We headed back to Greece last week, this time on our way to Mykonos.
We flew Aegean Airlines from London. Because it was off season, and there weren’t any direct flights, meant we had to stop over in Athens.
We arrived in the late afternoon and only had a few hours before we were off to Mykonos the next day. But we wanted something we could enjoy even for a few hours.
The last time, Mum had discovered a small boutique hotel, A77 by Andronis in the Old Town. She was determined to do the same and in researching, came across Shila, an ethereal late 1920s residence in the heart of Athens.
You enter into its sumptuous lounge and library area, featuring rustic walls, vintage fixtures, original 1920s mosaic floors and an eclectic piano, that all, in turn, evoke the feeling of a collector’s home.
We stayed in the Artist Atelier – featuring rustic walls, antique furnishings and opulent textiles with its own Juliet balcony.
On our return, we again had to stopover in Athens before flying to Paris the next day to travel back to the UK – as you know, we cannot fly in-cabin directly.
We again stayed at Shila. This time we had The Dreamers suite – marrying metal, stone and wood, the decor intelligently balances character with comfort.
And even the dog bowls were special
May’s notes: Another delightful dog-friendly find in Athens. Away from the big hotels who are usually not very dog-friendly, this is the second boutique hotel in the city that we have enjoyed staying over. Located at 10 Mantzarou St, Kolonaki – Athens.
Shila is an ethereal late 1920s residence in the heart of Athens, which brings new meaning and inspiration to the concept of the boutique hotel. A place to feel indulged and at home, and yet at the same time, to experience an otherworldly realm of elegance and sensuality.
Combining elements of the bygone and the contemporary– and reminiscent of a hotel particulier – this neoclassical house comprises of six distinctively designed suites, each unique in character, with a unifying element of simplicity and sexy charm.
Shila features a lush courtyard, a tranquil rooftop, lounging areas and reading nooks, ideally suited for social gatherings, art happenings and private events. We offer the ultimate curated experience in culinary, art, design, and indulgent self-care. An invitation to experience our intuitive hospitality, where Shila stands as a magnetic universe of its own.
There are just a total of six suites. Because it is a residential house, there isn’t a restaurant but they have a menu from various restaurants that they work with.
They serve you a complimentary breakfast of hand-made Greek delicacies the night before so you have it in your room. There’s a coffee machine and kettle in the room if you needed something warm to drink.
We always get asked how we travel by plane in-cabin. The basic points are :
- To fly in-cabin, your dog (or cat) has to weigh less than 8kg inside a totally enclosed pet carrier.
- Most European and American airlines do fly your pet out of the UK. Most airlines will not fly snub-nosed breeds.
- We have flown –
- Aegean/Olympia, Air France, Air Malta, Alitalia, Finnair, Iberia, KLM, Lufthansa, SAS, Swiss Air – but a lot of the other European Airlines do as well)
- With American Airlines, we have needed to fly out from a European city – Paris or Amsterdam. For some reason they limit the flying time from the UK.
- You need either a European passport (up to date rabies vaccines being the most important criteria) or HCA (Health Certificate for Animals) to travel abroad. Some airlines require Fit-to-Fly certificates.
- Equally importantly you need to visit a vet to have your pet dewormed not more than five days and not less than 48 hours before returning to the UK. The date and time must be noted in the document used for crossing.
- In most cases the dog needs to stay inside the carrier, some airline will allow them to sit on your lap but they never wander away from the seat. The carrier has to fit in the space in front of your seat, it doesn’t have to be totally under the seat in front of you.
- You cannot fly pet in-cabin into the UK, so we always re-enter via:
- Calais using Folkestone Taxi to cross the Eurotunnel to Folkestone.
- Hoek van Holland crossing with Stenaline Ferries which has a few pet friendly cabins to Harwich INternational.
