It seems that Zoe Foster Blake can’t get enough of Greece. The author, beauty editor, Sunday Style and Cosmo columnist – not to mention wife of Hamish Blake – has just returned from the Greek islands. As she herself wrote in her Expedia article, she “wanted to rub everyone’s nose in it”.
The all-natural lover, founder of the Go-To skin care line, after welcoming her first-born Sonny in May, took him on his first trip outside Australia. To Greece. Where else?
Hamish and Zoe embarked on what would be the fifth Greek island-hopping holiday for the adventurous beauty icon. She is known for her love of giving travelling tips and recommendations, therefore she couldn’t resist writing a review for her two favourite Greek islands – Santorini and Mykonos – plus the city of Athens.
Even though she’s still suffering from osteitis, which hit her in week 20 of her pregnancy, leaving her extremely weak to this day, Zoe wasn’t at all discouraged, and indulged herself with the Mediterranean beauties and delicacies of Athens, Paros, Ios, Naxos, Santorini, Folegandros, Mykonos and Corfu as well as Zakynthos. She suggests her readers visit Greece, and especially the islands, in September instead of the high-season months, so they can enjoy the balmy nights, the calmness of the sea and the right number of visitors to make it cosmopolitan, yet not crowded.
Her Instagram account alone is enough of a recommendation for the islands of the Aegean, able to convince even the most reluctant traveller to book a cruise.
“A deserving bucket-list spot. Santorini is breathtaking. The whole place is the stuff of postcards. Literally, all those white walls and blue orb churches you’ve seen illustrating the allure of the Greek islands are from here,” she says.
She recommended Thira as the best place to stay in, but highlighted Oia’s sunset and exceptional view, along with the outstanding Caldera cliff side and its carved-into-the- rocks rooms.
As for Mykonos, it’s by far her favourite little Greek paradise, because of its size and multitude of options for every taste.
From Platis Gialos you can get a bus into Mykonos town (taxis are scarce), or a little boat around to Paraga, which is another beautiful beach with a cruisey feel (and a delicious restaurant called Nikolas Taverna). Paraga is on the way to Paradise Beach should you be inclined to ride your quad there and watch/participate in the world-famous mess that is Tropicana beach club. You gotta do it at least once,” Zoe adds.
Zoe also gave good referrals on the Nobu-owned Matsuhisa and Kalita in terms of food, whereas for accommodation, she highlighted Grace Mykonos, Belvedere and Nissaki boutique hotels.
“Alternatively, you could just eat a delicious street gyros and save your money for another pair of custom-made Greek sandals,” she noted.
Athens, too, didn’t escape a mention. Zoe complimented Glyfada and Vouliagmeni as Athens’ North Coast posh areas where one can shop, eat, drink and dance till they drop.
“I bloody love Greece. I know I should visit other places, but the beauty, and the food, and the people just keep zinging me back,” she wrote.
We can’t blame her.