Delicious Aegean breezes, picturesque and iconic seaside villages, classic white houses with delightful blue roofs, and mazes of tiny streets dotted with cafes, shops and endless charm…this is Mykonos.

Clients of Isle Blue can plan an unforgettable visit to this Greek island, working with their concierge to book many different adventures and activities, but also luxuries that can range from spa services in their villa, guided tours, chef-prepared meals, and days of basking in the sun.

The smallest, and yet the most cosmopolitan of the Cyclades islands, Mykonos is a hugely popular tourist destination that has managed to retain its personality and quaint appeal.

Getting to Mykonos

Unlike many popular destinations in the region, travelers to Mykonos do not typically arrive by air. Instead, most take a ferry from the Greek mainland, which operate out of Rafina or Piraeus daily. It is a somewhat lengthy trip – over three hours – and there are more and more high speed catamaran options become available. Other islands nearby offer ferry services too, and you may find it possible to arrive by boat from Naxos, Ios, Santorini, Crete, or Ikaria. There are also ferries from Sifnos, Milos, Anafi and a few other islands, but not as often.

Cruise ships are another option for reaching Mykonos, and most tours include a day or more at the island. There is also a small airport on the island and Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air each make daily trips during the high season months running from May through October. Other carriers allow for charter flights from a long list of European airports.

Clients of Isle Blue enjoy the option for transfers from the airport or harbor to their villa. Cars and drivers are also available and it is recommended that visitors plan to use a car or hire a driver when they hope to explore the northern coast and lesser known portions of Mykonos.

What to Do

Mykonos Town is also called Charo and is one of the most remarkably attractive towns one may ever see. Whether you explore the winding little streets or you sit and people watch in a seaside café, you will understand how much of its authentic character this popular destination has managed to retain. Though you will see boutiques with names that appear on the world’s most famous runway shows, you also see local artisan goods and local treats and treasures. Spending a day or two, as well as at least one night on the town in Myknonos is a must during any visit. There are many other smaller settlements, and Ano Mera is the only inland village with a gorgeous monastery and some excellent taverns.

Apart from the wonderful beaches, there are many fascinating sites. These include the windmills that date to the 1500s and which are still in working order. The portion of Mykonos Town known as Little Venice can be seen from the windmills, but there is nothing to compare to a full-blown exploration of the area, along with a cocktail to toast the sunset from one of the little cafes.

There are several museums in Mykonos, including an archaeological museum and a maritime museum. However, the beaches are a must and most are “fully furnished” with restaurants, umbrellas and chairs for rental. If you prefer more sheltered areas, the beaches on the south of the island are the most popular. These include Psarou, Platys Gialos, Paranga, Paradise, Agrari, Elia, and Super Paradise.

Dining is another “must” and most travelers remain in Mykonos, though many spots can be found all along the coast and inland. At least one meal should be at a “beach tavern” too!

Mykonos is a place that is all about beautiful scenery, relaxation and the sea, and in a Isle Blue villa, your holiday is going to be an unforgettable treat.

Where to Stay in Mykonos

Isle Blue features a select collection of stunning Mykonos villas. Starting with a 3 bedroom villa at a nightly rate of $700 per night to a seven bedroom villa such as villa Megan (pictured above) that starts at $1050 per night, your Isle Blue villa specialist can find your perfect villa in Mykonos or any other Greek Island.

One of the most well-known spots along the iconic French Riviera, St. Tropez is a truly luxurious destination. A hotspot for celebrities and the elite since its earlier days, it is also popular with cruise lines and international travelers looking to get a taste of this world-famous resort area.

Clients of Isle Blue can find a wonderful villa in the region, and enjoy the very best that this “luxe” site has to offer, without any of the challenges of visiting such a popular tourist spot. Your personal villa specialist can help you choose an ideal location placing you close to the village, the waterfront, or just outside of it all. Perch on the higher cliffs or sit right along the shore, enjoy the culture and nightlife, the shopping and the oh-so-unforgettable foods and wines.

Getting to Saint Tropez

There are several ways to arrive in St. Tropez. The closest airport is Toulon Hyeres around one hour by car from the town. Some European carriers make flights available. The Nice Airport is much larger and roughly 1.5 hours by car. Upon arrival at either airport, the transfer options are limited to taxis, and even helicopter transports. Guests of Isle Blue can arrange for pickup service that takes them easily, comfortably and quickly to their villa.

Many use the waters that surround the area, taking a cruise ship or a ferry from Nice or Cannes, or many other destinations. St. Raphael’s Old Port is also a common point of departure offering the Bateaux de Raphael shuttle that heads across the bay to St. Tropez. You can then be picked up by your driver in the port.

Getting around the area is another issue, and one in which many decide to hire drivers and cars. This is because the roads are very narrow and winding, heading up into the hills and rapidly back down to the waterfront. It is best if you can allow yourself the chance to enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful scenery and let someone else handle the driving.

As most experts advise, the streets in town are “two donkeys” wide, and this is one reason that walking is so popular. There are some shuttles and many bicycle hire options, and you can work with your concierge to determine the ideal transportation system for your needs. Daytrips into the countryside, days spent exploring the town on foot or cycle, and a driver for an evening on the town are all options available.

What to Do in the Cote D’Azur

For the most part, exploring the village is an absolute essential. It is full of the streets and alleys, cafes and shops, and iconic scenes (the gorgeous local fish market, the men bowling in the parks, the tree lined streets) that make for a truly idyllic European experience. There is also a wonderful waterfront that allows you to watch the boats arrive, the pedestrians enjoying the scenery or the nearby beaches, and more.

The places that savviest travelers visit include the Chapelle Ste. Anne, the Museum of L’Annonciade, the Pointe du Capon, the Vieux Porte, and the Place de Lices. If you hope to do some celebrity spotting while on a visit, the Les Caves du Roy is the iconic nightclub where most pay a visit.

Naturally, time at the St Tropez beaches is a must, but if you are looking for one of the finest, Nikki Beach is the one most would recommend. Others include Pampelonne, which is historic and a World War II landing site and Plages La Glaye, de la Fontanette and La Ponche.

Dining is another “must do” activity, but you have an overwhelming number of options in this small area. Some of the finest and most popular include Restaurant Le G, which is small and lesser known, La Pomme de Pin, Plage L’orangerie, Au Vieux Gassin and La Vague d’Or. Don’t forget to try as many versions of tarte Tropézienne as possible!

Where to Stay in St Tropez

Isle Blue features a range of elegant luxury rentals in St Tropez to choose from. Still available for a last minute summer vacation on the Cote d’Azur is the villa Topaz located in Saint Tropez. (Photo of villa Topaz shown above).

Villa Topaz-St Tropez features a private pool, outdoor bar, chic decor and a short walk to the center of St Tropez and Pampelonne beache.  The 5 bedroom villa starts at $940 per night and goes up to $3800 per night in peak season.