Life is a Be-ach 14 January 2005 Idyllic Mykonos is the new European escape, thanks to the influx of celebs (Matt Damon, Britney Spears, Sandra Bullock) who keep returning to the small island when Hollywood is in recess. Happily isolated, Mykonos is a six-hour ferry ride or a 20-minute flight from Athens. Like anyone who docks herself here, you will most likely strut straight to the beach, so know your options abound. Most travelers flock to Super Paradise, the designated party beach where techno music is the 24-hour soundtrack and the party has no limits (and virtually no rules). The other popular beaches include Paradise (just a notch down in party-mode, but still retaining party elements), Elias (the relaxing beach where sunbathing is a ritual) and Ornos (the family beach with, well…families). Take note, all of the beaches are oddly segregated in two sections (heteros to the left, homos to the right), but, when you think about it, the strict division makes sense, as any man sexual status can be questioned in a skin-tight Speedo. Nudity on any beach is not discouraged—love thy natural bodies! With its minimalist white-on-white architecture (Calvin Klein, anyone?), and white sands, Mykonos charms aesthetically with cinematic qualities that push magical to the limit. But do not forget the bustling city center. In Hora, narrow stone pathways with little structure string tourist-driven shops and outdoor cafes all the way to the docks. At night, Hora transforms into a vibrant nightlife scene, where bar-hopping is on everyone to-do-list. Author : Jimmy Im