Kopanisti Cheese: Divine and Cycladic

Although its white to bluish-white hue and light, fluffy texture could be said to resemble picture-perfect clouds on your plate, what makes Kopanisti cheese so divine isn’t just its taste. As legend has it, Aristaios, the son of Apollo and the huntress Cyrene, was sent by the gods to bestow the divine art of cheese-making on the people of Greece. Some myths even suggest that Kopanisti cheese gets better and better with time. One taste of its rich, peppery taste and you just might believe it.

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Last Wednesday of the Month Architecture: Panagia Paraportiani

There’s one thing that you don’t always hear about the Greek island of Mykonos: they love their churches! So much so, in fact, that around the end of World War II people liked to say that there was a church for every day of the year, but even that wasn’t enough; the estimated number of churches on Mykonos is now close to 800, or enough for one per local family.

Of all these churches, the most famous is Panagia Paraportiani, and probably because it embodies the vision everyone holds in their heart of Cycladic architecture, but also the variations upon it that are unique to Mykonos. Typical cycladian architecture is a story of necessity. A scarcity in building materials, paired with strong winds, helped to create the cubic shapes and flat roofs so characteristic of the region. The whitewashing? A means to reflect the sun and keep interiors cool. How things got asymmetrical and more rounded on the island of Mykonos, however, is anyone’s guess. Maybe the island just always liked to do thing a little differently.

Panagia Paraportiani actually isn’t just a church; it’s 5-churches-in-1, built together during the period from 1425 until the 17th century. Built over 2 levels, the asymmetry of this conglomerate is especially highlighted from some angles by its ocean backdrop. Like with all things architectural, you just can’t fully experience it in photos. Why not go see Panagia Paraportiani for yourself? It’s just a 5 minute walk from White Line Hotels edit Mykonos Theoxenia Hotel.

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Photos: member photos by yrduba and MSPANAKIS on greeka.com

Tickling the Senses in Mykonos

After an idyllic afternoon spend windsurfing, sun-worshipping and admiring the beach goddesses and gods at Ftelia Beach in Mykonos, a bite to eat, a bit of music to start your evening and cocktails that’ll keep you cool in the 40-degree sun is the island way to pass the time.

Alemagou, a new bar and restaurant on Ftelia Beach at the base of the Panormos Bay, brings together elements of the sea and island traditions to create a holistic environment offering a new twist on the traditional taverna. Athens-based K-Studio created the concept by combining the surrounding elements and traditional Cycladic architecture with contemporary organic forms. A 60 cm thick canopy of thatched reed rustles in the wind over guest’s heads, keeping out the harsh heat, while allowing the sun to dapple through. This same canopy embraces revealers in a warm and intimate atmosphere into the night. Informal elements such as hardwearing screed floors, whitewashed walls and handmade pumpkin shell lamps keep the space laid-back. A rhythmic series of terraces, with views over the sea and sand, harmoniously lead guests to the water.

The landscape flows into Alemagou, starting with the natural rock surrounding the beach, which flows into dry stone walls, merging into carefully created atmospheres specifically for dining and lounging. Alemagou is designed around the elements, so you’ll feel like you’re in yours.

Much like the design, the menu takes well-loved traditional recipes and turns them into inspiring new dishes. Music and drinks are an intrinsic part of the atmosphere creating a multi-sensory environment that tickles the senses.

After spending a day surfing and soaking on the beach, just a few kilometres away is the centre of it all, what Mykonos is really known for: the winding white streets, the colourfully accented cake-like houses and the all-night-long life of the island – Mykonos Town. After your night is through, lay your head in the most glam hotel on the island – White Line Hotels edit the Mykonos Theoxenia Boutique Hotel. The hotel has the aesthetic of modern day Mykonos with more than a touch of vibrant 60’s elements. An Aegean breeze stirs throughout the hotel all day long, whisking your cares away.

Photos courtesy of K-Studio by Yiorgos Kordakis

An SMS from Greece

I❤GREECE – Lands of the rather sexy astrological gods, philosophical thinking, epic legends + myths, with more islands than a giant packet of M&Ms, each with jaw dropping coastlines and not forgetting those wonderful characters – The Greeks themselves.

It all started as a teenager reading “My Family & Other Animals” which charts the escapades of a rather eccentric English family (nothing new there then) on a Greek island, this combined with regular viewings of “Jason & the Argonauts” on the box every Saturday morning.

OPEN – so now with their doors firmly open for the season – its time to go again –3 islands, the White Line Hotels run down:

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Aegean Suites Hotel, Skiathos

Skiathos – AEGEAN SUITES  – boho, chic + reclusive
-          Quick hop from Athens– like just enough time to down a Bloody Mary
-          Green, lush + wow stunning – more than 60 beaches
-          Mamma Mia – much of it was filmed here
-          The Aegean Suites is for adults only
Read more here

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Mykonos Theoxenia, Mykonos

Mykonos– THEOXENIA HOTEL– 60’s glam fabulously recaptured
-          The famed bolt-hole of the fashionistas,  hedonists & escapists alike
-          Location –the best, next to iconic windmills – a stylish slice of peace bang smack in the thick of things
-          Expect visiting DJ’s mingling with the sophisticated sun worshipper
Read more here

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Aenaon Villas, Santorini

Santorini – AENAON VILLAS – bespoke, secluded + sensual
-          Famed throughout the world for its’ stunning beauty
-          Great for the Honeymooners, but equally those seeking solace
-          Aenaon Villas are perched high for the ultimate viewing of the Caldera – no nosy neighbours watching your every move
Read more here

Mykonos SUNdowner images

The pics keep rolling in – submit yours now!

Don’t forget there are 4 nights in Mykonos up for grabs, so head over here for details on how to join in and win a stay at the fab White Line Hotels edit Mykonos Theoxenia ( in our opinion , the only place to be seen)

Mikael Colville-Andersen

Mikael Colville-Andersen