Magical Mykonos provides perfect backdrop for return to overseas event forums
After 19 long months, I was thrilled to finally attend my first overseas event forum. And what better location than the beautiful Greek island of Mykonos.
Situated around 3 hours 40 minutes flight time from London, it felt so good to be getting on a plane and venturing back overseas to meet up with partners and suppliers from luxury hotels and destination management companies. Organised by InVoyage, some 150 events professionals from Europe, Canada and the US converged on Mykonos for this networking event that ran from 27-30 September.
My base for the duration of the event in sunny Mykonos was the luxury Imperial Hotel, part of the Myconian Collection, a family-owned group of ten luxury hotels that boast some of the best settings on the island. Poised above Mykonos’ longest sandy beach in Elia, the views out over the Aegean are divine. Inside, it’s all crisp white interiors with warm wood details and quirky design touches. There’s a choice of rooms to fit a variety of budgets, with the crème-de-la crème the Grand Executive Suite, complete with own private pool. And for dining in, there’s three restaurants plus veranda and pool bars, all boasting stunning sea views.
We were welcomed by Debbie and Richard Joslin, co-founders of InVoyage, at the Avaton Hotel, another jewel in the Myconian Collection. Built into the rock high above Elia Beach, Avaton is all about the panoramic decks and private balconies which provide spectacular sea views.
On the evening of day two, we headed to Mykonos Town – or ‘Chora’ meaning town to the locals – where we took part in a fun treasure hunt organised by Greek destination management company, Horizon. This was a fantastic way to explore Mykonos Town, taking in the picture postcard Little Venice, with its rows of fishing houses that line the waterfront, balconies protruding over the sea, and which now house a selection of bars, cafes, shops, and small galleries. Then on around the cobbled streets to the windmills, a defining feature of Mykonos, built in the 16th Century by the Venetians to mill flour. Today, many have been lovingly refurbished and restored to make stunning homes for the locals.
On the evening of day two, we headed to Mykonos Town – or ‘Chora’ meaning town to the locals – where we took part in a fun treasure hunt organised by Greek destination management company, Horizon. This was a fantastic way to explore Mykonos Town, taking in the picture postcard Little Venice, with its rows of fishing houses that line the waterfront, balconies protruding over the sea, and which now house a selection of bars, cafes, shops, and small galleries. Then on around the cobbled streets to the windmills, a defining feature of Mykonos, built in the 16th Century by the Venetians to mill flour. Today, many have been lovingly refurbished and restored to make stunning homes for the locals.
"As a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, this is a luxury resort boasting outstanding amenities.”
After working up quite an appetite, we enjoyed a wonderful meal at Sea Satin, just under the windmills and with fantastic views across the Aegean to Little Venice. As we feasted on a mouth-watering array of fresh fish and seafood, we watched the sun set on a beautiful day.
Our final night together was marked with a pool party at the Royal Myconian, another gem in the Myconian Collection. As a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, this is a luxury resort boasting outstanding amenities, including a panoramic pool deck with large saltwater pool, wellness spa, state-of-the-art conferencing facilities and superb a-la-carte dining.
I returned from my few days in the sunshine in Mykonos feeling relaxed and inspired,
If you would like to know more about Mykonos as a destination for your next event, please get in touch. We’d love to tell you more.
Our final night together was marked with a pool party at the Royal Myconian, another gem in the Myconian Collection. As a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, this is a luxury resort boasting outstanding amenities, including a panoramic pool deck with large saltwater pool, wellness spa, state-of-the-art conferencing facilities and superb a-la-carte dining.
I returned from my few days in the sunshine in Mykonos feeling relaxed and inspired,
If you would like to know more about Mykonos as a destination for your next event, please get in touch. We’d love to tell you more.