Somewhere between the surface and the deep, the SMACO K2 sits confidently in a category of its own. It is not a snorkel in the classic sense, and it is not trying to replace scuba either. It is a short burst of underwater freedom, a clever little rebellion against gear that’s too bulky, expensive, or intimidating.

For someone like me, who’s often on assignment in remote island locations with a suitcase built for speed, this is a welcome middle ground. I don’t want to lug a BCD through three connecting flights. I don’t want dive school schedules when I’m chasing dusk light. I want something lightweight that works, lets me breathe naturally underwater, and gives me a fresh look at the world below the chop.

What It Is

The SMACO K2 is a full-face snorkeling mask paired with a mini scuba tank that straps on like a pocket-sized air reserve. It lets you descend a few metres and stay there – not for long, but long enough to break away from the splash zone. You breathe through both nose and mouth; there’s no mouthpiece to bite, and the panoramic lens offers clear, fog-free visibility.

It is sleek, black, and surprisingly confidence-boosting for beginners. I’ve used dozens of masks, and this one immediately feels less fiddly. Less restrictive. It belongs in a dry bag next to your drone and your GoPro.

The Details

• Air Supply: The paired S300 Plus or S300 Pro tank holds 0.5 to 0.7 litres  of compressed air. That gives you roughly 5 to 10 minutes of breathing time depending on depth, effort, and how calm you stay.
• Pressure Rating: 300 bar (or 20 MPa). You can refill via a hand pump, electric compressor, or scuba tank adapter.
• Fit & Feel: The silicone seal grips well, and I didn’t experience leaks, though face shapes will vary. It’s snug, not suffocating.
• Weight: Just over 1 kilogram with the tank. Lighter than any dive setup I’ve used and carry-on compatible.
• Price: The mask alone is around $118 USD. The full kit with tank and air pump ranges from $280 to $380 depending on the configuration.

What It’s Not

Let’s not get carried away. This is not for wreck diving or deep coral exploration. You will not be 18 metres down with a lionfish. The K2 is best suited to 1 to 3 metre dives, ideal for shallow reefs, coastal coves, and that magical layer where sunlight still plays on the seafloor. To differentiate it from traditional scuba diving equipment, this device (mainly the K2) is primarily positioned for shallow-water experiences or snorkeling.

It’s not for untrained adventurers looking to test limits. There’s no depth gauge, no backup system. But if you approach it like a camera drone for your lungs, a tool that gives you a short, focused window into a different world, you will not be disappointed.

Why It Stands Out

The K2 doesn’t just improve your snorkeling. It redefines what snorkelling can be. I found myself swimming not with urgency, but with calm presence. I filmed better, I noticed more, and I surfaced slowly, almost reluctantly.

It also brings a layer of democratised diving into the conversation. You do not need a certification. You do not need to haul steel tanks through customs. What you need is curiosity and a calm heartbeat.

For resort travellers, digital nomads, and travel creators who want to break the surface and stay there for just a little longer, this is a game-changer.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t a gimmick. It’s not a toy either. It’s a clever, well-built hybrid that fits a lifestyle of movement and exploration. If you’ve always felt the space between snorkelling and scuba was too wide, this may be the bridge.

Not everyone wants to be Jacques Cousteau. Some of us just want five quiet minutes with the fish.

The K2 will have a 30% discount for extended periods, with the price adjusted to $118 instead of $168.

To view the SMACO K2, click here

To submit a release, contact us here.

There are places in the world where eating becomes something more than a necessity. In Skiathos, it is a journey—sometimes by sea-salt breeze, sometimes along cobbled lanes beneath lazy bougainvillaea, or down pine-scented roads that feel like a secret only the locals are keeping. This is a place where a plate of grilled fish might share a memory with the wind, and a glass of wine might taste like the end of a long day well spent.

So let us wander, fork in hand, curiosity in heart, through ten of Skiathos’s most beguiling restaurants, each one a story unto itself.

1. La Cucina di Maria

Italian | Skiathos Town

Tucked away like a whispered rumour behind whitewashed walls and jasmine-sweet air, La Cucina di Maria isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a tiny theatre of passion and pasta. The kind of place where you linger over truffle ravioli and forget the time. Maria herself, apron askew and eyes alight, often glides between tables like a sorceress of Tuscan fare.

