Niriides Luxury Homes

They say that there are two sides to every story, and this is absolutely the case with Mykonos. On the one hand it’s known as a hedonistic destination with all-night clubs and beach parties. And then there’s the other side to this beautiful Greek island – family friendly resorts, incredible landscapes, eternal sunshine, and a rich history intertwined with mythology and folklore. It was with the latter side of Mykonos in mind that I arrived on the sun-drenched shores of the island, ready to walk in the footsteps of ancient fables and dive into the marine legends of Poseidon, Triton, and Nereid.

I arrived at Niriides Luxury Homes, set just moments from the cobalt waves of the Greek sea and equipped with a swimming pool right outside my room, eagerly anticipating my foray into the mythological underworld and the medieval history of this ancient country. The charming architecture typical of a village house put me right at ease. Combining tradition and modernity with its stone base topped with bright white walls, it fitted in perfectly with the surrounding rocky landscape. And what a landscape it was! Rugged hills, white stuccoed houses that dotted the steep inclines, tufts of wild greenery jutting up towards the eternally blue sky, and views out across the shimmering waters of the magical Aegean Sea.

With just twelve apartments, the Niriides Luxury Homes harbours an intimate atmosphere, and I immediately felt privileged to be one of the few to experience the lush surroundings. My apartment played on this serene ambiance, too, with fresh white walls and muted, modern furniture. Hues of turquoises and blues mimicked the scenery outside, all bright and breezy, hinting at the sunshine with bright splashes of colour. The pearlescent shutters that framed the picture windows embodied the silver cave of Nereids, though I was very much on land and the sun was ever-present throughout the day. But it was the balcony that was the icing on the cake, with incredible panoramic views of the beautiful Greek scenery, quiet and peaceful like the days when myths and fables reigned strong.

In keeping with the Greek marine gods I splashed around in the pool, cooling off in the hot Mediterranean sun, and then I’d enjoy cocktails at sunset, watching the fiery orb dip back into the underworld. My biggest fascination with Greece, though, is its ancient history, its unspoilt heritage, and long lineage of stories. So I made sure I had plenty of time to explore the ancient monasteries that dotted the nearby hillsides, which provided an original way to discover the inner (and lesser-visited) landscape of the island. And then, once I’d revelled in the fascinating culture of ancient civilisations and old relics, I’d return to the present day and relax on the beach, book in hand, not a care in the world. It’s this contrast of culture and relaxation that makes Mykonos so perfect, and the details of the Niirides combine these two aspects like a seamless fable.

From kicking back on the stunning beaches of Mykonos, taking tours to the nearby archaeological sites, and sampling some of the nation’s favourite fresh dishes, I managed to do it all from the exquisite surroundings of the Niriides Luxury Homes. At night, I’d survey the twinkling lights of nearby towns from the vantage point of my balcony, like a mythological mermaid surveying my stretch of water or searching for the golden palace of Triton said to be hidden in the depths of the Aegean Sea. The next morning, though, I’d remind myself that there was no need for me to find this mythical palace in the ocean because I had everything I needed at my fingertips thanks to the Niriides!