My Guest Blog for Things You Should Do.com : Cavo Paradiso, Mykonos

Watching the sunrise at Cavo Paradiso on the Greek Island Mykonos was one of the highlights of my trip. It’s definitely something that you should do once in your life. But if you’re not a crazy club kid anymore, don’t worry. I have a “10 Step Cavo Paradiso Plan” that’ll make sure you’re awake to see that spectacular sunrise

Check out my guest blog here.

Also, make sure you check out the other posts on Things You Should Do. She’s got some great and unique ideas for destinations worldwide!

Kimberly

Life is about choices.

The view from Katikies Hotel in Santorini from Jet Set Life on Vimeo .

Life is about choices. My husband and I, we chose each other, we are soul-mates. We chose to get married in Italy , a place that has real meaning to us. It was so lovely that we chose to celebrate our anniversary each year in the Mediterranean. This year we chose the Greek Islands of Mykonos and Santorini. Today (July 21, 2008) happens to be our anniversary. My husband chose to make a magic moment for me. I was awakened with breakfast on the terrace of my hotel, Katikies , overlooking the caldera, a bunch of fresh flowers and a Santorini painting on a wooden door that my husband purchased (I had admired it the previous day) as a gift to celebrate our day. These were all choices, and life…it’s just about choices.

My fantastically brilliant husband always says that people have in life exactly what they need. For us, we have to have (not want) but have to have many weeks off a year to travel around the world . This is what we love and enjoy. However, often people look at us and list all the reasons why we’re able to follow this life and our passion but they are not. The truth is that we have found a way to overcome any obstacles including the emotional and financial as well as any mental blocks that we may perceive. Here’s how…

#1: Emotional Obstacles

“I can’t travel because I have a kid, dog, business, etc…” This is the most common excuse that is used and is an emotional obstacle. We have these obstacles also. For us, taking three weeks in Greece included leaving our daughter, business and Matlipoo puppy for three weeks. But we overcame these obstacles.

a. Our daughter went to camp. Which yes, is convenient for us but more so, the benefits to her overall growth and development as a human being are priceless.

b. Our office is left with an excellent team while we are away. We leave, don’t worry about it and put out any fires when we return.

c. Our little Maltipoo is cared for my great friends and/or an amazing cage free doggie-daycare facility. It’s good for the puppy to get to know other people, places and dogs. It’s called making them socialized:)

#2: Financial Obstacles

“I can’t travel because I don’t have the money.” This is also a common excuse that is used and is a financial obstacle. Let’s face it, people spend money on what they spend money on. I know some people who have very little expendable income but choose to gamble, or even buy luxurious items with every dime. There are also other people that choose to pay $4.00 for a cup of coffee every day, maybe even twice a day. Rob and I aren’t descendants of Johnson & Johnson and we don’t have a trust fund. We live below our means.

a. We don’t own or want to own a home (been there, done that) which means we rent a fantastic place and get to save the costs of home maintenance, new dishwashers and the pool boy.

b. We choose to deposit a set amount into a “Travel Savings Account”. Realize that $100 per week equals to $5,200 for your next trip next year. This account is used for our two most expensive trips of the year. We make travel a priority, not keeping up with the Jone’s.

#3: Mental Blocks

An example is my very favorite “I’ll make the money now so I can retire with $X million, then I will travel” This is called a deferred life plan. Traveling in retirement is amazing. Traveling anytime is amazing. But what people don’t realize is that the difference between traveling now or in retirement is HUGE! In life there are no guarantees. You’re wallet may be thick and your mind may be young and you’re body may be healthy. But what if you’re wallet is less than or your mind isn’t sharp or your body is unhealthy, then what you have waited (and worked) for all your life, is nothing more than a fantasy. For us, we want to live NOW. You only have today and you never know what the future will bring, good or bad.

a. We set our intentions together and decide what we want our life to look like. Then we go after it. Insert the Four Hour Work Week , The Secret etc… We have respective vision boards with our dreams, goals and desires. They remind us daily of what we are after. But without action, these goals would never get accomplished.

b. We use the saying “Why not me?” What does Donnie Duetsch have that you don’t?

Design your life, create memories and live in the present. I’m not saying it’s easy, I’m not saying you won’t encounter some bumps along the way. But in the end, isn’t following your true passion, living your life to the fullest and with inspiration worth it?

Just my two-cents.

Kimberly

The Top Eleven Beautiful Beaches of Mykonos

Kalo Livadi Beach Mykonos from Jet Set Life on Vimeo.

Mykonos has so many beaches, all with completely different personalities. There are beaches for gays, families, locals, the jet set, crazy parties, campers or total seclusion.

The biggest mistake people visiting Mykonos make is not renting a scooter. Without a scooter you are left to the mercy of the Taxi’s (there’s only 31 so getting one can be quite difficult) or worse, you are stuck just walking around Mykonos Town every day.

Here are the beaches that I want you to know about:

1. Psarou: The Jet Setters beach. You’ll be lucky if you can get a beach chair. Many Athenians will book the chairs for a month and well in advance. But slip Yannis a 20 euro and you’ll probably end up with a spot somewhere. A beautiful and popular restaurant, Nammos, is on this beach. If you want to see and be seen this beach and Nammos are the place to do it.

2. Paranga: Very popular beach with everyone including couples, families, singles, locals and extremely beautiful water. A great restaurant on this beach is Tasos. Great traditional Greek classics, especially the delicious and tender octopus.

3. Super Paradise: This beach has a crazy and well deserved party reputation because of the late afternoon beach club parties . However, if you’re young and sexy then during the day this is the perfect place to park your beach bag and enjoy the Mykonos sun before the party kicks off around 5pm.

4. Kalo Livadi: This larger beach is a great destination for the whole family as well as well tanned and toned bodies. Beach chairs are easily available, Tai massage is offered under your umbrella and the Greek Isle cruising yachts stop by to enjoy the food of Sol Y Mar restaurant.

5. Fokos: This is an extremely secluded beach only found by driving down a very bumpy and winding dirt road. Most tourists will never see this beach, but those that do will love it. No beach clubs, no tourists, no umbrellas, just you, the sand, the surf and the sun. Fokos Taverna serves up cold salads, daily Greek pies and grilled meats and seafood to those who are a little more adventurous and are willing to venture out.

6. Aghios Sostis: Lovely small local beach water of the bluest blues and striking teals that are amazing to loose yourself in. No umbrellas, loungers available. A real In The Know restaurant called Kiki’s is on this beach. The restaurant has no sign, no electricity and serves grilled meats, fish and fresh salads.

7. Ag. Ioannis: Great local beach with a popular sunset taverna which is the place that the movie Shirley Valentine was filmed. You can literally watch the fisherman carry the fish from the sea into the restaurant. This is a spectacular place to watch the sunset.

8. Elia: Mostly a gay beach and nudist beach. Quieter beach, with a great landscape, clearer water and more upscale environment.

9. Paradise: This beach lived up to it’s name in the past, however in recent years this beach has gone to the hippies and basically become a camp ground.

10. Panormos: More locals than tourists will hit this beach, but it’s very beautiful. There are only umbrellas for rent, no beach chairs. However, there is a lively beach club next to the main taverna called by the same name as the beach, Panormos Taverna. You can order food and drink from the taverna to have on the beach.

11. Ag. Stefanos: Set away from the crowds of Mykonos Town and the port. Few venture to this area on the island from town. Beach chairs and lounges can be found, along with local tavernas. This beach is more for families and people looking to just relax.

There you go, a break down of the beaches of Mykonos.

The Belvedere Hotel in Mykonos

Tucked away behind the f.u. walls (as I like to call it) is a hidden gem. The Belvedere Hotel is the definition of a hip boutique hotel. This should be the standard of every wanna-be hip hotel in the world. The white on white stretches into every square inch of this fabulous space. If this isn’t already on your list, it should be.

The Rooms

The standard sea/pool view rooms are slightly small but still a very nice size for Europe. They definitely could’ve done more to impress me, they lean more traditional than modern. But just as you are about to complain about something they’re lacking, the view of the sea from your private balcony will distract you and you just won’t care anymore. The bath products are Korres (yes, the Greek natural ingredient product line, would you expect anything else?). Lastly, they have the fluffiest towels I’ve ever experienced. Usually towels in Europe resemble sandpaper and are shockingly thin, however these are spectacularly thick, plush and oh so soft and cuddly.

The Pool

Picture a large plunge pool, dark in color to off set the white on white that surrounds it. There are about a dozen lounges and beds for the tanned and toned guests to relax on. There is an upper deck with large beds that overlook Mykonos Town and the sea. It’s breathtaking. Note: Everyone that walks into the pool area either looks like a celebrity or is one. You’ll be playing "Is that….?" all day long.

The sunset is spectacular from the Belvedere pool deck. But, once the sun goes down, the pool loungers come apart and are transformed into the premier see and be seen outdoor lounge in Mykonos. Before you head out for your 11pm dinner you can sit and have a drink and enjoy the views of the Mykonos glitterati.

The Belvedere Club

This poolside restaurant serves the early risers breakfast in the morning, lunch to the sun worshipers during the day and dinner to the sexy crowds in the evening. The food is some of the best on the island. For example, the bread is made daily and comes with locally made olive oil for dipping as well as black sea salt from Cyprus’s volcanic salt beaches (something you must experience to appreciate). It’s almost impossible to get fat on the menu with the grilled fish or vegetable skewers and a Greek salad that is served in a glass container that I think my grandmother used to use to hold coffee or jam in.

Matsuhisa

This perfect restaurant is of the famed Nobu family of restaurants. It’s a sexy outdoor seating restaurant around the serene Belvedere pool, dimly lit tables perfectly overlooking the lights of Mykonos Town. There’s no stuffy white tables clothes, just great service and exceptional food with out of the ocean today freshness. Choose from cold plates such as Tuna Titaki with a Jalapeno flavored sauce, tempuras of vegetables, meats and fish, soft shell crab and the chef’s innovative daily special sushi rolls. It’s not to be missed.

The Location

Mykonos Town is a small walking only town of winding streets. The Belvedere Hotel is location just on the edge of this area. You can easily walk into town or to the port, or you can take your scooter and get to any of the beautiful beaches withing 15-20 minutes. It’s location provides a view of the sea, port and the town below as well as beautiful sunsets.

The Staff

I don’t know where they find these people, but they are simply the most kind, helpful and gracious staff of any hotel we’ve ever stayed in. (For anyone to suggest otherwise I’d have to assume they themselves make a terrible hotel guest and couldn’t ever be pleased anyway.) They are there when you need them and disappear when you don’t. Your every need, wish and desire is handle with ease and most importantly with an authentic smile. The soul of a hotel is withing it’s staff, and this hotel has a magical soul.

Well there it is, Mykonos’s famous Hotel Belvedere, simply put, it’s a jet setters paradise.

Kimberly

My Hotel Chatter VIP Review on the Hotel Don Carlos in Marbella

Hey guys, I did a VIP Hotel Review of the Don Carlos Hote l in Marbella for Hotel Chatter. In the rare case that you’ve not heard of Hotel Chatter , they’re great for keeping you in the loop on all hotels worldwide, so check them out too!

Check out my VIP Review.

The Hotel Belvedere, Mykonos is AMAZING!

The Hotel Belvedere Mykonos from Jet Set Life on Vimeo .

Whether you just want to sip Greek Rosé by the pool, gaze at the Aegean Sea, watch the sun dive into the water at sunset or dine at the only Nobu outpost in the world, Matsuhisa. The jet set need to look no further than the chic white on white of the Hotel Belvedere .

