From Alternative Greek Islands to Private Mediterranean Bays
With much of the world reopened, 2023 is shaping up to be the year travel officially bounces back. This season, instead of jetting off to much-loved destinations or revisiting firm favourites, why not steer away from the crowds and explore new territories that offer untouched beauty and authentic experiences. According to global travel network, Virtuoso®, one of the main concerns for 2023 is overtourism, which has led to more travellers considering off-season escapes, choosing lesser-known destinations and ultimately travelling more purposefully.
In fact, 70% of Virtuoso® travellers agreed that traveling sustainably enhances their vacation experience. Environmentally friendly practices and the preservation of local communities and wildlife are top-of-mind concerns, especially among Gen Z and Millennials, and many are willing to pay more – 56% of Gen Z and 46% of Millennials for eco-friendly tourism practices and 58% of Gen Z and 52% of Millennials for travel that preserves natural and cultural heritage. From extraordinary itineraries through ancient Medinas, to exciting new routes around the Greek archipelago, swap a holiday hotspot for an undiscovered gem this year and bask in the benefits.
Swap Mykonos for Patmos
Patmos has all the charm of the popular Greek islands like Mykonos, but with a more authentic, relaxed atmosphere. The small but perfectly formed island in the Dodecanese complex provides an unspoilt haven of discreet luxury and adventure, offering a scenic escape for the most discerning of travellers. An idyllic alternative for those who want to disconnect from the everyday and embrace a slower pace of life, Patmos, once referred to by locals as the ‘holy island’, has maintained its wild Mediterranean beauty and invites visitors to explore its religious past whilst revelling in its cosmopolitan present. On the island’s south-eastern corner, the chic boutique Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa,Patmos’ only five-star resort, makes the perfect base to discover this Grecian gem. With 56 suites, 2 restaurant and a fully equipped spa, guests have direct access to the beach and a private jetty to dock their boats.
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Rates start from £107 on a B&B basis. For further information visit: www.patmosaktis.gr/en/
Swap Bodrum for Fetiye
With Yazz Collective
Travellers longing for unobstructed views of the Aegean with a side of mouth-watering Mediterranean cuisine, should have the coastal town of Fethiye and its new chic boutique retreat Yazz Collective on their radar. Set within its own private bay, the resort, boasts an unrivalled location and is only accessible by sea. Attracting both the yacht set and cool creatives, Yazz Collective provides a picturesque backdrop to meet with friends, reconnect with family and create long-lasting memories. A serene retreat in the week that turns the volume up at the weekends as resident DJs take centre stage, here lazy lunches roll into unforgettable evenings. Comprised of a beach restaurant, bustling bar and 16 luxury guest houses peppered amongst verdant gardens the resort’s been designed to sit in harmony with surrounding nature and invites guests to head out and explore the region with private boat trips around the 12 surrounding islands.
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For further information visit:yazzcollective.com
Swap Marrakech for Tunis
With The Residence Tunis
Boasting the allure of Marrakech without the throngs of tourists, Tunis is an ideal choice for a year-round short-haul escape. Despite its colourful medinas, ottoman architecture and traditional fare, the cultural capital isn’t as teeming with travellers as its north-African sister. Just a three-hour flight and short transfer from London, The Residence Tunis is perfectly positioned to explore the city’s copious historic treasures. The resort just launched its ‘Yoga & Mindfulness’ retreat combining meditation, spirituality and nutrition, with the chance to explore all the beauty of Tunis and the destination’s UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Archaeological Site of Carthage and the charming coastal town of Sidi Bou Saïd. Home to one of the region’s finest 18-hole golf course, 5 gourmet restaurants and a 3,500 sqm Thalasso Spa, The Residence is the ultimate base to explore from.
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Rates start from £201 on a B&B basis. For further information visit:cenizaro.com/theresidence/tunis.
Swap Corfu for Parga
With Parga Beach Resort
Set in the Epirus region in north-western Greece, Parga provides all the charisma of more popular European destinations sans le crowds. Set on a secluded bay overlooking the glistening Ionian Sea, Parga Beach Resort offers direct access to blue-flag Valtos Beach and is just a short walk or water taxi into the quaint town. New for 2023, the resort is unveiling 23 luxury suites that feature a harmonious minimal design and are fully equipped with private balconies, terraces and some with private plunge pools for a true sense of seclusion. Guests are encouraged to discover all the region has to offer with a variety of experiences from kayaking adventures to boat trips to neighbouring Paxos. Back at the resort, indulge in enticing menus at the three beachside restaurants before unwinding with a rejuvenating treatment at Blossom Wellness Center.
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Rates start from £116 on a B&B basis. For further information visit: pargabeachresort.gr