The invitation from some special friends for  an afternoon brunch at  Character Santorini, proved to be a great experience for me last week and none of special things could be better if you don’t share them with your beloved ones…! The hospitable and stylish owner Mrs Vassiliki Nomikos was there to welcome me and share the best of her ambrosial specialties in a Unique and Classy environment, leaving no space for any kind of anxiety of everyday life  routine. I would like to thank her and finally share with all of you the amazing experience.

Enjoy…!

Perched above Santorini’s famous caldera, offering a breathtaking view of its surroundings and the world famous sunset, Character invites you to take a magical journey in authentic, pure Italian cuisine.

The ultra stylish  Italian restaurant and lounge bar opened its doors in 2012 at the most beautiful spot of Thira town. The multi-level venue which was  renovated by award winning decorator D. Economou , releases  a sensational, casual but yet classy space with inviting atmosphere surrounded by the outstanding Caldera view.

The story of the building begins years ago, when about 1500 the manor was inhabited by the Dekigalla family. Much later, in 1934, opened the first tourist hotel with a restaurant, pioneering for its time under the name of “Vulcan Hotel”. It stopped working in 1956 after the disastrous earthquake.
Today the hospitable owner, Mrs Vassiliki  Nomikos rents the property from  the descendants of Dekigalla family.

Mrs Vassiliki Nomikos

Character is located in the center of Fira town, in the rim of the caldera, one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. It is next to Santozeum Museum and 50m from the cable car and the Archaeological Museum. The building is situated right across the volcano island of Santorini (Palaia Kameni) and over the old port.

All three different levels offer uninterrupted, sweeping panoramic views of deep blue sea, the volcanic islets and the astonishing Santorinian sunset that makes it an ideal place for any occasion.

Fresh fish and an exceptional selection of award-winning wines and signature cocktails come to complement this magical experience.

Breathtaking view , amazing shades of Blue and Unique surroundings is the magic scenery of Character – Santorini.

Reserve your perfect table and immerse yourself into a culinary journey of rich, original Italian flavors from Tuscany, Bari and San Remo, served in the most idyllic environment in the world.

Chef Branislav Mladenovic prepares for you some of the finest fresh pasta, pizza and Italian dishes on Santorini. The owner firmly believes  in authentic italian cuisine and  that “quality” means healthy eating. Mr Branislav uses only the freshest and finest ingredients with love and respect to the  Italian nature  in order to provide a gastronomical experience with a variety of excellent flavors.

Some of the dishes I really fell in love…

My selection of amazing cocktails combined with the astonishing  view of Caldera and Fira.

During summer season music live performances & cocktail parties take place. The most beautiful time of the day is of course the sunset time. I enjoyed  the beauty of the sunset  to the full in a unique combination of  sensational sounds that travelled me  into the horizons.

I highly recommend this gorgeous Restaurant and Lounge bar  for drink or dine… Trust me…!

I ‘m sure in one of the three different levels of terraces resting on a volcanic plateau, you will find an oasis of colors and senses with discreet luxury and majestic sceneries.

The cliff side restaurant tempts its guests with gastronomic Italian delights. New flavours are to be explored and accompanied with an exquisite wine list, the most welcoming service and a view second to none. Character is actively involved in the “ 2013 YEAR OF GASTRONOMY IN SANTORINI” municipality initiative, which inspired more astonishing local recipes. A combination that promises a truly memorable time.

Wedding Receptions & Events   are also held in Character . The elegant atmosphere, the incredible view, the delicious cuisine and the superb service makes Character the ideal place to host your event.

Whether you are looking for an intimate dinner or planning your wedding reception, the excellent  team of hospitality professionals will ensure that  every need is attended.

There is a selection of spaces for ideal wedding parties. You can choose either the spacey teracce that can hold a bigger reception or the absolute private balcony, ideal for smaller parties.

“…We found ourselves naked on the pumice stone watching the rising islands, watching the red islands sink into their sleep, into our sleep…”

George Seferis

Character Sanrorini 

Character Italian Restaurant & Lounge Bar
Fira, Santorini Island, Greece

Tel.: +30 22860 21816, Fax: +30 22860 33228
Email: info@character.gr
Open: April to October

My afternoon outfit:

lace top:  Zara

Trousers: Gucci

Sunglasses: Michael Kors

Watch : Rolex

Part of the Whitsundays, and in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island is an extraordinary and sought-after holiday destinations worldwide. On a holiday to Hamilton Island, you’ll be surrounded by pristine white beaches, and a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life.

Great Barrier Reef

Situated in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island is the perfect base for exploring everything the reef has to offer.

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef, and home to the most diverse plant and animal life on the planet – including spectacular coral formations, hundreds of species of fish, turtles, manta rays and even visiting dolphins and whales.

