A Royal Visit (and Greek fasion house Zeus+Dione)

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall 

visited Athens from May 9 to May 11, 2018, 

on an official visit, the fιrst official visit since the 1950s. 

Camilla was dazzling, as only love and contentment at the side of her man, can make a woman feel.

The saw all the people they were supposed to meet, and they venture to Crete, where the indulged in traditional (no syrtaki!) Greek dancing.

Beautifully dressed on the spot were Marianna Vardinogianni, the wife of Greek oil tycook Vardis, and Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotaki, the wife of New Democracy opposition leader, dressed in Zeus+Dione 

Mrs. Grabowski own fashion house clothes and shoes. 

Mareva wears the silk  HERA blouse,  DOKOS trousers and SPARTA sandals 

while Marianna the MIRA blouse.

xoxo

Rena

Christmas is coming to Athens

And then,

after I just stored away my sandals

and wore my trench coat again,

Christmas came to town. 

As I was walking home one evening,

there it was, 

beautifully catered, 

the shop from where I get our godchildren their Easter candles, 

all dressed up 

for

Christmas.

Oh Christmastime, be nice to me,

bring me 

Love 

and Warmth, and my 

heart's desire

xoxo

Rena

Visiting Athens: Zonar's-Vienna sweet life meets Parisian chic.

Zonar's is the most iconic café in Athens. 

I have always loved visiting beacause of its impeccable service and its olde Athens atmosphere. 

It has recently been renovated and it is even warmer and more welcoming. 

I had a freshly squeezed grapefruit juice which was so refreshing,

I had a quiet discussion 

and I had the time to have a look at the art and general atmospher vreated by the warm wood , the architectural and decorative details and the touches of  early 20th century deco. 

Outside, Athens looked so much more beautiful, with a touch of 

Vienna sweet life with Parisian chic.

The story of Zonars begins in August ’39 when it was first introduced in the corner of Panepistimiou and Voukourestiou. Today, 75 years later, history is being rewritten, with the two brothers Spyros and Chrysanthos Panas undertaking the management to reopen the historic Zonars and reintroducing to the public Classic Greek Recipes of the historic restaurant as well as adding new dishes to the menu.

The historic place hosted over the years in its elegant and luxurious environment, many of the greatest personalities of the last century as Odysseas Elytis, Nikos Gatsos, Manos Hatzidakis, Melina Mercouri, Sophia Loren, Anthony Quinn and many others

Find out more here

Voyage to Neverland

There are places that make you happy.

Places that engulf you and eat you up.

Places you love and you loath.

And it is all part of life.

And it is OK. 

As long as you decide which life you want.

{Shot in Epirus, Northern Greece}

Love and Light,

Rena

The Greek Summer of... Ines de la Fressange

If you know me long enough, you know that I adore Ines de la Fressange,
the French model, entrepreneur, mother, and ambassadrice of the Parisian Chic

Mme de la Fressange is the embodiment of elegance and joie de vivre.

And

This year she spent part of her summer holidays in Greece!

So glad you enjoyed your vacation in Greece, Ines!

See you soon!

xoxo

Huffington Post:These Under-The-Radar Greek Islands Are Perfect Definitions Of Paradise

You've heard of Santorini and Mykonos, but these destinations aren't the only highlights among the more than 200 inhabited islands off the coast of Greece.

The lesser-known Greek islands are also bursting with culture and beauty. Most of them attract fewer tourists, so visitors have more freedom to enjoy turquoise water, lush hills and pristine architecture without thousands of other humans crowding around to do the same. Here are five islands worth a visit -- or a permanent stay.

1. Syros

Music echoes all over Syros: Visit the opera house on the coast, the open-air cinema and plenty of concert settings. Syros is known for its intricate neoclassical architecture. Of course you can dive in the water or go for a hike, too.

2. Amorgos

Amorgos strikes a perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. After hiking to the shipwreck in the cove, wander island paths to churches with stellar sunset views. Mouros Beach has an impressive collection of sea caves to snorkel.

3. Astypalaia

So much adventure; so little time. Historic landmarks abound on Astypalaia, like a real-dealVenetian Castle and numerous churches to explore. Take a boat cruise, trek into a cave, go mountain biking, or simply kick back at the beach.

4. Kastellorizo

Near the coast of Turkey sits an island of colorful mansions and homes. Take a hike through the hills for postcard views of Turkey's coastal towns. Limited roads and cars means plenty of space for strolling from cafes to shops to the medieval castle on a hill.

5. Andros

Andros is a natural paradise that'll leave everyone impressed. Trickling waterfalls and sandy beaches contrast with picturesque windmills and low-key nightlife options. Sailing and windsurfing are big here, too.

{read more here}

Summertime Greece Best Deals

How do you imagine your Greek summer?

Simple

Elegant

Artsy

There is something to love in every corner of this blessed land

And while you are there get hold of something beautiful and original like the Salty Bag.

The Salty Bag people, accomplished Greek professionals with their HQs on the island of Corfu, -my personal heaven for many-many years-, collect discarded, retired and decommissioned sails and give them new life and new value by turning them into unique, elegant and long lasting items. 

(Click to view more here)

My favorite?

What's yours?
Enjoy!

xoxo

Make your bookings at extra special prices and great deals at ekdromi.gr

Time capsule: The island of Kassos

I was browsing the internet today for places around Greece to show you all (and to Stephanie who will not be coming to Greece, this summer), and I was so moved to find these images from the island of Kassos in the South-Eastern Aegean. 

It is amazing that traditional methods of farming and treating produce still survive. 

I can really see the people in Homer's time going about their tasks, doing the same movements.

Find out more about this island that feels like a breath of fresh air here.