Tag: luxurytravel

Portrait Milano – An Urban Oasis

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The first thing I can tell you about Portrait Milano is that I didn’t want to leave.

But let me tell you how it began.

Driving down Corso Venezia, I was scanning for a grand façade befitting one of Milan’s most exclusive addresses. Instead, my driver turned quietly into an archway set back from the street. We slipped beneath it and stopped. I was still looking for the hotel when impeccably dressed men-in-black appeared, opened the door, and gently redirected my expectations.

This is not a hotel that announces itself. It reveals itself.

I was led not to a reception desk, but into an expansive, residential-style space of sofas, armchairs, and curated calm. Known as the Library Lounge, it’s layered with art and design books—a subtle nod to the hotel’s heritage as part of the Ferragamo universe. Check-in happens here, seated, unhurried, and entirely civilized.

I arrived early, so I settled into a sofa by the fire. A glass of Prosecco appeared, carefully positioned in front of three large jars of beautifully presented candy. At that point, I genuinely didn’t mind that my room wasn’t ready. I had everything I needed: Prosecco, chocolate and a roaring fire.

As I continued to sink into the sofa, I was almost hoping my room wouldn’t be available until I’d downed another Prosecco and eaten half a jar of chocolate. I was heading into a very happy stupor with a gorgeous tome about Milano design on my lap when my Lifestyle Assistant—an elegantly understated but highly intuitive presence—arrived to escort me upstairs.

The hotel is set within a former seminary, and its architecture is part of the magic. Cloistered porticos frame a vast central courtyard, the Piazza del Quadrilatero, creating a sense of complete seclusion in the heart of the city. Along the upper-level loggiato, tall windows overlook the courtyard, and behind what were once monks’ cells are now some of Milan’s most refined accommodations.

My Premium Deluxe Studio (Room 318, pictured above) was quietly exceptional. A proper entry foyer with a bar (and, somewhat ambitiously, a dishwasher), a spacious bedroom with a sitting area, and a large private terrace overlooking the city—a reminder that the city was still very much alive beyond the sanctum sanctorum that is Portrait Milano.

The bathroom, naturally, warranted inspection. It delivered: generous proportions, a walk-in shower, thoughtful design details, and Salvatore Ferragamo amenities. The Dyson hairdryer made its expected appearance—fast becoming shorthand for modern luxury.

A chilled bottle of Franciacorta and an array of sweet and savoury delicacies awaited us. I briefly considered restraint before my friend arrived. Briefly.

Wellness & Spa

If the Portrait Milano hadn’t surprised me enough already with the hidden treasures behind the unassuming facade, the spa would. Descending therein feels like discovering a hidden world beneath the Renaissance bones of the building. In partnership with The Longevity Suite, the space blends cutting-edge wellness with architectural gravitas.

Expect biohacking therapies, cryotherapy, advanced fitness by Technogym, and a full thermal circuit. But the true standout is the pool—vaulted ceilings, stone columns, hushed lighting. It’s atmospheric, contemplative, and one of the most beautiful urban hotel pools I’ve seen.

Dining At Portrait Milano

10_11

The hotel’s signature restaurant, 10_11 is the culinary heart of Portrait Milano and where I spent most of my dining time. The menu combines contemporary Italian cuisine with international influences, executed with the same understated elegance that defines the rest of the property.

Breakfast here deserves special mention because it is, quite simply, extraordinary. In more than forty years of staying in hotels around the world, I can honestly say it was the finest hotel breakfast I have ever experienced.

The buffet is beautifully presented and astonishingly comprehensive, featuring everything from artisanal pastries and fresh fruit to charcuterie, cheeses, and impeccably prepared hot dishes. Every detail feels considered, every item impeccably fresh. Yet the buffet is only part of the story. Guests may also select from an extensive à la carte menu, elevating breakfast from a meal to an occasion.

It was only later that I learned it had been recognized as one of the best breakfasts in Milan. Had I not known that, I would have reached exactly the same conclusion on my own. It is the rare hotel breakfast that becomes a highlight of the stay. This was one of them.

