Let’s be real here, who doesn’t have Santorini on their bucket list? It’s a total dream destination that practically everyone under the sun has at least on their top 10, and for good reason. Spending the last half of my European getaway in Oia was a dream come true and an experience that I could not recommend enough if you’re starting to plan out summer travels.

Let me help you out here… you start packing, here’s everything you need to know about a weekend in Santorini…

The Interior Designer’s Guide to Santorini

WHERE TO STAY

KIRINI HOTEL

You could sleep on the street in Santorini and it would probably be more scenic than the  views from the best hotels Seattle or Dallas have to offer. But, you’re in Santorini so you better be staying at the Kirini Hotel!

Kirini is a truly breathtaking hotel that deserves a day of it’s own just to soak in all the beauty. Two of the best parts of the hotel that are not to be missed:

• The spa — No vacation would be complete without a spa day. Soak in the private cave pools, get a massage and enjoy a cocktail.
• Wake early and enjoy the amazing breakfast — Kirini’s spread is almost as amazing as the views that accompany.

WHAT TO DO

HIT THE BEACHES

Forget the white sands of the Caribbean, the beaches around Oia are incredibly unique and so distinctly beautiful, you’ll barely be able to stop snapping photos. There are three main beaches to visit around Oia: the black beach, red beach and white beach. Each have their own unique charm and are such different colors due to the different types of volcanic sand that formed them!

Black Beach: The most accessible in the area. You can easily walk and grab a spot beneath an umbrella without having to charter a boat.

Red Beach: A visit to this spot requires a bit of a hike, so it’s perfect for a day you’re feeling a little adventurous. The beauty is so worth it!

White Beach: You can check this beach off your list when you take a cruise around the island since it’s only accessible by boat!

WANDER THE STREETS

Get your workout in for the day by wandering up and down all the stairs (beautiful stairs!), peeking in on cute shops and stopping for a coffee with a view. Santorini is so beautiful, that one of the best activities you can plan is to just wander around, enjoy the beauty and soak up the sun.

Whatever you do, don’t forget to try Fredo Espresso! My new obsession…

VISIT THE MONASTERY

A day exploring Moni Profiti Ilia is a must. It’s the highest monastery in Santorini and has some of the best views you’ll find!

WINE TASTE

True relaxation means wine tasting. The best way to go when in Santorini is to take a wine tasting archeological tour to Venetsanos Winery. You can book a group tour with a bus, or if you’re a pro, will just hire a driver from the hotel for a private experience at no extra cost. You decide…

TAKE A CATAMARAN TOUR

You can’t go to Santorini and not take a boat cruise — it just wouldn’t be right. There’s no better way to enjoy the island and rich blue water than by sipping champagne and cruising the seas. You’ll pass by all three beaches during your cruise and get to hop into the crystal clear water for some off shore swimming.

The best part? You’ll stop at an active volcano for a dip in the hot springs. You didn’t think you’d go to Greece without a swim in a volcano, did you?

SKIP THE SHOPPING

Don’t spent too much time searching for great shopping in Santorini — instead spend that time lounging my the pool! Pop into a couple local shops for hand made souvenirs before you leave and you’ll be set. Save the shopping for a city with iconic style, like Paris!

WHERE TO EAT

LAUDA 

Say hello to delectable Greek cuisine with yet another unbelievable view!

SPHINX

Treat yourself to Baklava ice cream with a glass of wine and watch the sun go down in style!

PITOGYROS

The perfect spot to stop for some true Greek street food as you wander the town!

Happy travels! And if you aren’t heading over seas anytime, don’t worry we’ve got you…

Three magical days in Paris… an adventure everyone should take! I just returned from an unforgettable trip to Paris and couldn’t wait to share my discoveries and recommendations! Paris is an iconic, must-visit city, especially for anyone who appreciates design and fashion. It’s time to start planning…

The Interior Designer’s Guide to a Weekend in Paris

To start, you’ll need a beautiful place to stay after spending your days sipping champagne and nibbling croissants by the Seine. We stayed at Hotel Le Six and found it to the be the perfect spot to retreat to each evening. Modern decor with a classical mix coupled with the amazing service and location created the best way to start and end each day.

DAY ONE

Get your bearings in the city by starting the day with a coffee and croissant at a cafe — any cafe… you can’t go wrong in Paris! Sitting outside and enjoying the city is one of the best activities you’ll do, so spend some time soaking up all the French beauty around you!

Visit Da Roco for lunch before heading to Museé Rodin and Museé D’Orsay to enjoy fine art and amazing views.

After you’ve gotten your daily dose of art, make your way back to Hotel Le Six by wandering through Saint Germain and enjoying a stop at one of Paris’ many delicious cafes. One of the best new discoveries we made was popcorn and champagne with a little people watching — the perfect afternoon treat!

Finish your day by treating yourself to an amazing dining experience at L’Arpege. The food was nothing short of exquisite and we have the photos to prove it…

DAY TWO

Start your day with a bite at Cafe Marly before embarking on a bustling day of art galleries and historical monuments.

The main event… do the Skip the Line Louvre tour and get the quintessential shot of the Mona Lisa in all her glory!

After meandering through the museum, let it all soak in with hot chocolate (yes I said hot chocolate!) and an éclair at Angelina.

Finish a perfectly Parisian day with a sunset river cruise and dinner on the Seine! Pop some champagne and gaze at the Eiffel Tower from the boat — a much better way to see the monument than spending a whole day just to get to the top!

DAY THREE

You can’t go to an iconic European city without spending at least one afternoon enjoying some bubbly and sunshine in a park. Have lunch in Jardin du Luxembourg with a bottle of champagne — the perfect opportunity to people watch and relax!

A trip to Paris wouldn’t be complete without a little shopping! Head to Le Marais — a beautiful neighborhood with small, charming streets and tons of shops and great food.

On your way through this stunning neighborhood, be sure to visit the amazing Museé Picasso for your final taste of the Parisian art scene.

Wrap up your dreamy weekend away with a picnic dinner by the Seine. Traveling can be full of moving from restaurant to restaurant, so skip a dinner out and go for a casual night with wine by the river. A truly Parisian way to spend the evening!

Have you booked your ticket yet? The travel bug has officially bitten — what travel guide will we share next? Stay tuned…

A little something to hold you over until your next trip… Hop over to my Instagram and view my story highlights for a vicarious taste of Paris!