Order the lobster pasta. Tell her your story. She’ll probably add wine.

2. Bourtzi

Mediterranean | Old Port, Skiathos

At the tip of the old harbour’s stone arm, where waves flirt with café chairs and masts whisper of elsewhere, Bourtzi lays out a table for the gods. The sea is your backdrop; the breeze, your dinner guest. The plates arrive like poems: octopus with black garlic, calamari in saffron.

It’s the sort of place where you toast to nothing in particular, and that’s the point.

3. Hagoromo at Elivi

Asian | Elivi Resort, Koukounaries

If Aphrodite had a sushi habit, she’d come here. Beneath sleek stone and warm wood, Hagoromo serves sashimi like sculpture and grilled seabass that melts like good silk. The Elivi forest murmurs behind you, the sea winks ahead.

Eat slowly. The universe is in the details.

4. Marmita

Greek | Skiathos Town

Down a crooked lane of huddled houses and flickering lanterns, you’ll find Marmita. It hums with life and oregano, with laughter and slow-cooked lamb. There’s always a breeze and a table just for you.

You’ll order too much. You’ll stay too long. That’s exactly what they hoped for.

5. Taverna Sklithri

Greek Seafood | Sklithri Beach

Where pine trees kiss the sea and the sand gives way to table legs, Sklithri unfolds like a timeless memory. There is no soundtrack but waves and the occasional clink of ouzo. The fish is caught that morning; the oil is pressed in a nearby grove. Shoes are optional. Time disappears.

Come for lunch. Stay until the horizon turns gold.

6. Big Bad Wolf

Mediterranean | Skiathos Town

Don’t be fooled by the name. This wolf wears an apron and serves up generous helpings of slow-cooked meats and the kind of feta that makes you believe again. There’s a charming rebellion in its menu—old dishes reinvented, Greek comfort food with a wink.

Come hungry. Leave delighted. Return the next night.

7. Maria’s Pizza

Italian | Skiathos Town (Backstreets)

Follow the scent—flour, basil, woodsmoke—and you’ll find Maria’s. A tiny pizzeria where everything tastes like it came from someone’s nonna’s kitchen in Naples. You’ll eat with your hands and maybe sip something red. It’s simple, it’s honest, and it’s perfect.

The four-cheese pizza speaks fluent romance.

8. The Nest at Elivi

Seafood | Elivi Resort

There’s something sacred about this place. Maybe it’s the hush of the pine forest. Maybe it’s the way the light filters through the canopy onto your plate of red mullet or grilled squid. It is refined, elegant, and utterly unpretentious. The sort of meal that stays with you—not in your belly, but in your bones.

Here, the sunset and sound of the cicada is part of the flavour.

9. No Name

Street Greek | Near the Port

No branding. No décor. No reservations. Just sizzling skewers and laughter tumbling out onto the pavement. This nameless gyro stall serves souvlaki so good it breaks all logic. Locals queue. Tourists whisper. And the tzatziki has its own fan club.

Eat standing. Eat smiling. Come back after midnight.

10. Avaton

Sea View | Tzaneria Beach

Just far enough off the path to feel like a discovery, Avaton is modern but not showy, stylish yet barefoot. You’ll sip cocktails as the sea inches toward your toes, and the catch of the day arrives with a citrus twist and a side of serenity.

Time moves slowly here. That’s the point.

Honourable Mentions

Octopus (Achladias Beach) for grilled perfection and warm hosts.

Infinity Blue (Kolios) for views that reach into forever and plates that taste like they belong to the sea itself.

Bring your appetite, and more importantly, your willingness to get lost. Because in Skiathos, the best meals are found down the narrowest alley, behind the gentlest breeze, and always just a little further than you planned to walk.

To submit a release, contact us here.

Inspired by a Legend: A Meeting Place for Wilderness and Luxury Under Canvas

Masiya’s Camp, the latest addition to Royal Malewane in the Greater Kruger National Park is an under canvas experience which combines world-class luxury with the untamed beauty of the African wilderness. 

While breaking tradition with the predictable safari aesthetic by introducing colour into the earth-toned landscape, this camp is an elegant sanctuary where ultra-modern style meets every creature comfort. Six canvas-draped tented suites offer spacious interior and exterior lounge areas with floor-to-ceiling views. Each suite features a private wooden deck with a heated plunge pool, an indoor/outdoor shower and a private sala providing a place for contemplation where the textures of the natural world add layers of delight to the experience.