The restaurant’s pastry program deserves its own mention. During our stay, we were given a tour of the pastry room, where cakes and desserts inspired by iconic Ferragamo shoe designs are displayed like works of art.

My travel companion was absolutely enchanted. Throughout the hotel, photographs and references to Ferragamo’s most celebrated creations serve as reminders of the family’s extraordinary fashion legacy. For someone whose shoe collection borders on legendary, this was the equivalent of a pilgrimage. I have long joked that she owns enough shoes to make Imelda Marcos blush, and watching her move from display to display with undisguised delight, I may have finally found her happy place.

The pastries themselves are remarkable, but what makes the experience memorable is the way Portrait Milano weaves fashion, art, and hospitality together. It would be easy for the concept to feel gimmicky; instead, it feels entirely natural. Elegant, playful, and unmistakably Italian, it is one of those unexpected moments that lingers long after checkout.

Beefbar Milano

One of the delights of staying at Portrait Milano is discovering that it is home to one of the world’s most coveted restaurant brands. I had no idea Beefbar was located here until I arrived, and for anyone who follows the international dining scene, that realization is akin to finding out your hotel happens to have a Michelin-starred restaurant tucked around the corner.

Founded in Monaco, Beefbar has become something of a global phenomenon, with sought-after locations in destinations such as Paris, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Mykonos. Its reputation is built on sourcing exceptional meats from around the world while presenting them in a contemporary, stylish setting that appeals as much to the fashion crowd as it does to serious food lovers.

At Portrait Milano, Beefbar occupies a prime position overlooking the courtyard, bringing a sophisticated cosmopolitan energy to the property. The menu extends well beyond premium cuts, incorporating inventive takes on international street food, beautifully executed comfort dishes, and lighter options that make it just as appealing for lunch as for dinner.

Even if you aren’t planning a full meal, it is worth settling in for a drink and soaking up the atmosphere. The combination of Milan’s fashion elite, well-heeled travelers, and locals who know exactly where to find the city’s most desirable tables creates a scene that feels effortlessly glamorous without ever becoming intimidating. It is exactly the kind of restaurant one hopes to discover while traveling—and in this case, it happens to be right outside your room.

The Bars

Like much of Portrait Milano, the bars reveal themselves gradually. During the day, the courtyard and porticos provide an elegant setting for coffee meetings, leisurely lunches, and the occasional bout of people-watching. As evening approaches, however, the atmosphere shifts. Aperitivo hour arrives and the property begins to hum with energy.

As we settled in with cocktails and watched the scene unfold around us, it struck me that this was exactly what I had hoped to find in Milan: sophisticated without being stuffy, fashionable without trying too hard, and luxurious without feeling exclusive. There is an effortless glamour to Portrait Milano’s bars that cannot be designed or manufactured. It comes from the people, the setting, and the confidence of a hotel that knows exactly what it is.

Location

Set in Milan’s Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion District), the hotel places you steps from the city’s most important shopping streets and a short stroll from landmarks such as Duomo di Milano. And yet, once inside, the sense of retreat is complete.

Final Thoughts

When it was time to leave, the same seamless choreography resumed—bags whisked away, car waiting, everything handled before I had the chance to think about it.

I realised, as we pulled away, that I had achieved something rare in a city like Milan:

I hadn’t left the hotel once—and I hadn’t wanted to.

Booking Through Me

Portrait Milano is a Virtuoso property, which means my clients receive preferred partner privileges that materially enhance the stay.

When you book through me, you receive:

  • Daily Full Breakfast for Two
  • Hotel credit to use across dining or spa.
  • Priority for upgrades (subject to availability)
  • Early check-in and late check-out when possible.
  • Personalized pre-arrival planning and on-the-ground support
Enquire about Portrait Milano

Oceania Cruises’ Allura Christening Voyage, November 2025

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Oceania Allura Christening Cruise, November 2025

Growing up in Britain, it wasn’t unusual to see Queen Elizabeth II standing poised with a bottle of Champagne, declaring, “I name this ship…” before sending it smashing—perfectly—against the hull.

So you can imagine my delight at being invited to the christening ceremony and sailing of Oceania Cruises’ newest ship, Allura.