Here’s a couple photos to get you salivating….more to come…

Watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea.

Rob writing the events of the day while the sun sets.

The pool and balconies of the Hotel Belvedere.

A little Greek Rosé at the Hotel Belvedere’s pool.

How to Keep from Going Crazy on an International Flight in Coach

As I walk onto the plane, I’m greeted with champagne and the flight attendant helps me store my Tumi carry on . She is pleasant and assures me that this long overnight flight back from Rio de Janeiro will be wonderful. I take my seat. After the plane takes off the lovely flight attendant returns to ask what I would like for dinner, pasta primavera or the steak. “Being a vegetarian I choose the pasta.” Real silverware, real plates and real glasses filled with wine. Perfect. Now it’s time to watch my personal in-flight entertainment system. Let’s see Entourage or a documentary on Blonds , choices, choices. A few hours later, another flight attendant approaches, sees that I am sleepy and asks if I would like to see the ice cream sundae cart early so I can go to bed early. My answer, “Yes please”. After my sundae but before I go to bed, the flight attendant approaches one last time to ask what I would like in my omelet in the morning and if they should wake me. I ask them to allow me to sleep in a little. They oblige.

You’re wishing that was a coach experience aren’t you. Nope sorry, definitely first class. But just in case you get stuck in the back of the bus here’s some tips on how to survive.

#1: Choosing a Seat

Your seat can make or break your trip. If you have a preferred status then you may be able to land the bulkhead or the exit rows. This is great because both offer extra leg room. The only down side is that you may be near a bathroom. In that case, it’s the worst seat in the house. Use Seat Guru to check your seat rating and the pros or cons about your specific seat. Yes, I know that you can often see the plane configuration on the airline’s website, but they are not always correct as to bathroom placement, galley etc..

What you’re looking for is:

a. The most leg room. Even for shorter people it’s nice to be able to stretch out.

b. No middle seat. No one wants to be riding the hump seat for 9 hours.

c. Front of the plane. There’s a reason first class is in the front. They closer you are to them, the better. Easier to get on and off the plane.

d. Not near a bathroom or galley. You don’t want the banging around, flushing or weird plane food smells all night long.

#2: Entertainment

Don’t fall prey to the in-flight entertainment choices. Nothings worse than sitting through a movie you’ve already seen or one you never wanted to see. Simple solution, an iPod , headphones and laptop can easily convert into your own mini-entertainment system. Load your iPod with a TV show series that you’ve always wanted to see, but didn’t or you can even rent movies on iTunes now for $2.99-$3.99. Just remember to load enough to watch for both the plane ride to and from your destination.

#3: Food

Let’s face it, the chips, cheese crackers or Biscotti cookie cart gets really boring after a while. Some airlines are offering food for purchase, but who knows what the selections will be and how much they’ll cost you. An easy fix is to bring some food with you. We like to head to Whole Foods before we leave and bring cheese and crackers, grapes and other easy to eat items with us. It doesn’t take up much room and you’ll be thankful when you see the guy across the isle munching down on his third granola bar.

#4: Sleeping

Sleeping in flight is difficult and those uncomfortable pillows, itchy blankets and lights don’t help. This is why I never leave for an overnight flight without my n-a-p travel kit . They have multiple colors and styles. But for me, I love my pink soft cuddle blanket, my eye mask and neck pillow. I sleep like a baby.

#5: The Morning After

There’s nothing like going to sleep and waking up with the taste of sweaty socks in your mouth, knowing you now have to get off the plane and talk to someone in customs about why you’re visiting. Do both of you a favor and at a minimum bring a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, brush and a packet of baby wipes to help you freshen up just a little before you land.

Well, there it is, how to survive an international flight in coach. I hope you never have to use this and may you always fly first class.

The next post will be from The Belvedere Hotel in Mykonos, so stay tuned.

Kimberly