Hamilton Island, in the heart of the reef, is the perfect base for exploring this magnificent part of the world – and offers a whole range of professional, well-organised tours, activities and excursions.

Hill Inlet

A great experience would be the Reefworld Cruise Great Barrier Reef Day Trip to Reef World.
Perfect for families, this day trip includes a visit to the activity-packed Reefworld, where you can snorkel, dive, explore or simply splash around colourful Hardy Reef.

Heart Reef

Experience a scenic cruise through the Whitsunday Islands National Park and enjoy a BBQ picnic lunch on the world famous Whitehaven Beach.

Hamilton Island is a perfect base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and world-famous Whitehaven Beach.

championship course on its own island. Plus, with six different levels of accommodation to choose from across the island – ranging from plush, couples’ suites, to family-friendly apartments and holiday homes, a holiday on Hamilton Island really does offer something for everyone.

Seaplane to Whithaven

Hamilton Island Yacht Club

Inspired by the rich colours and textures of the Whitsundays, the Hamilton Island Yacht Club is located right on the waterfront, and offers sensational views out over Dent Passage, as well as several luxury villas.

With its luxury villas, and bright, contemporary style, the Hamilton Island Yacht Club is an iconic and striking island destination.

It was officially opened by the Premier of Queensland, Anna Bligh, as part of the 2009 Audi Hamilton Island Race Week.

Reef View Hotel Pool

YACHT CLUB VILLAS

Gracefully positioned on the Dent Passage waterfront, the villas are just a short stroll to the iconic Hamilton Island Yacht Club.

Day Spa Experience

For the ultimate indulgence, both island spas are open every day of the week, from 9.00am until 7.00pm

Hamilton Island Yacht Club

It is one of Australia’s finest golf courses with RANGE OF OF GOLF ACTIVITIES and
18-hole championship golf course, aquatic driving range, mini-golf and more.

Take a self-drive tour, or hire a golf buggy to go between your accommodation and points of interest across the island.

Hamilton Island Golf Club

Beach House

Beach Club Pool

Pebble Beach House

The Hamilton Island Marina

Dive & Dine

coca chu dining

Manta Ray dining

Sails dining

Romano’s

Sails Peach and Strawberry Caprioska

Bommie Deck Bombay Chai Pina Colada

Hamilton Island is a nature lover’s paradise.

As well as offering pristine scenery and underwater treasures not found anywhere else in the world, Hamilton Island is home to an array of Australian wildlife – including wallabies, goannas, sea eagles, kites, ospreys, sulphur-crested cockatoos and kookaburras.

One-Tree-Hill-morning

Gorgeous sunsets and Ideal view…

Additional Inclusions for Hamilton Island Guests

Kids Stay and Eat For Free

If you’re staying at the Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows, or any Holiday Home booked through Hamilton Island Holiday Homes, you can also take advantage of the Kids Stay & Eat Free offer!

Non-Motorised Beach Water Sports

Guests staying at qualia, Beach Club, Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows and Hamilton Island Holiday Homes have free access to a range of water activities including catamarans, kayaks, stand up paddleboards and snorkelling equipment. Simply present your room key at the Beach Sports Hut on Catseye Beach.

Complimentary transport around the Island

Hamilton Island guests will receive complimentary door-to-door transfers from the airport or marina to their hotel. Guests also have access to a free Island shuttle service, which operates every day from 7am till 11pm.

Sports Club

Complimentary use of the Hamilton Island gym, spa, sauna and tennis courts for hotel guests staying at Palm Bungalows, Reef View Hotel or Beach Club.

Free Wireless Internet

Hotel guests have access to free in room WiFi. In addition, all Hamilton Island guests have access to WiFi hotspots located around the Island including the airport.

Arrivals & Departure Lounge

To make the most of your Hamilton Island holiday we have the easily accessible Arrivals and Departures Lounge located next to the main foyer at the Reef View Hotel for the exclusive use of the guests.

Here you can easily store possessions in lockers, use the shower or bathroom facilities to freshen up or grab a complimentary beach towel for use around the Island.

These amenities allow you to enjoy your time on the Island when you might not have access to a room (either pre check-in or after check-out) and ensure you maximise experiencing all that the Island has to offer.

Hamilton Island is an Awesome place in a precious side of Paradise… We highly recommend it for memorable holidays and unique experiences.

If you want to book your stay in Hamilton Island just visit the Pay 4 stay 5 nights at Hamilton Island and earn one night as a gift, if you stay four nights.

Enjoy…!

From Instagrammed flat whites to the wave of artisan coffee pop-ups , London has enjoyed something of a love affair with real, good coffee in the past few years. Discover the 10 Best Coffee places, where to get your caffeine fix in the capital, below.

Grind & Co.

