Greece Travel Journal: An Ode to 10 Years Together

Ten years. A thousand memories. And one breathtaking journey to mark it all.

When Joshua and I began dreaming about how to celebrate our 10-year wedding anniversary, we knew we wanted something more than just a getaway. We wanted an experience that would mirror the richness of our years together—full of wonder, beauty, depth, and adventure. Greece, with its sun-drenched islands, ancient history, and soul-stirring landscapes, felt like the perfect place to reflect on everything we’ve built—and everything still to come.

This trip wasn’t just about travel; it was about connection. Between turquoise waters and whitewashed villages, late-night laughter over candlelit dinners, and quiet moments where time seemed to stand still, we rediscovered the rhythm of us.

Come with us as we walk the cobblestone streets of old towns, sail into sunsets that feel like poetry, and toast to love—ten years strong, and only just beginning.

GREECE STAYS

Before we lost ourselves in the blue-and-white beauty of the island, we began our journey in Athens—a city where ancient ruins rise beside edgy street art, and every alleyway seems to echo with stories. And tucked away in the heart of this vibrant, layered city, we found our perfect sanctuary: Mona. 

From the moment we stepped through its doors, Mona felt less like a hotel and more like an experience. Every inch of the space was a love letter to art, design, and intention. Housed in a restored 1950s textile factory in the bohemian Psirri district, Mona’s aesthetic is industrial chic meets poetic minimalism—raw concrete, soft linens, sculptural furniture, and curated objects that invite you to slow down and notice.

Our room felt like a European dream—bathed in natural light, filled with thoughtfully hung textures and layered with quiet luxury. There was a calmness to it all, like the space itself was giving us room to breathe. And yet, just outside, the city pulsed with energy: vibrant cafés, art galleries, street musicians, and the scent of grilled souvlaki spilling from tavernas around every corner.

One of the highlights? Our private patio. Waking up to sip coffee as the sun rose behind the Acropolis, or winding down with a glass of wine under a sky full of stars—it was pure magic. Mona didn't just offer us a place to stay; it gave us a space to feel inspired, to reconnect, and to see Athens through a lens of creativity and calm.

It was the perfect beginning to our anniversary journey—stylish, soulful, and unforgettable.

The Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Athens lived up to the buzz I’d seen in the latest issue of Architectural Digest. We only had one night here, but true to the Ace brand, the vibe was effortlessly cool. From the moment we arrived, we were drawn in by the music, the laid-back energy, and the sun-drenched buzz around the pool. Within minutes, we’d dropped our bags and found ourselves lounging poolside, drinks in hand, soaking up every ounce of Athenian sun. The spicy margs were VERY spicy and probably one of the best Josh has ever tasted! The space felt like a little pocket of Palm Springs dropped right into the city—retro, vibrant, and just the right amount of indulgent. Thoughtful food, inviting atmosphere, and an overall vibe that balances design with comfort—Ace Hotel is definitely worth a visit.

After a short and scenic plane ride from Athens, we touched down on the sun-kissed island of Santorini, full of excitement and a little disbelief that we were finally here. From the moment we stepped off the plane, the island welcomed us with its signature palette—brilliant whites, deep blues, and golden light that seemed to wrap around everything.

Our first stay on the island set the bar impossibly high: Vora Villas perched high on the caldera cliffs in Imerovigli, and carved right into the volcanic rock. Calling it a hotel doesn’t quite capture the magic—it felt more like a private sanctuary in the sky. With only a few suites on the property, Vora is intimate and minimalist in all the best ways: soft architectural lines, natural materials, and design that lets the dramatic landscape do the talking.

Our villa opened up to an expansive terrace with sweeping views of the caldera and a private plunge pool that seemed to spill right into the Aegean. Mornings started with breakfast delivered to our terrace — fresh fruit, warm pastries, perfectly brewed coffee — and the quiet hum of the island waking up. Every detail of our stay felt curated yet effortless, luxurious without being overdone.

Our time at Vora was more than just a stay—it was an experience of stillness, beauty, and connection. The perfect beginning to our island chapter, and a reminder of how extraordinary love—and place—can be when you let it slow you down.

