Take Me To...Sifnos - Greek Islands

We have always wanted to shoot a collection in Greece and this year our dream came true. With the help from some incredible people, we were able to celebrate an amazing milestone – our fifteenth birthday at one of the most idyllic locations on earth.

Our proud past includes many memorable bikini moments from Miranda Kerr sunbathing on the black sands of Tahiti to Pania Rose stopping traffic in a colourful colonial town in Mexico and Elyse Taylor evoking the spiritual energy of Uluwatu in Bali. This year we add another to the list with natural beauty Alyssa Miller wandering the picturesque Greek Islands of great antiquity.

We were certain Greece needed to be the backdrop for this collection as we have been so inspired by our travels there over the years… Several of us at Tigerlily have a soft spot for Greece: its vibrant culture, captivating rocky coastline, deep blue waters and of course… Delicious food! This time, we wanted to capture a part of Greece that wasn’t as obvious like Santorini or Mykonos.

Luckily we met Helen at Discover Greece who played an integral part in sourcing our dream destinations and partners to support us on our journey. Her extensive knowledge about the Cyclades was invaluable and we learnt that Greece really has something for everybody – as a luxury escape, budget travel destination or a place of inspiration for the wandering Gypsetter. Note: Greece can never be ticked off the bucket list!

Two islands really stood out for us – Sifnos and Milos. Located in the South West, about 2 hours from Athens and just a 4-hour ride from Santorini by SeaJets. The undiscovered beauty of these islands captivated us instantly with their rare rock and mineral formations framed by crystal clear Aegean Sea and the enchanting rustic medieval towns featuring traditional Cycladic architecture.

As we arrived at Sifnos Port by SeaJets we were warmly greeted by our Sifnos family, Milthos and Isidora of Verina Villa & Boutique Hotels. Verina Hotels own three on the island and boy have they chosen the most enchanting spots! Verina Astra in Poulati has the most incredible views and the Verina Villa we called home had 9 rooms across 3 dwellings with a traditional yet modern relaxed design.

Sofia Kostantakopoulou an Athenian photographer, was our guide. She visited Sifnos on holidays with girlfriends some 8 years ago and has returned every year since for the summer to carry on her work for the Verina family and also for weddings on the island.

Our guide to Sifnos....

Our fave Beach...

Chryssopigi, a secluded pebble stoned beach tucked beneath the famous monastery of Panagia Chryssopigi and home to one of our favourite traditional tavernas.

Food...

This is a prerequisite when choosing a Tigerlily location! We believe food experiences give the best insight into any culture’s traditions.

Omega 3, Platys yialos ~ the freshest and most adventurous seafood from this modern Greek fish bar.

Tsikali, Vathi beach~ Home style traditional taverna serving Greek classics and fresh caught fish.

Cayenne, Apollonia ~ fusion of traditional Greek food with a modern twist... Try the 'Mastica' risotto made with resin from the mastic trees of Chios. A unique flavour described as a cedar or pine flavour... Sounds terrible but it's delicious with seafood and it is really like nothing else, also gives a saffron hue to the dish.

Shopping...

Find Jewellery, clothes And traditional fisherman hats in Apollonia town.

Sifnos pottery...

We fell in love with all of the unique pottery dotted around the island. Rustic artisan designs in classic terracotta with partial glazes in blue, green or white. We bought what we could carry... Sadly not nearly enough! Read this great Q&A on the potter we met...http://verinahotelsifnos.com/meet-sifnian-potter/

amelia & sarah xx

Thank you to our Greek Islands partners...

Discover Greece

Verina Villa, Sifnos

SeaJets

Photographer: Nicole Bentley

Model: Alyssa Miller

Stylist: Bridie Gilbert

Hair & Make-up: Rebecca Wordingham

Videographer: Nicole Rose

Creative Director: Amelia Mather

Marketing & Production: Sarah Cargill