The first week of our two-week round trip always ends down in the Cyclades and the island of Ios. Yesterday, we arrived quite early so many guests chose to explore the island in a fun way by quad bike. The bikes are only 50hp so for sure you get the see the beauty of the island when slowly climbing the many hills of Ios where the goats are walking faster than you are going in some cases! Our new crew, Lana from Glasgow, set off with a few of the guests as this was her first time to Ios, we know Ios will become one of her favorites! We’re pleased to have Lana onboard with us, newly qualified with her STCW95 certificate, she is not only trained in all aspects of safety and first-aid onboard, but she is also proving to be wonderful with the clients too – she has a great future in the yachting industry and we look forward to following her career.
Later in the day, everyone met up at Liostasi’s 5 star boutique hotel for a swim and sunset cocktails. After our swim, a gorgeous soft yellow light fell over everything like a slow moving honey and we sat amongst the bougainvillea flower arrangements and ate a wonderful meal created by the Michelin Star rated chef at Yaya’s (grandmas’s) restaurant. The restaurants we select on our itinerary have taken years of exploration and research and our guests are received like royalty and treated like friends by the professional service industry staff.
It was goodbye for the Gallagher family from Virginia, Laurie and Eric from San Francisco and our South African flotilla friends. 4 news guest join good ship Christianna VIII tomorrow.