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 Greek experiences to transform you
By Maria Nikolakaki on Jun 20, 2018 in Adventure Travel, Europe, Greece, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
In 2016 and 2017, we noticed the rise of experiential travel as the leading trend across countries and generations, where vacationers were looking for ways to blend in with native cultures, interact with the locals, become insiders and feel much more than a tourist. This year, industry leaders are pointing towards a new shift, that 
5 reasons to be excited for the grand opening on Mykonos Island
The “island of the winds” has just opened its doors to greet its jet-setting guests once again. The newest and hottest places to be this Summer are welcoming their repeat guests with their well-known hospitality and are showing newcomers how to have the time of their lives! For over 50 years now, Mykonos has been
Paros Island is Greece’s new hot destination
By Maria Nikolakaki on Apr 30, 2018 in Attractions, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Greece, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
Paros Island is part of the Cyclades complex in the Aegean Sea, standing out for its long blonde sandy beaches, the local cuisine and the strong winds, which invite surfers from all over the world. The islandcites the heart of the Cycladic Islands, with serene landscapes, fertile valleys and rolling hills dotted with small churches 
Top 5 Greek island destinations in 2018
By Maria Nikolakaki on Mar 29, 2018 in Europe, Greece, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
From heart-stopping adventures to the perfect Mediterranean dish, Greece has a variety of destinations to discover. In 2018, we handpicked five island destinations which already enjoy some of the limelight and will attract some international discerning travelers looking for crystal clear waters, authentic cuisine and the well-known Greek philoxenia (φιλοξενία). Paros Island Located close to 
3 of the best Greek islands for family escapes
By Maria Nikolakaki on Apr 30, 2015 in Europe, Family Travel, Greece, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
Travelling with children sometimes needs some extra planning to ensure activities and amenities suitable for a family vacation. Looking for sandy beaches, organized activities and safe amenities while allowing parents to also relax and enjoy themselves sometimes is a complex task. We have selected three Greek islands, which combine the best of all words, allowing 
3 Greek cycling destinations
By Maria Nikolakaki on Mar 22, 2015 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Greece, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
Cycling can without a doubt be a great pleasure and has generated an entire travel culture of its own. In Greece there are some 80 or so clubs around the country involved in road biking and track racing, as well as BMX dirt bikes and mountain biking. We picked three ideal destinations for different levels 
Experiences you'll want to discover on the island of Corfu
By Maria Nikolakaki on Feb 19, 2015 in Attractions, Cruises & Boat Travel, Europe, Going Out, Greece, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
At the edge of the northwestern frontier of Greece, Corfu is probably the imperial jewel in the Ionian crown. Lush with greenery and olive trees and splashed by turquoise waters, it is the second largest of the Ionian Islands. Corfu’s Venetian, French and British past makes for a fascinating cultural, historical, even architectural trajectory, while 
4 days in Mykonos
By Maria Nikolakaki on Jan 18, 2015 in Attractions, Bars, Clubs, Cruises & Boat Travel, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Greece, Leisure Travel, Regions, Restaurants, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
Mykonos has always been a wonderful juxtaposition between traditional life and a cosmopolitan jet set lifestyle. By the 1950s the island was already among ‘the’ most fashionable destinations for celebrities from all over the world. Tale also has it that the rocks have a unique energy capable of soothing the soul and lightening the mood 
7 of the best restaurants in Athens
By Maria Nikolakaki on Dec 31, 2014 in Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Greece, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
Beyond the classical Athens, guests are now spoiled with a variety of culinary experiences as the new gastronomy scene offers more than just top chefs and trendy restaurants. Architecture meets food creativity and styling, the new restaurant concepts are worth exploring and among my favorites are the below: Funky Gourmet Funky Gourmet is located in 
A honeymooners’ trip to Athens and Cyclades
By Maria Nikolakaki on Mar 25, 2014 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Greece, Honeymoons, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
Greece is among the most popular destinations for honeymooners, especially Santorini which is known for its unique light and romantic sunset. For those who want to combine their honeymoon with some other activities, see below a suggested itinerary and activities. Day 1: Arrival in Athens Riviera. Stay in one of the seafront spa hotels with uninterrupted 
Real Greece in 7 days following the steps of Centaur
Pelion is a very pivotal location and in ancient times played an important role in Greek commerce and culture. The fact that it is cited in the center of Greece, the physiology, and also the desire of residents to explore and evolve very quickly, made it a great center of the ancient world. Pelion is
9 Greek islands in 7 days
By Maria Nikolakaki on Jan 27, 2014 in Attractions, Cruises & Boat Travel, Europe, Going Out, Greece, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
“The sea once it casts its spell holds one in its net of wonder forever.” (Jacque Yves Cousteau). The Aegean Sea attracts sailors from all over the world looking for a Greek island treasure hunt in a canvas of secluded coves, fish villages, crystal blue water and wind shaped cliffs and natural bays. For those 
Trends for experiential travelers in Greece in 2014
By Maria Nikolakaki on Dec 30, 2013 in Europe, Food and Drink, Greece, Leisure Travel, Regions, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
In 2014, Greece is back in fashion and repositions itself on the experiential travel map by shaping itineraries beyond the sea and the sun, beyond the beach and the crystal clear waters. In line with a global trend to satisfy the discerning traveler, uses its authentic ingredients and heritage and offers experiences that are set 
Top 4 experiences you should try in Patmos, Greece
Patmos is a well kept secret among jet setters in the northern part of the Dodecanese complex, one of the few places that has preserved its medieval settlements since the 12th Century. Historically is known for pilgrimage with a plethora of Monasteries, most of which are World Heritage sites: the cave of the Apocalypse and
Top 3 restaurants in Mykonos with grandmas' best kept secrets!
By Maria Nikolakaki on May 30, 2013 in Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Greece, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
Mykonos is a cosmopolitan island and offers a wide variety of choices looking for that island chic lifestyle. Beyond the beaches, the clubs, the stories that every rock has to say, the island offers a wide variety of gastronomic experiences from Asian to American cuisine. In conquest for the authentic Greek recipes, three restaurants definitely 
