From alternative Greek Islands holidays to Private Mediterranean Bays for a bucket list 2023 holiday
As the world slowly reopens, it seems that 2023 is going to be the year when travel finally makes a comeback. This season, why not venture beyond your usual destinations and discover unexplored territories that offer untarnished beauty and genuine experiences? With overtourism becoming a growing concern, more and more travellers are opting for off-season escapes and exploring lesser-known destinations, ultimately traveling with greater purpose. According to Virtuoso®, a global travel network, this trend is set to continue in 2023, as travellers seek to avoid the crowds and immerse themselves in unique and authentic experiences. From extraordinary itineraries through ancient Medinas, to exciting new routes around the Greek archipelago, swap a holiday hotspot for an undiscovered gem this year and bask in the benefits.
Swap Mykonos for Patmos
Among the best places to visit in Greece discover Patmos, the idyllic alternative to the popular islands like Mykonos. Tucked away in the Dodecanese complex, this small but perfectly formed island offers a scenic escape for the most discerning of travellers. With its wild Mediterranean beauty and laid-back atmosphere, Patmos provides an unspoilt haven of discreet luxury and adventure. Formerly known as the ‘holy island’, it invites visitors to explore its religious past while embracing its cosmopolitan present. For those seeking a slower pace of life, Patmos is the perfect place to disconnect from the everyday. Stay at the chic boutique, the island’s only five-star resort located on the south-eastern corner. With 56 suites, two restaurants, and a fully equipped spa, guests have direct access to the beach and a private jetty to dock their boats. Don't miss out on this Grecian gem!
Swap Bodrum for Fetiye
Travellers longing for unobstructed views of the Aegean with a side of mouth-watering Mediterranean cuisine, should have the coastal town of Fethiye and its new chic boutique retreat Yazz Collective on their radar. Set within its own private bay, the resort, boasts an unrivalled location and is only accessible by sea. Attracting both the yacht set and cool creatives, Yazz Collective provides a picturesque backdrop to meet with friends, reconnect with family and create long-lasting memories. A serene retreat in the week that turns the volume up at the weekends as resident DJs take centre stage, here lazy lunches roll into unforgettable evenings. Comprised of a beach restaurant, bustling bar and 16 luxury guest houses peppered amongst verdant gardens the resort’s been designed to sit in harmony with surrounding nature and invites guests to head out and explore the region with private boat trips around the 12 surrounding islands.
Swap Marrakech for Tunis
Boasting the allure of Marrakech without the throngs of tourists, Tunis is an ideal choice for a year-round short-haul escape. Despite its colourful medinas, ottoman architecture and traditional fare, the cultural capital isn’t as teeming with travellers as its north-African sister. Just a three-hour flight and short transfer from London, is perfectly positioned to explore the city’s copious historic treasures. The resort just launched its ‘Yoga & Mindfulness’ retreat combining meditation, spirituality and nutrition, with the chance to explore all the beauty of Tunis and the destination’s UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Archaeological Site of Carthage and the charming coastal town of Sidi Bou Saïd. Home to one of the region’s finest 18-hole golf course, 5 gourmet restaurants and a 3,500 sqm Thalasso Spa, The Residence is the ultimate base to explore from.
Swap Corfu for Parga
Set in the Epirus region in north-western Greece, Parga provides all the charisma of more popular European destinations sans le crowds. Set on a secluded bay overlooking the glistening Ionian Sea, Parga Beach Resort offers direct access to blue-flag Valtos Beach and is just a short walk or water taxi into the quaint town. New for 2023, the resort is unveiling 23 luxury suites that feature a harmonious minimal design and are fully equipped with private balconies, terraces and some with private plunge pools for a true sense of seclusion. Guests are encouraged to discover all the region has to offer with a variety of experiences from kayaking adventures to boat trips to neighbouring Paxos. Back at the resort, indulge in enticing menus at the three beachside restaurants before unwinding with a rejuvenating treatment at Blossom Wellness Center.