A Land of Islands, Heritage, and Flow
Greece is never one tone. It’s where you learn that no two blues are the same: the sea, the sky, the shutters on a hillside home. Every island has its own light.
Last month, Michelle and Kristina explored Greece firsthand, traveling from the sweeping landscapes of Crete to the intimate caldera villages of Santorini, and discovering the understated elegance of Kea and the cosmopolitan rhythm of Athens.
As the team reflected: “Greece is about contrasts. Expansive Crete and intimate Santorini. Understated Kea and cosmopolitan Athens. Ancient history and chic modern luxury. Family-friendly resorts and honeymoon hideaways. It’s not just a destination, it’s a series of choices that, when matched well, can create the trip of a lifetime.”
This UJV Europe Insider Deep Dive built on that FAM experience, guiding advisors through crafting Greek itineraries that balance the iconic and the unexpected, pairing familiar islands with new discoveries, and turning complexity into seamless, white-labeled experiences.
Why Greece, Why Now
Greece remains one of Europe’s most requested destinations — but more importantly, it’s evolving. Beyond its classic appeal, advisors are seeing clients return for deeper experiences: culinary stories, private villa stays, and a desire to reconnect with authenticity.
As Michelle shared during the webinar, “Greece has had such a strong rebound since the pandemic — it’s one of the most resilient destinations in Europe. Travelers are not just checking it off the list anymore; they’re going back for more meaningful, slower stays.”
Kristina added, “We’re seeing clients mix things up — combining islands, or ending in Crete for something that feels totally different from the Cyclades.”
The magic lies in the balance, combining the iconic with the unexpected, the postcard with the personal.
The UJV Europe Approach
Behind every successful Greek itinerary is invisible precision — transfers, ferry timings, connecting flights, and the human touch that makes it all feel effortless.
UJV Europe has built this destination from the inside out. From the moment your clients land, they’re supported by trusted on-the-ground partners who understand the luxury rhythm of Greece.
Through UJV’s Europe division, advisors gain access to personally vetted guides, expert recommendations,exclusive perks, and preferred partnerships with brands like Canaves, One&Only, and Andronis— each selected for its service integrity and place-driven design.
As Michelle noted during the session, “We have such a deep relationship with our partners in Greece — it allows us to make everything seamless for advisors, especially with all the moving pieces between islands.”
Crete | The Island of Contrasts
Crete is where Greece expands. It’s the largest island and, in many ways, a destination within a destination.
Kristina explained, “Crete really stands apart. It’s for clients who want something slower, more immersive, it’s a place that feels alive with culture and history.”
In Elounda, advisors find Greece’s original luxury playground. Resorts like Phāea Blue offer understated grandeur — wide open spaces, privacy, and sea views that stretch endlessly.
Across the island, Chania reveals a softer side — Venetian ports, artisan studios, and boutique stays like Casa Delfino where authenticity and design coexist.
Michelle added, “We often recommend ending (or beginning) the trip in Crete — it’s restorative after the energy of the faster paced islands, and clients always fall in love with it.”
Santorini | The Icon Reimagined
Santorini is Greece’s dreamscape — famous, photogenic, yet constantly evolving.
“Santorini is not just for honeymooners,” Kristina said. “It’s for anyone who appreciates beauty and that connection between land and sea. It’s about timing, knowing where to stay, and when.”
Beyond the caldera, smaller villages like Pyrgos and Megalochori bring travelers closer to the island’s soul. Properties such as Canaves Epitome, Andronis Concept, and Mystique reflect this shift — cliffside calm, design-led simplicity, and service that feels deeply personal.
Michelle shared, “We don’t want families to shy away from Santorini because of the adult-only Caldera properties — they just need the right pairings to make it a full family affair! Even in Oia.”
Advisor Tip: Pair Santorini with Mykonos for glamour, or Crete for cultural depth and space.
Kea & Athens | The Art of the Ending
If you want to surprise a well-traveled client, end in Kea. Just an hour from Athens (of a 15 minute heli ride!), it feels worlds away — quiet, elegant, and deeply local.
One&Only Kea Island redefines Aegean luxury — villas carved from stone, turquoise coves below, and a feeling that everything has slowed to the right pace.
Kristina said, “Kea is perfect for clients who’ve done the classics — it’s intimate, authentic, and really different from the Cyclades.”
Back on the mainland, Athens holds its own rhythm.
“We always suggest at least two nights in Athens,” Michelle emphasized. “It’s not just a stopover. Dolli or One&Only Aesthesis elevate it into part of the experience offering different feels depending on client needs.”
Advisor Tip: Athens + Kea works beautifully as a five-night standalone itinerary or the graceful finale to a Greek islands journey
Advisor Quick Wins
Michelle and Kristina guided advisors through a seamless four-stop strategy: Athens → Mykonos → Santorini → Crete — each offering its own tone and tempo.
- Athens matters: Recommend at least two nights to ground the itinerary in culture and comfort.
- Island sequencing: Mykonos for vibrancy, Santorini for romance, Crete for depth and rest.
- Match experiences to clients: Caldera properties = romance & views; inland/non-Caldera = space & family-friendly.
- Transfers & logistics: Crete is expansive — plan for enough time in each spot to avoid being on the go without time for rest and enjoyment.
- Highlight diverse angles: Families, gastronomy, wellness, and multi-gen trips thrive beyond honeymooners.
- Set expectations: Dining is upscale, service styles vary, and stairs/ferries may challenge mobility.
- Sell experiences, not just hotels: Cooking classes, wine tours, village visits, and boat excursions bring Greece to life.
- Quick property highlights:
- Honeymooners → Phaea Blue, Canaves Epitome, Andronis Boutique, Amirandes
- Families → Domes of Elounda, Andronis Arcadia, Canaves Epitome
- Wellness & culture travelers → One&Only Kea Island, Spinalonga excursion
- Luxury city + beach blenders → One&Only Aesthesis, The Dolli
- Honeymooners → Phaea Blue, Canaves Epitome, Andronis Boutique, Amirandes
Advisor Tip: Advising clients on timing, transfers, and experience-based activities makes the journey effortless — it’s the small details that elevate a Greek itinerary from beautiful to unforgettable.
Watch the Replay
This Greece session with Michelle and Kristina offered more than just logistics, it offered perspective. How to read the rhythm of Greece, how to build journeys that breathe.🎥 Watch the full replay of the UJV Europe Greece Webinar to revisit every insight and advisor question.
And stay tuned for our next UJV Europe Insider, where we’ll keep exploring the stories behind your clients’ favorite destinations.