for a dinner date.
Outfit Details:

Off Shoulder Blouse – Oasis
Scarf – Zara