OVERVIEW OF ISLAND

 While we were in Santorini my mother-in-law gave me the best gift ever…she watched my girls for the night while my husband and I took a ferry over to the island of Ios.  The island is about a forty-five-minute ferry from Santorini.  It looked like a beautiful island but my only hesitation was that in the summer it turns into the party island of the Greek Isles and fills with drunk 20 year olds.  That was the exact opposite of the relaxation I was looking for.  But turns out the island is pretty deserted because those same kids that party spend the whole day sleeping and recovering for the next night.  Perfect!!

 

The Town

The town is one of those beautiful old towns with windy streets made of cobblestone paths that you get lost in.  There are beautiful churches, cafes, and countless number of bars.  The ads all over town are hysterical as they each try to outdo each other with deals on shots.  We spent the afternoon walking around the old part of town, stopping for a beer at one of the many outdoor bars, and doing some shopping.  It was exactly what we needed.  I’d say you would not need to spend more than a day here although if I had longer we could have rented a car and explored the other side of the island.

Liostasi Hotel

As soon as you pull into this gorgeous hotel you know you are going to get the best treatment.  A car picks you up at the ferry docks and when you arrive at the hotel there is someone there to greet you, check you in, and give you a quick tour of the hotel.  During your tour you will stop at the poolside bar and waiting for you will be an amazing cocktail.  Ours was a refreshing lemonade basil drink.  The rooms are spacious and if you choose one that has a sea view you will have the most spectacular sunset from your private patio.

 

The pool takes center stage here and it should because the view from there was perfect.  Although it had an elegant feel to it, the pool area did not feel stuffy.  We didn’t have our kids, but there were several children playing in the pool having a great time.  Made me miss my kiddos.  The staff was attentive, courteous, but not overbearing.

 

The spa was incredible but funny at the same time since when you are in a different country the culture can make for an interesting massage.  Let’s just say if you’re not the shy type you’ll fit right in!  Ha!