The ultimate beach getaway with some serious luxury built in, the Skiathos Princess is the perfect place for some summer R&R
If the only thought a break on a Greek island brings to mind is 2010 hit movie Mamma Mia!, then think again.
Don't get us wrong, if you're a fan of the film, you can see everything from scene locations and plot inspirations to the actual film itself (in a charming outdoor theatre, we might add), but there is so much more to the island than that. Starting with the Skiathos Princess hotel.
The goal for the week is rest, relaxation and some serious hours of sun. And the hotel has got it all - and so much more - in spades.
Set in the heart of the beautiful island, around the super-scenic Aghia Paraskevi bay, the Princess is just a three-and-a-half-hour hop from home. Family owned - and family friendly - it's five star and a Small Luxury Hotel of the world, so your comfort, wellbeing, and allround enjoyment of every minute of your stay, is key.
With 132 rooms, ranging from the compact club to the sprawling two-bedroom family suite - which comes complete with its very own garden and pool - there really is something for everyone.
Fully stocked with gorgeous Greek Apivita products, and equipped with free wifi throughout (for those that can't resist a quick glance at the Blackberry every now and then) it really did become quite a home from home. In fact we weren't entirely sure we'd ever bring ourselves to leave.
And we're not the only ones who love it. Kate Hudson, Goldie Hawn, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth are all fans, too. Not that love a bit of star spotting, or anything.
The hardest decision we had to make all week was whether to sit by the pool or beach. With beautifully decked surroundings, backing onto lush gardens, the pool seemed a pretty good bet. But after eyeing up the lovely looking loungers on the beach (yes, it's that close!) from our spot, we usually swapped during the day.
Either way, you never have to lift a finger. With an army of staff on hand, discreetly waiting in the wings to help you with anything from opening your umbrella, to deciding what to drink, or getting your sun lounger at a precise 45° degree angle to catch the optimum number of rays, everything is made easy.
Put quite simply, it's bliss.
For those in need of some extra R&R (in for a penny, in for a pound, we always say) a trip to the hotel's spa is a must.
Serene, tranquil and above all, cool, there are an array of body-beautifying treatments on offer, including the hotel's signature Queen Bee facial, which uses Royal Jelly and honey to plump up sun-parched skin.
If you can work up enough of an appetite after a hard day's relaxing (surprisingly, we managed!) there are an impressive array of dining choices on offer. From grill restaurant Churrasco to the Mediterranian Basilico and even the Asian Yu de Ling, the options are endless.
But our favourite by far - mostly because of the the achingly beautiful views - was the open, taverna-style Pr. Amos, set directly on the beach. Twilight meals there were simply magical, and the fresh seafood on the menu was perfect every time.
Which leads us nicely to the cocktails. If, like us, you're a fan of the odd tipple (or three!), then working your way through the Princess's delicious cocktail list - pre or post-dinner - is an absolute must.
So dedicated to their cause are staff, that they'e even developed their very own signature drink, the Princess Martini. A mixture of Vodka, vanilla, lime and passion fruit (just talking about it is making us fancy one now!), it's really so delightful that we struggled to drink anything else.
And, to be honest, that just about sums up our entire stay. So relaxing and so enjoyable that we'd struggle to stay anywhere else.
Details: The Skiathos Princess hotel, Skiathos, Greece (+30-24270-49731, skiathosprincess.com). Rooms start from around €68 per night, while the Queen Bee facial costs from €90 for 60 minutes.