Away with Sir.J: the Greek and Croatian Way!

Sir.J here, continuing on with my European adventures! Summer along the Med (more specifcially, the Aegean and Adriatic) is about as good as it gets: fresh seafood, crystal clear waters, all mixed with a dash of local culture. After keeping it local last summer, I couldn't have been happier to be back on the continent enjoying the summer sun this year.

VIP treatment at Mykonos Riviera

First stop: Mykonos where I luxuriated at Mykonos Riviera in a suite with my own rooftop pool! Doesn't get much better than waking up with a cup of coffee or watching the sunset from the hills above Mykonos! The property is only a mile from town and right near the ferry port, so it couldn't be easier to get around from the hotel.

The MAK.ing of J.MAK! Not only is he delicious to look at, but did you know that J.MAK is also a delicous drink?! Watch Mykonos Riviera Owner/General Manager T.DAK and me as we take a poolside cocktail making class!

From top (clockwise): suite views! , upper level suites and pool area, hammam!, in-suite soaking tub, suite bedroom

Mykonos Grand: Grand Renovations!

I also had the chance to head over and check out the beautiful renovations at Mykonos Grand. The public spaces have been refreshed in beautiful blue and white which play off and frame the sea so well. Highlights of the tour included several suites, the spa, a new wine room for events, as well as a residence-style suite complete with a huge rooftop outdoor space (coming soon!).

Above from left: pool area, new bar!, private dining in wine cellar with team Mykonos Grand, VIP check-in

Athens with Original Senses

Original Senses does it all! From a VIP arrival with escort from the gate to our Mercedes into town, a private tour of the Acropolis, to dining like an Athenian and being absolutely spoiled in the process! I even had the chance to stop by the Original Senses office and meet with the team. A whirlwind 24 hours in Athens on my way through to fly to Dubrovnik!

Clockwise from top: Lunch with Sofi & Vickie, Acropolis tour, Parthenon views, Inside the Acropolis Museum, Visiting with Team OS!, Dinner in Athens

My Journey2Croatia!

Ivana and the team at Journey2Croatia are the key to unlocking this beautiful country along the Adriatic. On this journey, I visited Dubrovnik and its movie-set like old town along with the summer retreat island of Hvar.

My favorite part of working with a good DMC (Journey2Croatia being no exception) is that they suggest unique experiences that a typical tourist would never think to do with a guidebook alone. During my time in Croatia, we had a private guide unveil secrets of Dubrovnik on a guided tour of the old town, we took a day trip to Ston to learn about oyster harvesting (and of course then ate piles of them) along with a visit to a local family winery and a salt farm. Hvar is a perfect summer destination: we spent a day at a private beach club and the following out on a boat-- doesn't get any better! Finally, I ended my trip back in Dubrovnik and got some QT with Ivana!

From left to right from top row: Dubrovnik at night, welcome to Croatia!, beautiful Hvar, touring Dubrovnik old town, oyster harvesting, wine tasting, catching up with Tin from J2C in Hvar, best table in the house: dinner with a view in Dubrovnik, QT with Ivana!

Attending ILTM? Come meet our Greek and Croatian Hospitality . Personalities along with many more!