Bellevalia Hydra

We are frequent visitors to Greece and it's islands ... but first time in Hydra. Wondrous island. I can see how it intoxicated all that visiting artistic talent in the 1960s etc. It's still clinging to a maturing Bohemian vibe ... the town is drippingly gorgeous. We did not come for beaches ... we do love some amazing Greek beaches (especially in the Ionian), but we came here to chill, explore, eat and drink well ... and spark up the muse in each other! But the days were mighty hot (over 35deg) and the plethora of shoreline rock ledges were littered with bodies (it was the Pentecost public holiday weekend). So we elected to try the beaches. We walked 25 mins East of town to Mandraki. Calm and mostly sandy (more sand than others), it is expensive and poorly run. We are lucky that price is not usually a hurdle ... but €60 for 2 beds, umbrella and 2 towels is approaching steep. The beach service was chaotic and staff appeared unhappy and stressed. Starting price for wine was €60 ... that might be tolerable if the vibe had been better. So... next time we took the €10 return journey speedboat (45min walk west) to Four seasons Hydra beach .... everything was glorious. Stony beach - which is elegantly clean and very accessible (especially the west side) with €15 swim shoes. Great sun loungers (€30 per pair with umbrella). Towels €5 each. Beach location lovely ... backed by rows of bougainvillea and beautifully gardened house and villas which make up the highly rated hotel. The beach-bar toilets are well maintained throughout the day and the shoreside restaurant is gorgeous. Fresh fish (you can see it arriving to shore!) and chicken souvlakis were our faves.... accompanied by lovely Assyrtiko wine (€34) .... we were V well looked after by Sergio and George (Maître d'). The beach service was the best of all...... the pretty and smart girl who ran the operation (From kiosk) was fab .... and the omnipresent beach waiter (Dimos... I think) was amazing ... his service skills were the best I've ever seen in an upmarket beach club.... and the cocktails were banging! Truly brilliant. Went back 3 times in this short trip. Marvellous island! P

Stayed here for our anniversary and honestly didn't want to leave. That stone mansion sitting between the mountain and sea is something else - pictures don't do it justice. Our suite had this amazing four seasons theme decoration that felt cozy but elegant. Tassia's Tavern became our nightly ritual, the food was unreal. Swimming in those crystal clear waters at Plakes beach right in front of the hotel felt like having our own private slice of paradise. Worth every penny.

Eating on the splendid terrace with barefoot under the trees and facing a golden sea is one of the highlights in spending good time in hydra ! Whatever you will order it will rejoice your eyes and your palate … so fresh are the salads and quite consistent, greek mezze are done in the authentic way and fish on the grill are the freshest and juiciest. Service is excellent and Stefano is welcoming guests with all his kindness