During our month long trip around Europe, I have to say our favorite time was the five days we spent on the Greek island of Patmos. This hidden gem was built around a medieval monastery in 1088, the island is beautiful but the visit was made truly special by staying at the picturesque Porto Scoutari Hotel and Spa. The hotel is designed with typical Patmos-style architecture and features spacious and open bungalow-style rooms and a staff that exemplifies stereotypical Greek hospitality. Everyday the staff serviced the rooms and left fresh towels, toiletries and flowers. It was both rustic and chic all at once. Planning this big European trip was a logistical nightmare. We saw Athens and some other islands but they were all pretty hectic, we never truly unwound until we made it to Porto Scoutari. With a quick check-in and helpful staff we were settled into our room and lounging by the pool sipping Ouzo in less than 20 minutes! As much as I try to avoid it, I can never hide from work so I was very much relieved to see they offered broadband internet access. It was very convenient. Along with that, the hotel also offered a host of other creature comforts, all sorts of bathroom items such as hairdryers, soaps and robes. They also had TV, DVD and radio, but to tell you the truth, there was no need to even switch them on. However the A/C was definitely up and running. Now I know why the buildings are all white in Greece! The three adjectives I would use to describe Porto Scoutari would be luxurious, secluded and serene. A trip to Greece would not be complete without experiencing both Patmos and Porto Scoutari. I give them five stars! Perhaps we could convince our daughter to get married here. What a storybook wedding that would be.

No vacation is quite like a trip to the Greek Islands. When I visited Patmos, I was treated to an experience of a lifetime at the Porto Scoutari. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and have a view that is enough to make you understand why Saint John came here to be near God. The sparkling waters of the Aegean Sea make a perfect backdrop for the serenity and service that I found at the Porto Scoutari. Five star meals in the hotel, massages in the spa, and the historic pilgrimage sites all over the island made this a vacation that captured my soul. The price was right on for the accommodations. I never felt I had overpaid for anything. When I have the opportunity to travel again I have found a place that makes me feel like a king, the Porto Scoutari is a true luxury getaway at a price that is hard to beat. I can not wait to go back!