Named after the late Wilson Masiya, Royal Malewane’s very first Master Tracker and a man of immense courage and wisdom, this tented sanctuary is a tribute to his special bond with the African wilderness and its incredible wildlife. Read his story here.

The Romance of a Modern Safari

The tented suites offer an elegant yet welcoming ambience, with romantic interior draping, glass, wood and custom Indian and East African doors that add a touch of handcrafted mastery to an unequivocal African setting. Adding to the layers, Persian rugs, bespoke furniture and vintage-inspired patterns are all thoughtfully integrated, while modern amenities ensure complete comfort and an uncluttered flow.

Each tented suite features its own unique theme. Dusty pinks and vintage florals blend harmoniously with African-inspired blues and reds, offering a diverse palette to suit different tastes and moods. Marrakesh-style pottery, earthy greens, and bold artwork bring character and warmth to the spaces, creating captivating visual intrigue at every turn.

Bush Explorations and Authentic Experiences

While the tented suites at Masiya’s Camp offer a luxurious retreat, the surrounding landscape provides ample opportunity for exploration. Game drives, led by some of Africa’s most experienced guides, offer a chance to witness the region’s diverse wildlife at both dawn and dusk.

Bush walks provide an immersive journey where each step reveals the sights and sounds of nature. Building on this intimate connection with the wilderness, The Royal Malewane Conservation and Research Centre offers a gateway to discover conservation in action, while helicopter patrol flights paired with Anti-Poaching Dog Unit demonstrations add an element of adventure.

Prepared Just For You in A Remarkable Setting

Mealtimes hold a sense of occasion at Masiya’s Camp. The various spaces throughout the property each provide a unique atmosphere, with personalised dining being a celebration of creativity that makes the most of the wild surroundings. 

Expert chefs prepare every delicious meal with care. Guests can enjoy an à la carte fine dining menu or more relaxed wood-fired pizzas and a traditional braai (barbecue) on a lantern-lit outdoor deck overlooking the African bush. Guests can also dine on their private decks where dishes are served up in peaceful seclusion.

Comfortable lounge spaces with fireplaces and outdoor decks are ideal for relaxation before or after a meal, and as darkness falls, the ancient ritual of gathering around a crackling fire beneath a canopy of stars reconnects guests with something profoundly elemental.

Private Services and Bespoke Amenities

Private Tented Suites are all equipped with king-sized beds and private decks, each with a heated plunge pool, outdoor lounge, sala and dining space. 

Additional features include a mini bar, hidden popup television with streaming services, air conditioning, ceiling fans, underfloor heating and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Guest Communal Areas – these shared spaces include the following:

• A dining area under canvas with vibrant interiors, a pizza oven, and an outdoor braai/barbecue cooking station

• A lounge tent area with glass stacking doors merge indoor and outdoor spaces, complemented by bespoke furnishings

• A central heated swimming pool with loungers

• A boutique with curated items inspired by local artists for sale, handpicked by founder Liz Biden

• For cocktails, drinks and snacks, a bar is located in the heart of camp between the communal lounge and dining area, offering 360-degree views

• Kosher dining can be arranged on request

To submit a release, contact us here.

Some places in Greece feel almost inevitable in their beauty, as if nature itself conspired to make them
timeless. The southwestern tip of Skiathos is one such place—where emerald forests tumble into golden
sands, and the sea stretches out in every imaginable shade of blue.

The Greek National Tourism Organization saw the potential of this land in the 1960s, a time when
Greece was beginning to reimagine itself as a modern travel destination. They launched the Xenia hotel
project, a bold experiment in design that was meant to combine cutting-edge architecture with untouched natural beauty.

Among these hotels was Xenia Skiathos, designed by G. Nikoletopoulos and completed in 1963. It was
not simply a hotel; it was a statement of intent, a place where Greek modernism met Aegean tradition.
Its balconies overlooked a pristine coastline, and for a time, it was the meeting place for discerning
travellers.

But places change, and Xenia did too. Over the decades, it lost its status. A shifting tourism market,
changing expectations of luxury, and economic turbulence meant that what was once a vision of the
future became a relic of the past. Eventually, it ground to a halt, left to fade into quiet disrepair.