For the final leg of our Santorini stay, we traded the iconic cliffside views of the caldera for something even more unexpected: total seclusion, elevation, and serenity at The Lodge at Santorini Sky.

Perched at one of the highest points on the island, far above the hustle of Oia and Fira, The Lodge offered a completely different, and equally magical, perspective of Santorini. Here, the landscape opened up in every direction, with panoramic views stretching from coast to coast, and skies that felt close enough to touch. It was quiet, peaceful, and utterly private—like we were floating above the rest of the world.

The Lodge itself was a masterpiece of modern comfort and minimalist design. Set amid volcanic rock and wild herbs, it felt completely in tune with the land around it. Inside, every detail h

ad been thoughtfully chosen—sleek lines and natural materials. A private outdoor hot tub, a rooftop bed open to air was a pretty incredible way to take in the view!

What made this stay so special was the contrast—after the dramatic cliffside energy of Imerovigli, The Lodge offered something softer, more grounding. We spent our days exploring the quieter villages nearby, zipping around on our ATV rental, and sharing slow breakfasts with no rush to be anywhere. Evenings were spent watching the sky shift into deep shades of indigo as the lights of the island twinkled far below.

Our Restaurant Recs

MIA'S | Overlooking the Caldera from Oia. Excellent Food, unmatched service and unforgettable views of the Sunset.

L'AMIRAL | Modern Greek cuisine in the historic Plaka neighborhood of Athens. Another beautiful view overlooking the Acropolis off in the sunset. Great staff and flavorful food!

SANTORINI WINES | Wine & mediterranean flavors with this most stunning view of the sunset

EXPERIENCES

No trip to Athens would be complete without a visit to the Acropolis— and even after seeing it in photos for years, nothing compares to experiencing it in person. As we made our way up the sun-soaked hill, the city unfolded beneath us, a mix of ancient history and modern life.

Standing before the Parthenon, worn by centuries but still incredibly majestic, we took in the sheer scale and craftsmanship of it all. The stone, the sky, the views across Athens—it was impressive in every sense of the word.

It was a moment of quiet appreciation: for the history beneath our feet, and for the chance to see it all together.

Cine Paris—Our first night in Athens, we wanted to keep things easy but unforgettable. Since the 1920's, Cine Paris has been showing films with unobstructed views of the Acropolis. After a long day of travel, it was the perfect way to settle in—relaxed yet so memorable. We grabbed some snacks and a drink, then watched the sun dip behind the ancient ruins as the city lights began to glow. Sitting on a rooftop, with the Acropolis illuminated in the background while a film played on the big screen, felt like the ideal welcome to Greece.

Wondering the shops in Oia—Oia quickly became one of our favorite spots on the island. Tucked on the far side of Santorini, it feels like stepping into a postcard—tiny stone paths and winding steps lead you through a maze of charming shops, cozy restaurants, and hidden corners. The town is full of wild cats who stroll the streets and even curl up inside the shops, adding to the laid-back, whimsical feel. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, explore, and just soak it all in.

Caldera Yachting—One of the highlights of our time in Greece was a five-hour boat trip that offered the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. We sailed around the island, gliding past dramatic cliffs and circling close to the volcano that the island nearly wraps around. Along the way, we stopped to swim and snorkel in the clearest blue water—refreshing and unforgettable. We enjoyed a meal back on board & as the sun set, the evening turned even more magical when a couple we were with got engaged on deck—we even got to capture the whole thing on video for them!

Greece was everything we hoped it would be—and somehow even more. From the design-driven calm of Athens to the breathtaking cliffs and quiet luxury of Santorini, every stop along the way offered its own kind of magic. If we could do it again (and we just might one day), we’d probably spend a little less time in the city and give ourselves more days tucked away on the island, letting the pace slow and the sunsets linger a little longer.

Whether you’re celebrating something big or simply craving beauty, history, and soul-stirring views, we couldn’t recommend Greece more. It’s a place that invites you to savor life—one meal, one swim, one glass of wine, one golden evening at a time.

Here’s to ten years, and the unforgettable adventure that marked it.

Xoxo,

PACKING ESSENTIALS