Author Archive for Maria Nikolakaki

Maria Nikolakaki is a Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Beyond Spaces Villas. Beyond Spaces Villas is one of the leading luxury villa specialist in Greece, going beyond finding the perfect Greek Island luxury villa and design a sophisticated and branded villa experience seeped in luxury, exclusivity and bespoke service from start to finish. Prior to her involvement in the luxury hospitality Industry, she spend 20 years in the capital markets in various senior executive positions based in various countries. She has lived in London, New York and Moscow and has travelled extensively to almost 35 countries with a travel attitude of finding the non guides guides.

5 healthy Greek herbs to include in your diet

5 healthy Greek herbs to include in your diet

By on Nov 15, 2019 in Europe, Food and Drink, Greece, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
Greece provides an ideal environment for herbs, which are found flourishing on mountain slopes and green fields. These beneficial plants have been known for centuries and used in cooking and are well known for their flavors and for their healing properties. Below are some of the most powerful Greek herbs to include in any diet.
5 Greek churches to say "I do"

5 Greek churches to say "I do"

By on Oct 23, 2019 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Greece, Honeymoons, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
Marriage is one of the most sacred ceremonies between two people who are willing to take upon the challenge to build their lives together and to care for one another in sickness and in health. Why not commemorate this union in a Greek church on a beautiful island, as it is well known that the
5 fabulous hiking trails to trek in Greece

5 fabulous hiking trails to trek in Greece

By on Sep 18, 2019 in Europe, Greece, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
More than 50,000 foreign hikers, coming from France, Germany, UK, Netherlands and Scandinavian countries, have walked on Greece’s famous footpaths. Rediscovering the destination through the mapped and signposted paths is a wonderful way to tour the lands. The growing popularity of trails is not only due to the Instagrammable breathtaking views that everyone wants to
The 5 paradises on Earth that are found in Greece

The 5 paradises on Earth that are found in Greece

By on Aug 12, 2019 in Europe, Greece, Regions, Western Europe
The most precious gifts come in small packages, just like the islands that you will get a taste of below. The sophistication they have, the history, the culture and the mesmerizing beauty they are blessed with will lure you in to witness it all for yourself. You will have stepped away from the mass crowds,
Top 10 beaches in Greece

Top 10 beaches in Greece

By on Jul 19, 2019 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Greece, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
It’s summer and we have already begun our refreshing dips in the clear waters in Greece. As we are relaxing by the water we can’t help but wonder where to go for our summer vacations. A brilliant idea would be to book at an island that has been voted to have one of the best
5 of the best day trips from Athens

5 of the best day trips from Athens

By on Jun 22, 2019 in Attractions, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Greece, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
Being in a capital city, surrounded by millions of people is most certainly fun and exciting as the options of “what to do” and “where to eat” are plentiful. However, that exciting attitude may change if you start to feel stressed out while being on the overcrowded subway or stuck in traffic or waiting for
Athens: 5 unique tours to enjoy the city

Athens: 5 unique tours to enjoy the city

By on May 31, 2019 in Europe, Food and Drink, Greece, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
An all-year round destination and a European capital city that has multiple layers of history, Athens has a creative energy with numerous art exhibitions, live concerts and dance performances that will rock your world and countless great seaside restaurants that will have your taste buds craving for more.  The history of this city has been
5 car-free aka care-free Greek destinations

5 car-free aka care-free Greek destinations

By on Apr 23, 2019 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Greece, Regions, Western Europe
For most of us our daily routine consists of crossing busy intersections, walking on sidewalks so we won’t get hit by cars and even using our own vehicle to get to any place that we consider to be far from home. What if we could go about our day without turning our heads to see
A Greek lake vacation

A Greek lake vacation

By on Mar 31, 2019 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Greece, Regions, Western Europe
A relaxing lake holiday is a great way for couples, individuals and families who want to get away from the busy city life and enjoy a nature vacation by a picture-perfect lake. The fun lake activities and the trekking paths surrounding the lakes are elements that can turn a calm vacation into an adventurous one.
The romantic side of Greece

The romantic side of Greece

By on Feb 15, 2019 in Europe, Greece, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
The dull routine of our everyday lives can really creep up on us without us even knowing it and when it does it is quite hard to become unstuck. The perfect solution to break free from a situation that is becoming intolerable is by removing yourself, physically and mentally from it. If you want too
Take a peek behind Athens’ best stages

Take a peek behind Athens’ best stages

By on Jan 31, 2019 in Attractions, Europe, Events, Going Out, Greece, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
From the Ancient times until the present day, Greece is known for birthing the concept of the theater. Not Greece entirely, but Athens specifically. For the Ancient Athenians, live performances were a part of their everyday culture, bringing to life plays and poetry but it also had a broader sense. Theatrical performances included politics and
A bite into Greek Winter desserts for your sweet tooth

A bite into Greek Winter desserts for your sweet tooth

By on Dec 31, 2018 in Europe, Food and Drink, Greece, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
Well into the holiday months, we all want to sit around the table with our loved ones, enjoy meals and endless conversations about everything. It seems like all families are waiting for the desserts to be dropped on to the table along with the coffee, the hot chocolate and tea to sip on while taking
The 'off-the-grid' islands of the Cyclades

The 'off-the-grid' islands of the Cyclades

By on Nov 29, 2018 in Europe, Greece, Regions, Western Europe
Perhaps the most famous group of islands in Greece is the Cyclades. The name derives from the Greek word “kyklos” which in English means circle (circular islands), hence the shape the islands form around the sacred island of Delos. According to Greek mythology, the God of the Sea, Poseidon, turned the Cyclades nymphs into islands
Top 5 Greek off-the-grid wedding destinations

Top 5 Greek off-the-grid wedding destinations

By on Oct 25, 2018 in Europe, Greece, Honeymoons, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
Greece is among the world’s best wedding destinations offering the perfect setting for romantic sunsets, pure blue seas and amazing golden sandy beaches. The scenery and the landscape offer the ideal environment to say, “I do”, while the picturesque crimson sunsets and the white cubic houses with narrow alleys, offer a variety of choices. With
The top 5 destinations for wine lovers in Greece

The top 5 destinations for wine lovers in Greece

By on Sep 17, 2018 in Europe, Food and Drink, Greece, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
Once upon a time, in the ancient world, Greece was one of the most important winemaking regions. Wine is closely related to Greek culture and religion; from the ancient years until now it has been mentioned in important pieces such as in Homer’s “Iliad” and “Odyssey”, in Greek mythology where the Greek god of wine
7 reasons why you should spend a few days in Athens on your Summer holiday to Greece

7 reasons why you should spend a few days in Athens on your Summer holiday to Greece

By on Aug 11, 2018 in Attractions, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Greece, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
When planning your trip to Greece, treat yourself and spend a few days or more in Athens. For many, it is just a transit city to one of the islands, but for us it is definitely a place to be visited and seen. Athens has a great history and culture, being the city where Democracy