Restful Haven?
Greece & the Greek Islands are in the news because of the Olympics. And all the media coverage reminded us to tell you it's a good time to start planning for a trip next year (go June, before
it's too hot & too crowded).
Travel & Leisure's article “Temptation Islands” (August 2004 issue) reviews a few of the best Greek Islands. And one that used to be better...Hydra.
With big day-boats unloading hoardes of visitors from Athens, little Hydra is fast losing her character. Little Mom & Pop shops along the harborside now sell tourist junk. Hardworking
donkey "drivers" have lost their neighborliness, along with their patience. And our favorite hotel, the Bratsera, is just not what it used to be.
We disagree with T&L calling the Hotel Bratsera a "hidden haven." On our last stay this past June, we found the hotel to be anything but a haven. And this was before the expected
summer crush. The Bratsera's biggest draw, the pool area, was very disappointing: Not enough loungers & their covers always dirty. Lots of kids making lots of noise in the water. And
poolside service...where was it? What used to be a refined outdoor refuge away from daytrippers & heat, was more of a sparring match for a chair, some shade & space in the water.
And how about a little nap? Not in this "haven." Sorry Bratsera. We award you a bronze medal for still being the best of the lot of Hydra hotels. But you've kissed the "gold" goodbye. |
Fall into this
 Fall is just around the corner. A good place to feel it is on Nantucket. We've
found a great little place to stay for a long weekend that won't set you back as much as the VNH but echos that kind of island style. The Veranda
feels like a big old Maine house. And of course, it's surrounded by verandahs. Creaky. Old. But recently updated. You'll get the Frette sheets & bathrobes like at the VNH. And the nine
(yes, 9) bed pillows, too. The bathrooms aren't as modern, but the space is larger. And a heartier than usual continental breakfast is included, which you won't get at Vanessa's place. Opt
for one of the better (higher priced) rooms. We liked room #1, with its own private little terrace.
Islandstyle for Clintons
 Just what is Bill Clinton grinning about? No. Not Monica. He's happy because he & Hill just bought a house on his favorite island, Martha's Vineyard. The up-island, Chilmark retreat
will be getting the Clinton touch, along with new toilet seats, according to the other happy fella in the photo....Vineyard plumber, Mike Mayrand. (Photographed at a recent fundraising
event on the island).
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