CHECK IN AND CHILL
Summer’s nearly upon us, and many of us should have been jetting off for sun, fun and culture in timeless Greece or pretty Cyprus. But until you can get there for real, here’s the next best thing...
IT’S HARD to think of an area more abundant in history, natural beauty and food as the Mediterranean, with Greece and Cyprus topping the bill as destinations that have it all.
From the 5th-century Parthenon ruins that still stand tall above Athens to the jewel of the Mediterranean, Cyprus, birthplace of the ancient goddess of love and beauty, these two countries are rich in memorable sights and experiences.
The combination of warm, hazy weather, picture-perfect landscapes and wholesome cuisine means holidaying in this corner of the world is as relaxing as it gets.
RELAXATION MASTERCLASS
The Greeks and Cypriots know a thing or two about spas – after all, they’ve had them for millennia. So why not take a leaf out of their book, and try to recreate relaxing rituals in your own home?
The experts at Santorini’s five-star Andronis Arcadia Hotel suggest you begin by hydrating your body. Infuse sliced cucumbers and strawberries in chilled water to sip through the day, nourishing your body and helping to keep skin glowing through the hot summer. Then, run yourself a warm bath with a few drops of calming lavender essence shaken into the water and prepare to pamper.
The next step is to exfoliate the skin and slough off dead skin cells to allow your skin to glow. Use a DIY scrub made of two parts ground almonds to one part coconut oil to gently remove dry skin while moisturising it, too. This not only smells fabulous,
but it’ll help keep a summer tan going for longer, too. Once your skin is clean and dry, coat your hair in coconut oil for a moisture boost, and use soaked green tea bags on your eyes for a soothing way to counter puffiness. andronisarcadia.com, +30 22860-27392
GET A PITTA THIS
With a cool brandy sour in hand (see panel, above) and your loved ones around you, it’s time to create a feast fit for a summer in the Med. This part of the world is renowned for its seafood, and octopus in particular is a popular dish for both Cypriots and Greeks, thanks to its availability and ease of preparation.
To make an authentic octopus stew, take 2.5kg of cleaned octopus prepared by your fishmonger, and fry in olive oil with two diced onions. As the onion and octopus begin to turn golden at the edges, add a clove, two bay leaves and a cinnamon stick, followed by half a glass of dry red wine and a splash of vinegar. Leave to cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is reduced and you’re left with an unctuous, thick sauce at the bottom of the pan.
Create some Greek mezze vibes on the dinner table by having plenty of dishes to accompany your stew. A traditional Cypriot village salad, made with shredded lettuce, onion, tomato, green pepper, olives and feta cheese and topped with olive oil and red wine vinegar will make a light side. And don’t forget some warm pittas – ideal for scooping up sauce – along with hummus, tzatziki and plump Kalamata olives to nibble on. Finish off your feast with a hassle-free rizogalo for dessert, a Cypriot rice pudding enriched with fresh lemon juice, vanilla and cinnamon.
Time this sensational foodie experience for a warm evening out in the garden, surrounded by flowers, music and candles to create your own little Mediterranean tavern – until you can sample the real thing.
“Greeks and Cypriots know a thing or two about spas – they’ve had them for millennia