Then, in 2013, the Nathanailidou family stepped in.

A New Vision for a Fading Icon

When the family acquired the Xenia property through a government auction, they weren’t simply buying
land—they were inheriting a legacy. To restore Xenia was to do more than renovate a building; it was to
breathe life back into a dream that had been paused for too long.

They approached it with both reverence and ambition. The clean lines, open spaces, and integration
with the landscape that made Xenia an architectural landmark were preserved, not erased. At the same
time, they redefined what luxury means today.

Sustainability was woven into the new design—solar collectors, geothermal air conditioning, and a deep
respect for the land itself. Contemporary Greek art filled the spaces, echoing the creativity of the era
that had birthed Xenia in the first place. The result was something new but familiar, modern but deeply
rooted in its past. Elivi Skiathos was not a replica of Xenia. It was its future.

A Place That Holds Onto Time

There is something remarkable about standing on the same ground where history unfolded, where the
essence of a place has remained even as the structure around it has evolved.

The old Xenia had lost its prestige, that is no secret. But to rebuild and refine a new Xenia is to revitalise
it, and that can only bring a future to a past.

This is a story about architecture, restoration, and legacy, but also about time itself. The original Xenia
hotels were built in an era of optimism, a belief in modernity and progress. Elivi exists in a different
space, one that looks both forward and backward. The question is: how does that shift feel?

The Loyal Travellers Who Return

The true measure of success isn’t just in how a place looks, but in who comes back.

Many travellers who once stayed at the original Xenia now return to Elivi Skiathos. They bring their
children, even grandchildren, and talk of how the original beauty is still there, now carried under a new,
more refined banner.

I met one such couple. They had honeymooned at the old Xenia decades ago, and now, standing in the
revitalised Elivi, something stirred inside them. The views, the air, the very sense of place, it was all
familiar but different, changed yet unchanged.

For them, and many others, Elivi is a continuation of memory, proof that places do not have to be frozen
in time to be meaningful.

A Dialogue Between Past and Present

The dining venues honour this too. Xenia Restaurant, named for the past, focuses on traditional Greek dishes, allowing guests to taste flavours that have defined this land for generations. Leda & the Swan takes a more modern approach, blending Mediterranean influences into something contemporary yet unmistakably Greek.

The architecture speaks in muted tones, earthy textures, and open spaces that refuse to compete with the landscape. Rooms are understated yet elegant, with terraces that invite the outside in. The public spaces feel alive with contemporary Greek art, a reminder that tradition and evolution are not opposing forces, but two sides of the same story.

Even the Nest Greek Fish Restaurant, just steps from the sea, feels like a bridge between old and new—a
place where fresh seafood, caught the way it has been for centuries, meets the refined simplicity of
modern Greek hospitality.

Legacy. Reimagined

The Xenia hotels were built to introduce the world to Greece, to create places where natural beauty and
architecture coexisted in perfect harmony.

That legacy remains at Elivi Skiathos. It exists in the way the terraces catch the morning light, in the way the landscape has been allowed to breathe, rather than be overrun. It exists in the travellers who return, drawn by something they can’t quite explain but deeply understand.

To stay here is to step into that story, to walk through its pages and feel the weight of its history. It is a place where architecture, memory, and reinvention converge, proving that some places never truly fade—they just wait for the right moment to be seen again.

Visit the Elivi website here.

To submit a release, contact us here.

Some holidays are about checking off sights, racing from one attraction to the next. But a Greek island summer with family? That’s something else entirely. It’s about the little things; the scent of sun-warmed pine, the steady hum of cicadas, the salt on your skin after a swim. It’s kids running between the pool and the beach, the endless search for the best ice cream, the sand that somehow follows you home in your suitcase.

Elivi Skiathos understands this. It’s a rare breed of resort that balances luxury with real, honest-to-goodness family joy. Parents can breathe because the details are taken care of. Children are free to roam in a place that feels both indulgent and wonderfully relaxed. And when you step outside the resort? That’s when Skiathos really comes alive.

Four Beaches. One Resort. And a Funicular

A five-star hotel by the sea is one thing. A resort with four beaches at its doorstep is another. Koukounaries Beach, the most famous on the island, is exactly what you imagine when you picture Greek island perfection; fine white sand, impossibly clear water, and the faint scent of sunscreen and pine drifting through the air. It’s easy, safe, and perfect for families, with just enough bustle to keep things interesting.

