This Fashion Designer’s Vacation Photos Will Make You Want to Go Island-hopping Through Greece
If we could rent anyone’s wardrobe for our next beach getaway, it’d be New York City-based designer Kee Edwards’. The founder of resort wear brand Loup Charmant, Edwards is the woman behind the line's ethereal coverups, flouncy maxi dresses, and beach-ready basics.
The fashion maven has traveled all over the world, donning her covetable styles everywhere from the alluring coast of Portugal's Algarve region to the surf-centric beaches of Cape Town. Her most recent adventure — a two-week trip through the Cyclades with her husband — is arguably her most picture-perfect adventure yet. Hopping from one island to the next, Edwards alternated between swimming in the crystal-clear Aegean Sea, exploring medieval villages, eating fresh seafood at restaurants on water's edge, and painting watercolors of the azure landscapes. Below, she recounts some of her favorite moments exclusively for Travel + Leisure.
Pollonia, Milos
"The first stop on our trip was Pollonia, a charming fishing village on the northeast tip of Milos. We stayed at the family-run Milia G Suites, where our hotel room had a private rooftop deck with a hot tub. Part of the reason my husband and I chose Milos was its food. People take so much pride in the local cuisine, so it was really a treat to sample island specialties — goat, anyone?! — at fabulous restaurants like Taverna Embourious (pictured). When we weren’t eating, we were exploring the island’s rocky shoreline and aquamarine waters. The owner of our hotel recommended we visit this one beautiful little cove that you accessed via ladder. We were so blown away by the beauty of the place that we ended up hanging out on the beach the whole afternoon!"
Verina Astra, Sifnos
"After three days in Milos, we went to Sifnos and checked into the Verina Astra Hotel, a collection of cottages overlooking the sea. Because the accommodations are set on the side of the mountain and surrounded by lush gardens, the vibe is really private and serene. I’d start each morning meditating on my outdoor veranda and my afternoons painting watercolors. I found the landscape to be so inspiring."
Vathi Beach, Sifnos
"One day in Sifnos, we rented a car and drove to Vathi Beach, a beautiful bay on the southwestern side of the island. Getting there was a rather harrowing experience — we had to drive down one unpaved road after another, at one point even venturing down a road that was nearly vertical — but the payoff was big. The beach had velvety golden sands and there were plenty of charming seaside restaurants."
Kastro, Sifnos
"One of my favorite things to do while staying at Verina Astra was wandering the medieval town of Kastro. It was once the capital of the island, so it has incredible history. I loved exploring the little churches, like the blue-domed Church of Seven Martyrs, which hovers on the edge of a rocky peninsula."
Mandrakia Village, Sifnos
"From Sifnos, it was back to Milos to stay in the small fishing village of Mandrakia. We wanted an authentic experience, so we stayed in a rental property a short stroll from the water. Our neighbors were 85 years old and didn't speak a word of English! Next door to our place was this wonderful restaurant, Taverna Medusa, which was parked on the water's edge and served mouth-watering Greek food. It was so good, we went back three times!"
Kimolos
"One of the coolest things we did on our trip was take a boat trip around Milos. Our guide, Captain Andreas, had a traditional fishing boat and toured us around some of his favorite small islands — Kimolos being one of them. Once we docked the boat, we were greeted by a herd of wild goats that roam the island and who we fed with melon rinds from Captain Andreas’ garden. After, we went swimming and collected rocks while he cooked us a lunch of lamb and fresh vegetables on the beach."