The Grind is rapidly taking over London – having started with a sole site in Shoreditch Grind, it has since opened new cafes in Soho, Holborn, London Bridge, Clerkenwell and Royal exchange among others.

Hipster staff, great coffee and offbeat interiors make each cafe a destination in itself, plus evenings see them turn into bars – the espresso martinis (made with their own coffee blend of course) are some of the best we’ve tried. Grindandco.com

Ralph’s Coffee & Bar

Introducing Ralph’s Coffee & Bar, Ralph Lauren’s first dining destination in London and Mayfair’s new hotspot for coffee, cocktails, bar snacks, and shared plates.

 

The equestrian theme is exactly what you’d expect – think saddle leather banquettes, a brass-topped bar and dark wood panelling throughout.

 

The café décor pays homage to Ralph Lauren’s trademark equestrian sensibilities. The interior features a brass-topped bar, saddle-leather banquettes, and equestrian-themed art hung against dark wood paneling and green billiard cloth. An intimate oasis in the heart of Mayfair, the café seats 24, with 12 additional seats at the bar.

 

Kaffeine at 66 Great Titchfield Street, Fitzrovia opened in August 2009 with the idea to provide an Australian style café that focuses quite simply on excellent coffee, great food and hospitable service. The speciality coffee scene in London was just starting to kick off and since then, the Great Titchfield street store has been regarded by the media, public and industry as one of the leading cafes of its kind in the U.K..

Serving Square Mile coffee, alongside beans from a guest roaster from the UK every weekend, Kaffeine’s two W1 cafes offer excellent coffee, expert staff, delicious cakes and beautiful decor .

 

The chef prepares their menu freshly each day, while their produce comes from some of London’s best and most respected suppliers. They  use French trained bakers to supply the  breads and pastries,  their bottled juices are from Chegworth Valley organic farm in Sussex and soft drinks from San Pellegrino. All of this is available to be delivered . The  salad and sandwich menu changes weekly in order to keep everything as seasonal and as fresh as possible. The menu is available each Thursday on the web/blog site.

. Kaffeine.co.uk

Allpress Espresso

Workshop Coffee Co.

Workshop’s original Clerkenwell cafe is not only a favourite brunch spot (they also serve lunch, dinner and drinks), but also the site of the brand’s roastery and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto a rather beautiful living wall. The baristas are knowledgeable and skilled and coffee very good indeed – take away a bag of the Cult of Done Espresso beans to recreate the experience at home or try out Workshop’s Aeropress or French press coffees in the cafe itself. www.workshopcoffee.com

 

Fernandez & Wells

Great food, great wine and great coffee – Fernandez & Wells truly has it all. Vogue loves the Stumpy, F&W’s trademarked mini flat white, served in a small Duralex glass and just the right strength for a mid-afternoon coffee run. Owners Jorge and Rick met while working at Monmouth Coffee, and have transferred their expertise into choosing the best single-origin beans each season from Has Bean Coffee in Stafford for their in-demand espresso-based drinks. Fernandezandwells.com

 

The Monocle Café

Monocle’s chic Chiltern Street Cafe serves Allpress coffee rather than its own blend, but it’s so stylish that it deserves its own place on the list. Impeccable interiors and Scandi-chic ceramicware set the scene, whilst the food is a mix of Japanese and Scandinavian – the cardamom buns (supplied daily by Fabrique bakery in Hoxton) are the best we’ve tried. Cafe.monocle.com

Climpson & Sons

Broadway Market offers an overwhelming wealth of wonderful food and drink options, but Climpson & Sons has stood the test of time. Roasting its own coffee in London Fields, Climpson & Sons offers speedy service in its own cafe as well as supplying beans to venues around the city. Climpsonandsons.com

 

Saint Espresso, Angel

 

Angel’s Saint Espresso is the second location from the team behind the popular Leyas next to Mornington Crescent station. Taking inspiration from their location and its moniker, the owner Leon, has clearly enjoyed putting the cafe together. With an impressive attention to detail, he has created a distinctively austere, almost religious atmosphere, complete with stark, custom-made black shelving. The cafe is framed with piumbing pipes which create intricate wall displays. Communion is taken before a black, customised Strada. A black light fixture hangs dramatically from above, while candlesticks and an undercurrent of bronze reinforce the theme.

 

 

Of course this is just a backdrop, which alongside the simple food menu places the coffee centre stage. Saint roast their own coffee for espresso-based and filter options. The Lalani & Co tea menu looks equally impressive.

 

 

As Saint is owner Leon’s second café, and couldn’t be more different from his first, Leya’s in Camden. Saint is an almost religious homage to the coffee bean. It’s an instagrammer’s dream, with austere, graphic interiors bathed in light streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The food is very nice, but it’s the coffee and teas that take centre stage.