The ultimate first-timer's guide to Ikaria

Kia Karjalainen and her sister were vacationing in Greece when things took an unexpected turn. “We were in our hotel room, and I suddenly said to my sister, ‘It really, really smells of smoke. Is something burning?’”

For generations, designers have adopted towns, villages, and other enclaves as second homes and visited them again and again, imprinting a touch of their own sensibility on their chosen place—and importing something of its essence into their own work. It’s the kind of symbiosis that Coco Chanel and Le Corbusier, who summered in neighboring homes, enjoyed with the Cote d’Azur’s Rouquebrune Cap-Martine, or Yves Saint Laurent with Marrakech and Tangier. More recently, Christian Louboutin popularized the Portuguese village of Melides, eventually opening Vermelho Hotel there earlier this year. Here, five designers on the places they go, and why they continue to be pulled back.

The Seychellois routinely refer to their home as ‘paradise’ and, frankly, it’s difficult to disagree. Among the many beauty queens of the Indian Ocean, this collection of 115 islands off the shores of East Africa has strong claims to the overall crown. Merging the fabled beaches and turquoise hues of the castaway Maldives with the rugged, jungled peaks of volcanic Mauritius, the archipelago blends sybaritic excess with tropical adventure. Add to the mix local Creole culture and endemic flora and fauna — including the world’s largest palm tree and free-roaming giant tortoises — and you’ve got yourself a winner. 

Balmy temperatures, fewer crowds and lower prices: Now is the perfect time to take a trip to Greece.

Some bars in Corfu, a popular tourist destination in Greece, saved patrons' unfinished drinks and then re-sold them to tourists as shots, Greek authorities said.

Peering out of my suite at Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik, a 19th-century hotel with views of the walled Old Town and the shimmering Adriatic just beyond, it was hard to imagine being thrilled to leave.

When planning a 2020 sailing trip in Greece, Bettina Trittmann knew she wanted a cruise that offered less of a carbon footprint than other cruise ships did.

You could say that Nia Vardalos—the actor, writer, executive producer, and director who introduced the masses to Greek and Greek-American culture via her My Big Fat Greek Wedding films—is most at home in the country of Greece itself. In fact, when she appeared on Zoom for her chat with Condé Nast Traveler, she called in from the rocky island of Hydra. “I realize that my bikini is literally drying on the windowsill,” she laughed about the view of her background. 

Known for its blend of Cycladic charm and cosmopolitan energy, Mykonos entices wanderlust travellers with its turquoise waters, traditional, white-washed architecture, and lively nightlife. Opened in 2022, Once in Mykonos offers the ideal destination to explore the island, conveniently located just a short drive from its mythological and archaeological sites and its harbour restaurants, where guests can sample fresh Mediterranean cuisine, and relax on the remote white-sand beaches. 

After a summer of travel plagued by extreme heat, disruption and unpredictable weather, many of us are looking to holiday outside of the peak season.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has this week announced the opening of the 60-room Wyndham Grand Krakow Old Town—the very first Wyndham Grand in Poland. The property is located in a historic townhouse in the heart of the Old Town of Krakow which makes it an attractive option for guests looking for a luxurious hotel that’s comfortably within walking distance of the iconic landmarks of the city.

Arriving inNorth Islandfeels like a secluded island fantasy come to life; you’ll fly in by helicopter, landing on a verdant fleck of Seychelles land surrounded by turquoise water. Here there are only 11 villas and the entire island is devoted to the one-of-a-kind resort and its guests. Your sense of wonder doesn’t end upon landing, while driving to your villa you’ll stumble upon giant tortoises which inhabit the region. And we’re not talking just one or two, but dozens dotting the landscape, a haven for this species. Offering unparalleled seclusion and the ability to connect with nature, North Island is ideal for any romantic vacation from an early-stage lovers’ jaunt to a double-digit wedding anniversary. It’s no surprise that North Island has welcomed high-profile guests such as the Beckhams, the Clooneys, and the Duke and Duchess of Wales as this property offers the pinnacle of privacy and service.