Then there’s Ambelakia Beach, the quieter sibling, a short stroll from the hotel and ideal for those moments when you want to pretend the rest of the world doesn’t exist. Big Banana Beach is for those who like their sand with a side of action; beach bars, music, and the lively hum of summer energy. Little Banana Beach, on the other hand, is famous for two things: jaw-dropping sunsets and a distinct lack of swimwear. If your kids are at an age where the body’s natural form in the distance will send them into fits of giggles, maybe skip that one.

And then, there’s the funicular. Because why take the stairs when you can glide effortlessly in a glass lift that looks like it belongs in a Bond film? It’s part practical transport, part adventure in itself. Children love it, and let’s be honest, adults do too.

Luxury That Actually Works for Families

One of the biggest battles in travel is finding a place that feels indulgent for adults but doesn’t alienate children. Too often, “family-friendly” means compromising on style – sticky tables and garish kids’ clubs – or it leans so far into luxury that bringing children feels like smuggling contraband into a private members’ club. Elivi Skiathos does neither.

The Elivi Nest Grove Rooms, Villas & Suites sit in lush greenery, giving families space to spread out without losing that sense of connection. The Elivi Grace Suites, closer to the beach, offer private pools and sweeping sea views. For bigger families or those who like their privacy, the resort’s villas provide multiple bedrooms, secluded terraces, and pools that feel like your own slice of paradise.

Inside, the design is unfussy but elegant. Soft, earthy tones that feel like an extension of the island itself, natural materials, and large glass doors that slide open to let in the sea air. Nothing feels overdone. Nothing feels forced. It’s a place designed to be lived in, not just looked at.

Swimming. And Cats.

Pools are often the heartbeat of a family holiday, and Elivi doesn’t disappoint. The Nest Pool, shaded by pine and olive trees, feels like an oasis, perfect for splashing, floating, or the all-important game of “Who can stay underwater the longest?” The Grace Pool, with its infinity edge spilling towards the Aegean, is where parents sip cocktails and pretend they still have the energy to stay up late.

The resort also has resident Greek cats, because what’s a Mediterranean island without a few friendly felines weaving through the sun loungers? These unofficial mascots lounge in shady corners and saunter up to guests, utterly convinced they own the place. For children, this is an unexpected highlight. If your kids have ever begged for a pet, prepare for negotiations over whether one of these cats can come home with you.

Eating Well. Without the Drama

Dining with children can sometimes feel like a strategic military operation, but at Elivi, it’s refreshingly simple. Xenia Restaurant leans into classic Greek cuisine with dishes that taste like they’ve been passed down through generations. Leda & the Swan offers a modern Mediterranean menu, perfect for nights when you want something a little more refined but still family-friendly. Grace Restaurant keeps things casual with pizza and pasta; always a win with younger guests.

For picky eaters, the resort’s kids’ menu is a lifesaver. No bewildering gourmet experiments, just simple, delicious food that children actually want to eat.

Skiathos Town at Night: The Greek Experience

While Elivi is a world of its own, Skiathos Town is where the island’s energy truly unfolds. Walking through its cobbled streets at night is a full sensory experience, the scent of souvlaki drifting from food stalls, souvenir shops stacked with trinkets and worry beads kids will insist on buying, and families on mopeds winding through the narrow alleys with an ease that defies logic.

Or you could sit under the fairy lights at Bourtzi, a restaurant perched on a rocky promontory, where dinner comes with sea air, soft lighting, and the hypnotic sound of waves lapping at the shore. It’s one of those rare places where children are enchanted by the setting without needing a screen to entertain them.

Lasting memories.

Some trips blur together over time. Others linger, etched into memory by the smell of pine trees, the distant hum of cicadas, the feeling of warm sand between your toes. Elivi Skiathos offers that kind of holiday. The kind where parents relax properly for the first time in months, where children roam freely, and where the simple act of watching the sun dip into the sea becomes the highlight of the day.

It’s not Mykonos. It’s not Santorini. It’s an intelligent, curated and private family experience, and it happens to be on an island where the Greek experience refuses to pursue over-the-top pretense and theatre. Skiathos has its own signature and Elivi is the most beautiful script to tell its story.

Visit website here.

To submit a release, contact us here.