Tuesday 28 April, 2015 Calm Before the Storm With summer (finally!) almost upon us and IMS Ibiza on the horizon, our thoughts are firmly on sunny getaways. However, instead of plunging right into our usual go-to hotspots, right now, we’re feeling the need for some R&R; the calm before the storm. From a deserted Greek island to a coastal Moroccan retreat and, of course, a Balearic island, we’re going under the radar… for now. Anafi: Santorini’s little sister There’s no argument: Greece has got its groove back. Athens is blooming with a new and thriving art scene, a new BA direct flight to Crete (launches this month), and, in Mykonos, the new beach club, Scorpios, by the team behind UJ fave San Giorgio, opens in May. But for escaping the crowds, it’s Santorini’s little sister, Anafi, that has caught our eye. A mere 90 minutes from its honeymoon sibling, the secluded island is a world away. Donkeys toil up the hillsides, there are no real bars to speak of and hotels are few and far between. Bare bones and rustic is the vibe a la Formentera before the Michelin stars. Still not interested? British Airways dubbed it Dalston-On-Sea thanks to its calling card as a “home away from home for bohemians”. Now this we have to see… Essaouira: Escape from Marrakesh Leave the throngs of Marrakesh for the fishing port of Essaouira, which is now a short-haul away, thanks to the new direct easyJet flights (launching May 1). Once a ragged retreat, the sleepy town is gaining traction. To feel the buzz, make sure to book a table at One Up, the on-trend spot for Morrocan tapas, late nights and a mix of jet-set locals and expats. Lay your head at Heure Bleue Palais, if only for its stunning rooftop pool that overlooks Essaouira. Converted from a 19th century colonial house, the 33-room hotel nods its colonial past with lushly planted banana trees, bamboo and the distinct styles of the rooms – African, English, and Portuguese. A visit to the marble covered Hamman is a must. Menorca: Move over Formentera Once the lesser known island, Menorca has been on the up — and this summer may be the last chance to soak up its peaceful beaches. Although small in size, don’t be fooled: this little island has charm enough to rival its Balearic siblings. Case in point: Anakena Restoran, the Chilean/Peruvian whitewashed restaurant in a converted farmhouse, or the ever-popular organic Cas Ferrer. For a taste of the island, Pomedas (ice-cold Menorcan gin mixed with cloudy lemonade) must be had, preferably at the Cova d'en Xoroi club, which is built in the cliffs overlooking the Med. As for hotels, try Torralbenc, a luxury agrotourism offering. Bliss. Out. by CS ‘Tis the season… 'Paisley Wave’ boardies available from Boardiesapparel.com Moschino 'Mighty Moschino’ swimsuit available from Net-a-porter.com St Martins Lane, London Relaunch Package from £275 SPONSORED LISTING Celebrating the very best of the new renovations at St Martins Lane, this package includes an overnight stay in a newly refurbished room, English breakfast at the newly renovated Asia de Cuba, and a cocktail in the innovative cocktail bar, Blind Spot. Package includes overnight accommodation, English breakfast in Asia de Cuba and one cocktail per person per stay in Blind Spot. Rate includes VAT. LIKE SHARE FORWARD PREVIOUS EDITION (c) 2015 Urban Junkies. All rights reserved. Reproductions of any portion of this website only with our express permission. Urban Junkies is a free weekly mailer. All listings and features are editorial: We do not receive any payment from venues, artists or promoters. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information listed but we cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions.