By Mary Keey

This summer, I took a little break from the studio and swapped synths for sea breeze—and honestly, it was the perfect reset. I spent a few dreamy days on the beautiful island of Kos, Greece, staying at the Mitsis Norida Beach Hotel and exploring the charming village of Kardamena nearby.

Here’s a little peek into my trip, in case you’re planning your own Greek escape—or just want to daydream about turquoise water and sun-warmed stone streets ✨

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🌴 Mitsis Norida – Chill Mode: Activated

As soon as I stepped into the Mitsis Norida resort, I could feel my brain switch into vacation mode. The hotel is perched right on the beach with views that look straight out of a travel ad—white buildings, palm trees, and the bluest sea you can imagine.

Some highlights from my stay:

• The food – Seriously, Greek cuisine has my heart. From fresh salads and grilled veggies to feta EVERYTHING, I was in heaven. Their themed restaurants were a fun bonus. Also there was an Italian Chef for some special Italian Food. 10 out of 10.
• The pools – So many to choose from, including some more playful spots with water slides. But at the end, we loved the spots at the sea the most.
• The vibe – It’s family-friendly but still relaxed. Perfect for unplugging or catching up on journaling with a cocktail in hand.

Fun fact: the beach towels had a faint herbal scent (maybe garlic or onion?)—someone told me that might be to keep bugs away. Strange but… kinda effective? Or it was simply a mishap with the washing machine… We will never know.

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🚤 Kardamena – Cute Town Energy

One afternoon, I took a short trip to Kardamena, a small coastal village just 10–15 minutes from the hotel. And wow—it was adorable.

• Cobblestone streets, pastel houses, little cafés by the marina
• I grabbed an iced-coffee frappe (obviously) and wandered through the local shops
• It was perfect for a little holiday shopping. There are many cute shops, along the usual “touristshops”, that had a little je ne sais qua in plus. Some for their sparkly clothes, some for their hand-made paintings or handmade woodworks.

I loved how authentic and unpolished Kardamena felt, compared to more touristy spots. I even picked up some handmade soap and a pair of handmade sandals from a greek brand.

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🎶 Reflections: Music & the Sea

Something about being near the ocean always helps me reconnect with my creative side. I brought my notebook and ended up jotting down lyrics inspired by the waves, the people, the golden-hour glow. Traveling reminds me how much I love observing small moments—and how they turn into songs later.

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🧳 Would I Go Back?

Without a doubt. Kos was relaxing but not boring, scenic but not overly crowded. Whether you’re looking for a beach break, some local culture, or just a little time to breathe, Mitsis Norida and Kardamena are a dream combo.

If you’ve been to Kos—or plan to go—let’s chat! Drop me a message on Instagram, or share your favorite Greek island stories.

Till the next adventure 💙
xo,
Mary