I’ve flirted with Oceania over the years—booking the occasional client, circling the dance floor—but we’d never quite committed to the full experience. This, finally, was our moment. And I’m very glad we took it, because something clicked almost immediately.

Oceania occupies an interesting space: ships that are technically “small,” yet larger than my usual preference. With Allura carrying around 1,200 guests, I’ll admit I had my reservations. My husband—famously discerning—was even more sceptical after touring her sister ship earlier this year.

And yet, within hours of boarding, the narrative shifted entirely.

The Feeling of Space

The true test of any ship isn’t its size—it’s how it feels.

And Allura feels wonderfully spacious.

At the pool, there are charming cabana-style nooks, ample loungers across multiple levels, and—crucially—staff who seem to appear just before you realise you need them. There’s music when the weather behaves, a gentle sense of conviviality, and just enough energy without tipping into chaos.

I’m not typically a “pool person” on a ship, but I loved the shallow lounging area where you can dangle your feet in the water, cocktail in hand, and lose track of time entirely. That, for me, is cruising at its best.

The Spa & Wellness Spaces

The spa deck, accessible to Concierge-level guests (or via pass/treatment), quickly became my sanctuary.

It’s beautifully done—quiet, understated, and blissfully uncrowded. Two whirlpools, a hydrotherapy pool with thoughtfully designed jets, and plenty of space to simply be. On one port day, I had the entire area to myself for nearly an hour, which felt like an extraordinary luxury on a ship of this size.

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Inside, the spa is equally impressive: 11 treatment rooms, a comprehensive menu of therapies, and all the expected thermal experiences—steam, sauna, and those wonderfully invigorating experiential showers.

It feels intentional rather than an afterthought, which aligns beautifully with Oceania’s growing focus on wellness. Treatments can be reserved well in advance, and the entire space has a calm, polished energy that encourages you to slow down properly.

Life Onboard

The social spaces—Martinis, the Grand Lounge, Founders Bar—were admittedly busier than usual on this particular sailing due to the nature of the christening schedule. That said, Horizons quickly became my preferred retreat: expansive, relaxed, with lovely views and just enough entertainment to keep things interesting. Afternoon tea here is a quiet highlight.

Elsewhere, you’ll find thoughtful additions: a proper library, a tech centre, even a designated smoking room—everything has its place.

The fitness offering is robust: a large, well-equipped gym, daily classes, pickleball, golf simulators, and a running track. It’s clearly well used, which always tells its own story.

The Culinary Heart

Food is, quite simply, at the core of Oceania’s identity—and here, it feels genuine rather than performative.

With the legacy of Jacques Pépin and the leadership of Kathryn Kelly, the culinary program goes far beyond “good for a cruise.” It’s thoughtful, immersive, and rooted in a genuine love of food as a connector.

The cooking school is exceptional—beautifully designed, highly interactive, and layered with storytelling. Yes, there’s the precision of mise en place and excellent wine pairings, but there’s also context: history, culture, evolution.

And then there’s the sense of community. That’s the word that kept coming back to me. This isn’t about chasing a trend—it’s about creating shared experiences around the table, onboard and ashore.

The Christening Moment

The ceremony itself was everything you’d hope for—festive, elegant, and just a little surreal.

We found ourselves in easy conversation with Giada De Laurentiis and Cat Cora, and spent time with Claudine Pépin and her family, who were as warm and unpretentious as they were engaging.

It was one of those rare travel moments that feels both glamorous and genuinely human.

Dining & Service

Impeccable, with very few exceptions.

We were slightly rushed one evening in the steakhouse (a casualty of late dining on a condensed sailing), but otherwise the pacing was spot on. Even with limited time, we sampled the Grand Dining Room twice—both excellent—and the steakhouse once.

My personal favourite, however, was Aquamar: a quieter, health-forward venue with genuinely appealing options. I dined there solo—by choice—and relished both the food and the calm. It’s also worth noting that Aquamar dishes appear on the Grand Dining Room menu in the evenings, which is a thoughtful touch.

Suites & Staterooms

There’s something undeniably special about a new ship, and the accommodations reflect that.

