Picture this: you’re waiting in a private suite while your bags are being checked in for you, and your passport is being cleared. In anticipation of your trip, you’re scrolling through photos of bright white architecture contrasted with cobalt blue and turquoise accents on Instagram. Before long, a team member of The Private Suite picks you up in a luxury sedan and drives you on the tarmac of LAX to your airplane.
It’s a commercial flight, but you’ve been escorted directly to the door of the aircraft, at which point you’re handed your ticket and passport and are off to your destination. It’s rare that a vacation would start from the time you arrive at the airport, but when you never have to see the inside of it, it’s very much part of the experience.
Upon arriving in Athens, Greece, you will have a ton of options for where to eat, what to see and where to stay. Ahead, we’ve highlighted some of the best places to stay, where to dine, and what to do during your Grecian weekend getaway.
Friday Afternoon:
Upon arriving into Athens, check into the King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel for a one night stay. The five-star hotel is located across the street from the Parliament House, where the hourly changing of the guards is a one-of-a-kind sight.
Combat jetlag at the spa of neighboring, sister-property, Hotel Grande Bretagne. Here, guests of King George are welcome to use the award winning spa’s facilities with or without a scheduled service. The co-ed amenities include an indoor pool, multiple saunas, varying temperature showers, and footbaths.
King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Friday Evening:
Though it’ll be difficult to pull yourself out of the spa, a seafood dinner at Travolta will offer motivation to do so. Here, everything on the menu is exceptional, but a few favorites include: grilled fish (walk over to the kitchen to choose your catch); fresh pasta with shellfish, calamari, and shrimp; and steamed, as well as, fried mussels.
Saturday Morning:
Arrive before 8:00AM to purchase tickets to tour the Acropolis. It’s likely there will already be a line, but there are far less people in the morning and the temperature is much cooler.
Saturday Afternoon: After lunch at nearby Ergon Greek Deli & Cuisine (try the fresh fish of the day and Greek salad), head to the airport for a quick, 35-minute flight to Mykonos. Arrive at Mykonos Airport and rent a car from Hertz Europe (it’s the most convenient way to get around the island). Here, the offices, like the rest of the island, are painted white in Cycladic-style. If you’re not keen on driving manual, reserve an automatic in advance. You’ll pay in local currency once you’re there.
From here, make a stop at Mykonos Town for gyros at Sakis Grill House, and a quick stroll. Then, drive off to your accommodations, which should include a secluded stay at a luxury rental like Villa Joy via VRBO. Tucked near Alemagou Beach Bar Restaurant, the five-bedroom Mykonian estate offers breathtaking views of the Aegean and service at your beck and call.
Villa Joy
Saturday Evening:
Though the sunset from the villa is stunning, don’t waste any time and head to Scorpios for a magical sunset ritual. Trust, and opt for bottle service at the sunset terrace. Sip rosé and nibble on local and organic fare inspired by the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Greece. Share a platter including chicken skewers, tacos, and hamburgers as the day transcends into night.
Sunday Morning:
This morning we recommend you grab a couple of beach towels and head to Agios Sostis Beach. The public beach is sans club and absolutely gorgeous. On your way there, you’ll spot Kiki’s Tavern.
Sunday Afternoon:
Repeat: Do not leave Mykonos without eating at Kiki’s Tavern. You won’t miss the tiny restaurant nestled in Agios Sostis Beach because there’s always a queue to dine here. In addition to not taking reservations, the eatary also doesn’t have electricity. It opens at 12:30p.m., closes when it gets dark, and all of the menu items are either grilled or raw salads. It’s 100 percent worth the wait, which is not so bad when there’s a view of a secluded cove, and complimentary rosé, albeit boxed.
The Private Suite is especially clutch upon arrival at LAX (plans for Miami and JFK are unfolding). Greeted at the aircraft door, you get into a BMW 7 Series sedan—waiting for you on the tarmac—and drive to The Private Suite where you breeze through private customs. Then, you’re accompanied to a suite where you wait for a team member to collect your checked baggage. Though you’ve travelled internationally, you’ll not once see the inside of LAX. It’ll have you thinking where to next?
