Villa Eurydice
Mykonos, Greece
Anonymously reviewed by Juliet Kinsman (Editor-in-chief, Mr & Mrs Smith)

An introduction to the splendour of a Smith & Friends property doesn't get much more magnificent than a no-expense-spared white wedding. Wind ruffles the hair of the supermodel bride as her new husband raises another glass of pink champagne to toast his guests, all clearly having the time of their lives. The lights of Mykonos town twinkle below, all the happy souls dancing alfresco to the live music which has been set up perfectly on the terrace. All that's missing is an Aeolian harp – it's as celestial as celebrations can be.

Here, lacquered alabastery surfaces, billowing snowy linens and a pristine-paintworked wedding-cakey villa are an understated but sophisticated backdrop. Add to this elegant setting, international artworks, iconic statement furniture and state-of-the-art audio-visuals. And, as remarkable as the design of it all is, the interior almost plays second fiddle to the magnificent panoramic views of brilliant-blue sky and sea. The view from this peninsula is truly jaw-dropping, sea and sky interrupted only by striking Alberto Giacometti-like sculptures by Anton Smit.

This luxurious villa is as heaven-sent for lazy family get-togethers as special celebrations, although nuptials are definitely a theme at this glamorous Greek getaway. In mythology, Eurydice is the wife of Orpheus; in this case she's in fact big sister and neighbour to a stunning villa of that name. Although, to be honest, so fantastically peaceful and private is this Mykonos hilltop, it’s hard to imagine that there is a ‘next door’.

Weddings couldn't be more special than those held at this all-white wonder: not only does the property have a charming little chapel of its own on the terraced grounds, but it is fully set up to host up to 300 in this filmic setting. It was here that owners Katie and Jonny Friedman themselves tied the knot before celebrating in style at this luxury villa. So bewitched by this Aegean paradise were they that they then decided to buy both houses themselves. They have since spared no expense lavishing love and hospitality details to create world-class hip hotel-style hideaways.

The husband-and-wife team behind Villa Crew fell into the business when their own personal property portfolio that spans London, Cape Town and Mykonos seemed a little too large to be restricted only to their family’s use. Getting married at the sweet chapel on this very property sealed their love for this special part of the island and, after an extraordinary wedding at Villa Eurydice, they bought both adjoining hip houses. And, rather than selfishly keep the villas all to themselves, the Friedmans have lovingly furbished them to the hotel-standard luxury holiday lets in preparation for paying guests. Korres products in the bathrooms, just-out style magazines on the coffee tables – the attention to detail is unstinting. Even junior guests are treated like shipping magnates; guests will find that the evening turn-down fairy leaves for them thermos flasks of hot purified water for bottle-warming.

Not only have they curated fabulous spaces, the Friedmans have also hand-picked the perfect team to ensure that function at their villas matches form. Friendly but discreet, the Villa Crew staff allow guests to feel as though they’ve commandeered their very own intimate hotel.

Reproduced courtesy of Mr & Mrs Smith copyright 2010

Villa Orpheus
Mykonos, Greece
Anonymously reviewed by Juliet Kinsman (Editor-in-chief, Mr & Mrs Smith)

It’s hard to know what's making us feel giddy. Perhaps it is the 5am start to the day to catch an early-morning easyJet flight. Or, more likely, it’s gliding along the sprawling sun-bleached flagstone terrace that melts into the sea horizon that is the cause. Thanks to this luxury villa's hilltop location, this private fantasyland feels as though it is floating in the sky.

Pristine snow-white paintwork, sable-coloured shutters and sleek alabaster-hued designer furnishings – Orpheus may be composed of one celestial colour palette, but its decor is anything but samey. Interior designer Jane Wunder has been true to her name, having masterfully applied her signature Cape Town chic to this grand Greek getaway. Subtle statement light fittings from Modernica to shapely Dedon beach furniture and sleek B&B Italia pieces give this island hideaway a modern elegance. Meanwhile, a world-class art collection that spans Anton Smit sculptures and Annie Morris paintings ensures that this pair of luxury villas is truly unique. If that's not enough name-dropping for you, look out for iconic chairs by Arne Jacobsen, Ray Eames and Eliel Saarinen.

The husband-and-wife team behind Villa Crew fell into the business when their own personal property portfolio that spans London, Cape Town and Mykonos seemed a little too large to be restricted only to their family’s use. Getting married at the sweet chapel on this very property sealed their love for this special part of the island and, after an extraordinary wedding at Villa Eurydice , they bought both adjoining hip houses. And, rather than selfishly keep the villas all to themselves, the Friedmans have lovingly furbished them to the hotel-standard luxury holiday lets in preparation for paying guests. Korres products in the bathrooms, just-out style magazines on the coffee tables – the attention to detail is unstinting. Even junior guests are treated like shipping magnates; guests will find that the evening turn-down fairy leaves for them thermos flasks of hot purified water for bottle-warming.

Not only have they curated fabulous spaces, the Friedmans have also hand-picked the perfect team to ensure that function at their villas matches form. Friendly but discreet, the Villa Crew staff allow guests to feel as though they’ve commandeered their very own intimate hotel. Whether you want to host a lavish supper to celebrate a landmark occasion, or simply fancy a full breakfast rustled up, a first-class chef is at your disposal. And foodies, for the ultimate dining experience, we suggest you make the most of having this gourmet guru on tap and shadow him on a trip to the market. Then ask chef to impart some of his culinary prowess back at the villa by preparing a meal together.

Reproduced courtesy of Mr & Mrs Smith copyright 2010