We stayed in a Concierge-level stateroom (pictured above), which was perfectly judged – elegant, comfortable, and with a balcony I used constantly (usually with a glass of Champagne in hand). I am firmly not one of those people who ignores their balcony.

The upper suites are, of course, exceptional. The Owner’s Suite feels almost residential in scale: expansive living areas, a proper bar setup, a grand piano, and a walk-in closet that could rival many boutique hotels. Don’t tell anyone, but it was the most impressive Owner’s Suite I have seen to date. The smaller suites still deliver beautifully, particularly for those who value space and butler service.

Final Thoughts

I’m very glad that Oceania and I finally had our dance.

There is simply no substitute for experiencing a full sailing—the rhythm of the ship, the nuances of service, the way a place reveals itself over time.

And as for my husband—my wonderfully exacting, occasionally sceptical Chef Michael—he ended the journey doing something I don’t see often: happily eating his words.

By the time we disembarked, he had declared Oceania Cruises his favourite cruise line… and was already asking where we’re going next.

Which, I think, says everything.

For those tempted to step aboard Oceania Cruises, I’d be delighted to curate the right voyage—thoughtfully matched to your pace, preferences, and palate.

Yes, I would like to learn more about Oceania Cruises

Belfast’s Hidden Gem: Culloden Estate and Spa

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An elegant retreat just minutes from the center of Belfast

Set on 12 acres of beautifully maintained grounds and overlooking the Belfast Lough, Culloden Estate and Spa offers a country estate-feel a short drive from the center of Belfast. I really do mean a short drive. Culloden is 10 minutes from the George Best City Airport and about 15 minutes from the center of this thriving city. Read on to learn more about this hidden gem following my recent stay.

  1. A Blend of Gothic and Modern Style
  2. Suites and Rooms
  3. Dining and Restaurants
  4. Culloden Estate & Spa Exterior and Grounds
  5. Spa and Fitness Center
  6. Activities
  7. Book Culloden Estate and Spa

A Blend of Gothic and Modern Style

Built in the 1800’s as the official residence for the Bishops of Down, this five-star hotel now features 98 perfectly appointed rooms and suites. The main building’s public areas reflect a mélange of Gothic grandeur with high ceilings, ornate fireplaces, and chandeliers, while the suites and rooms showcase modern luxury.  

Lest I sound like I’m writing a brochure, I have to tell you what I LOVED about Culloden Estate. It’s a rare hotel that can blend elegance and finesse with comfort and warmth. Culloden could write the book on this, never mind the brochure.

You won’t find a warmer welcome than you will receive at Culloden Estate and Spa, but you will find cozy nooks and crannies amid a sense of space as you explore.   Sit a while to read or enjoy the artwork in the drawing room. Plan to take afternoon tea in the delightful Bishop’s Parlour or cozied up to the window overlooking the grounds. Enjoy a tipple in the Lough Bar with its comfortable seating areas. Head to Vespers, the award-wining restaurant, replete with whiskey on the breakfast buffet. But more about that later…

Are you getting the picture? Culloden Estate and Spa offers a rural stately feel while being minutes from one of the UK’s most upcoming cities.  It is top notch and elegant, but with a relaxed and warming vibe. This is very much my kind of place.

Suites and Rooms

My travel partner and I stayed in the Bishop Suite, located on the corner of the top floor thus offering expansive views over the Belfast Lough through its large windows. The comfortable sitting room is the perfect spot to enjoy said views, although I know my husband would have been very happy to simultaneously watch the huge TV.

Anyone who knows me is aware of my obsession with hotel bathrooms. The Bishop Suite did not disappoint. The bathroom was huge with a large tub and separate shower, and plenty of heating, a much-appreciated boon in period properties.

The Bishop Suite is one of a variety of suites at Culloden Estate and Spa. If your budget allows, I strongly recommend making the upgrade to a suite. We were so comfortable that we didn’t even want to leave. So, we ordered room service the first night and watched movies.

We slept with the curtains open to enjoy the sunrise over the Lough. The Bishop Suite is a true haven within a haven.

Dining and Restaurants

Culloden Estate and Spa’s main restaurant is Vespers, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. For the latter, there is a perfectly curated eight-course tasting menu that screams “locally sourced” with County Fermanagh beef and lamb, Kilkeel scallop, wild North Atlantic turbot. But that is true of every meal because Culloden takes provisioning very, very seriously.

From the “regular” lunch and dinner menu to the ample breakfast spread, your food will not have traveled more than two hours to reach you. Just to clarify, I’m not saying that the kitchen is really slow but rather, with only six counties in Northern Ireland, any locally sourced products will not have traversed far to get to your plate.

Breakfast is served buffet style and includes a full Irish,* breads, fruit, smoothies, kippers, charcuterie and more. And it’s local. There is actually a booklet on your breakfast table detailing each of the purveyors, right down to the oats for your porridge.

Speaking of oatmeal, a bottle of Bushmills Irish Whiskey sits right next to the tureen in case you want to pep up your porridge. This could be particularly helpful during cold winter months (I was brought up to add a spot of whisky to my tea on freezing cold mornings. It didn’t always go down terribly well on the school bus).

Culloden Estate is known for its afternoon tea and we were delighted to partake of the Mother’s Day version. I’m a bit of a stickler because I used to own a tea room and I still teach afternoon tea history and etiquette classes to children and adults. Culloden’s hit all the spots with a variety of loose-leaf teas (and Prosecco) to accompany the fayre. I recommend taking tea in the Bishop’s Parlour, or a window seat overlooking the grounds if you can nab one.

The other dining venue is the Inn at Cultra, located on the grounds, so you get the feel of actually going out to the pub. It’s warm and welcoming with elevated pub grub and classics, including an excellent Sunday lunch. There is also an à la carte breakfast menu if you aren’t up to Vespers’ buffet. The Inn at Cultra is very popular and books up fast so consider making a reservation.

Head to the Lough Bar in the main building for a night cap, or an aperitif before dinner at Vespers. This comfortable spot offers a lighter menu which is also available on Room Service.

With two restaurants offering three meals a day, as well the afternoon tea and bar services, you are not going to be stuck, other than for choice, when dining at Culloden Estate and Spa.

* A full Irish breakfast consists of bacon, bangers (sausages), eggs, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, and black pudding, all dished up with toast. Nothing will set you up better for a day of exploring Belfast and the Antrim coast.

Culloden Estate & Spa Exterior and Grounds

The grounds of Culloden Estate and Spa are a destination in their own right, offering sweeping vistas, world-class art, and luxurious indulgence. We took a leisurely stroll through the landscaped gardens, yet I could easily have sat with a good book for an hour or two while quietly enjoying the view.

As you follow the winding paths, you might be surprised by the occasional sculpture from the “Art & Soul” outdoor exhibition, a captivating permanent feature presented in collaboration with Gormleys Fine Art. Each piece is thoughtfully integrated into the landscape with the goal of creating a harmonious and inspiring dialog between art and nature.

We were there about a month too early for the Bollinger Champagne Garden, which runs from May to September. Imagine relaxing in the stunning grounds, savoring a glass of “Bolli” while munching on a selection from the gourmet “Posh Pizza” menu: the perfect way to idle away a glorious afternoon.

Spa and Fitness Center

Speaking of idling away, the spa was a huge draw for me, as always. We were there one of the busiest weekends of the year (Mother’s Day), but my travel partner scored the last spot for a treatment and enjoyed an 80-minute Bamboo Joint Release Experience. I was a little worried that they were going to flagellate her with bamboo, but thankfully that wasn’t the case. The bamboo is used to assist with stretching and joint release. The treatment got a thumbs up.

I enjoyed use of the spa facility which is complimentary for hotel guests. The thermal suite includes a pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub and experiential shower. There’s also a state- of-the-art work out room and complimentary exercise classes that include yoga, Pilates, spinning and circuit training. Personal training and fitness assessments are available by appointment.

A cute café, Zest, rounds out the facility serving a light breakfast and lunch. I joined the yummy mummies in a glass of Prosecco as I whiled away the time.

Activities

Whether you are tracking steps or not, a walk along the Belfast Lough waterfront is well worth the effort. Exit Culloden’s grounds and walk past the tony homes of Cultra village, and you are there in minutes. There is a dedicated path along the water’s edge so enjoy a jog or a walk with beautiful views as you take in the fresh air.

You’ll find yourself by the Royal Belfast Golf Club in no time. There are wire cages over the path to save you from being wacked in the head by an errant ball. One wonders how many people were decked before that change was made…

Culloden Estate and Spa is a perfect base to explore Northern Ireland where all the major sights are within a two-hour drive. The rugged beauty of the coast attracted visitors long before scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed there. Yet, do the tour; relive the days of salmon fishing at the Carrick A Rede rope bridge; visit Giant’s Causeway; discover the resurgence of Irish whisky; learn how to smoke salmon or bake authentic soda bread. If you want to track down your ancestors, that can be arranged too.

When you’re done with all that, take a full day or two at Culloden to enjoy the spa and the grounds.

For golfers, you are a three-minute drive from the Royal Belfast Golf Club and the concierge will set up a round for you. Be sure to book well in advance though. Technically, Culloden sits in the village/suburb of Holywood (pronounced Hollywood) which is home to its own golf club and, more famously, Rory McIlroy.

Speaking of celebrities, Van Morrison lives “around the corner” in the enclave of Cultra. Allegedly he breakfasts at Culloden most days but doesn’t like crowds. Consequently, I didn’t see him the busy Mothers’ Day weekend I was there. However, that gives me an excuse to go back to Culloden for a discreet sighting of the reclusive Van the Man.

Book Culloden Estate and Spa

Culloden Estate and Spa is the only Virtuoso property in the Belfast area. This means that when you book through me, you’ll have exclusive amenities, including a complimentary afternoon tea, the fabulous breakfast described above, and an upgrade if available.

Be sure to include Belfast in your next trip to the Emerald Isle. If you don’t, you’re missing out. I would be delighted to help you plan your perfect trip. Call me at 772-200-3956 or email jayne@ilxtravel.com.

NOUS Santorini: A Spacious Retreat Minutes From The Action

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Santorini welcomes over 2 million visitors a year, including up to 10,000 cruise passengers a day during peak season. NOUS, which aptly is the ancient Greek word for Mind, provides the perfect sanctuary for those who want to experience the uniqueness and beauty of this idyllic Greek island, while escaping the potential crowds. And NOUS Santorini does the escape thing really, really well. Situated in the village of Mesaria, NOUS is five minutes away from airport and ten minutes from Fira (Thira), the island’s capital, and a 20-minute drive from Oia to where everyone flocks to see the fabled sunset.

  1. The Biggest Pool You’ve Ever Seen
  2. Artfully Decorated Rooms
  3. Foodie Paradise
    1. The Pool Bar and Restaurant
    2. Elio’s Italian American Chophouse
    3. Wine Cellar and Vitamin Bar
  4. The Largest Spa on Santorini
  5. Getting Around from NOUS Santorini
  6. Book Now

The Biggest Pool You’ve Ever Seen

What strikes you first on entering the grounds at NOUS is the sense of space, a rare commodity at hotels in Santorini’s main towns. Every effort has been made to keep the property harmonious with the landscape, a fact echoed by the water feature that runs from the top of the steps down to reception, a gentle cascade for the eyes and the ears while you gaze at the Aegean Sea beyond the property. As you reach the bottom of the steps to enter reception, you get your first glimpse of the NOUS’s masterpiece and centerpiece – its one-hectare pool that requires a panoramic setting to photograph its entirety.

Check-in is conducted in the lobby lounge from the comfort of a sofa while the staff come to you to complete registration. You are given a WHATSAPP number to text for any eventuality. I used this for real emergencies like running out of the SPF 50 sunscreen that is provided in each room and to get help with my luggage. Responses were very prompt; I began to wish more properties would do this.

Artfully Decorated Rooms

The selection of rooms at NOUS is vast, and a large number of suites have their own pool. Of 119 rooms, 41 are pool suites and 17 pool bungalows.  Garden units are amply spaced and the terraces are huge. You’re not on top of your neighbor at all, with the rooms set out like a European village because, well, you’re in Europe.

My pool suite was a dream. I had a large living room with kitchenette and glass doors leading to the ample pool deck. The bathroom was spacious with a huge walk in shower and plenty of closet space (lack thereof being one of my beefs when I’m traveling). The large bedroom also had a view of the pool and the Aegean Sea beyond. I should add that this was not a postage-stamp pool; I had space to swim comfortably.

I saw several categories of room while I was there. Of course, the pool suite was my favorite. It worked for me and one more person, had my husband been traveling with me. The suite would actually accommodate four if the sofa bed were used, although a pool bungalow or a 2-bedroom suite would work great for larger parties. If I weren’t in a pool suite, I’d pick a garden superior room. These come with a huge shady terrace, expanding your living area into a great indoor-outdoor space.

NOUS is part of YES! Hotels whose owner is an avid art collector. Each room at NOUS has a special piece of artwork specific to the space it is adorning.

Foodie Paradise

The Pool Bar and Restaurant

If breakfast is supposed to be the biggest meal of the day, you’ll have no trouble meeting that goal at NOUS Santorini. The Pool Restaurant and Bar serves the best breakfast buffet I’ve ever seen, this could well be fueled by the fact that there is an onsite bakery that puts out a phenomenal variety of baked goods. There’s also a wide selection of cheeses, yogurts (Greek, of course) and cold cuts that one would expect with a Continental breakfast. And real honey that you spread off the comb. I mean, who does that?

The buffet has a good selection of hot items, and there’s an extensive a la carte menu too. I was really happy to see plenty of vegetarian options, as well as gluten-free. Since Greek coffee is phenomenal, I didn’t have to skip on my daily latte with almond milk.

Both breakfast and lunch can be taken inside or beside the legendary pool. The lunch menu features small plates, salads, and superlative entrees. My party dined on a memorable selection of dips, freshly baked breads, Santorini salad, chicken bao buns, fresh fruit, flat breads, grilled shrimp salad, mini tacos, and mushroom skioufikta.

Elio’s Italian American Chophouse

After my huge lunch at the Pool Bar and Restaurant, I didn’t think I’d ever need to eat again, but dinner was planned at Elio’s Italian American Chophouse where we headed for focaccia, Sicilian Shrimp in lemon sugo, Carne Cruda Piemontese, Eggplant Parmesan, Zucchino Crostini, and Tomato Panzanella. Those were the starters… The difficult decision after that was choosing between Branzino, Delmonico steak, or Lobster Tagliolini Fra Diavolo. (I went with the Delmonico). Dinner was complemented with a flight of Santorini wines delivered by the delightful resident sommelier.

Wine Cellar and Vitamin Bar

NOUS’s wine cellar is the perfect spot for private dinners and small receptions. Enjoy a tasting of local wines from the expert in-house sommelier. For healthy fare, head to the Vitamin Bar, located by the spa. Here you’ll find a selection of salads, juices and smoothies made with local ingredients. The Vitamin Bar is also a great place to grab a cup of Greek coffee.

The Largest Spa on Santorini

The spa at NOUS is the largest on the island. Besides five treatment rooms with outdoor spaces, including a couple’s room with private jacuzzi (shown above), there is a sauna, steam room, fitness center, and outdoor yoga area. The water theme continues to prevail with the stunning indoor-outdoor pool, by which the relaxation area is located. Dedicated to a holistic approach, the spa offers a variety of treatments at prices which are very reasonable for a 5-star resort.

Getting Around from NOUS Santorini

YES Hotels

From NOUS Santorini, you can easily get to Fira (10 minutes), the archeological site of the ancient city of Akrotiri (20 minutes), and Oia (20 minutes). A lovely afternoon out is a tour of one (or two) of Santorini’s famed wineries followed by dinner in Oia to watch the sunset. Alternatively, how about a private sunset cruise? I can arrange any of these for you to enhance your NOUS Santorini experience.

Book Now

NOUS Santorini is a Virtuoso property, which means that when you book with ILX Travel, we are able to take extra great care of you by procuring exclusive amenities. Please contact me for more information: 772-200-3956 or jayne@ilxtravel.com.