Client Spotlight: A Proposal in Santorini
Sara thought she was just celebrating her law school graduation with a dream trip to Greece. But when Koby got down on one knee on Skaros Rock during sunset, the celebration became unforgettable.
With the help of travel advisor Maria Kazanas, the couple explored the stunning islands of Santorini and Paros—and came home engaged. We caught up with Sara and Koby to hear all about their magical trip and the surprise proposal that made it even more special.
Engagement Story & Special Moments
What drew you to choose Santorini as your proposal destination? Walk us through that magical moment - where were you and what made it so perfect?
Koby always wanted to bring Sara to Santorini after visiting it years prior. Koby wanted the engagement to feel timeless and cinematic, so proposing on Skaros Rock as the sun set into the Aegean felt like the ultimate fairytale.
What surprised you most about getting engaged while traveling in Greece?
How instantly we felt at home! The warmth from the locals and the spontaneous celebrations – like the restaurants and hotels bringing us complimentary champagne and desserts – made it feel like the whole island was in on our secret.
How did you decide to extend the celebration to Paros, and what was that experience like?
We wanted to balance Santorini’s glamour with somewhere a bit more relaxed, and Paros was the perfect choice. Arriving in Naoussa, we felt like we’d discovered a hidden gem. The slower pace gave us time to savor every moment with long walks by the harbor, lazy afternoons at beach clubs, and exploring charming villages, like Lefkes.
Accommodations & Where You Stayed
What type of accommodation did you choose on each island, and did the views live up to the hype?
In Santorini, we splurged on a suite at the Secret View Hotel in Oia. Waking up to that view every morning was surreal! In Paros, we stayed at the Opal Paros in Naoussa, which had a cozier, boutique vibe and overlooked the harbor.
Did your hotels help make your engagement extra special with any surprises or upgrades?
Yes! In Santorini, the staff surprised us with a room upgrade, rose petals on the bed, bottles of champagne, and complimentary desserts and other snacks. In Paros, the staff upgraded us to a room with a private terrace and gifted us a bottle of champagne.
How did your morning experiences differ between staying at the Secret View Hotel and the Opal Paros? Did you prefer waking up to picturesque views of the caldera in Oia, or the charming harbor setting in Naoussa?"
Both were magical in their own way. Oia’s caldera view felt almost otherworldly. In Naoussa, the harbor view was more intimate and authentic, with fishing boats bobbing and locals greeting each other. I loved the coziness of Paros, but Santorini felt more like “our” Greece.
Dining & Foodie Discoveries
Where did you celebrate with your first meal as an engaged couple?
Five Senses, a cliffside restaurant in Imerovigli. The food was amazing, and the staff was even better!
What Greek dishes became your new obsessions during the trip?
We couldn’t get enough of saganaki, gyros, or the classic Greek salad.
Which island had better food - or were they amazing in different ways?
They were both amazing!! Paros had more laid-back family-run restaurants while Santorini had more fine-dining.
Beaches & Seaside Experiences
Which beaches gave you those postcard-perfect moments you'd dreamed about?
The black sand beaches, especially Perissa Beach, in Santorini were stunning. Agioi Anargyroi and Piperi beaches in Paros were perfect.
How different was the beach vibe between Santorini and Paros?
Santorini beaches are stunning with the views, but they are not typical beaches. Paros has typical sandy beaches that felt a little more relaxed. We loved the beach clubs in Paros.
Did you find any special spots that felt like your own private paradise?
At sunrise, we went to a church in Oia near our hotel that overlooked all sides of Santorini. It was exquisite and truly felt otherworldly.
Local Culture & Authentic Experiences
What experiences made you feel like you were seeing the "real Greece" beyond the tourist spots?
Wandering through the streets of Lefkes in Paros and chatting with shop owners gave us a glimpse of everyday island life.
How did Greek hospitality shape your daily travel experience - from hotel staff to restaurant owners? Did any locals go out of their way to help you navigate the islands or find hidden gems?
Greek hospitality is legendary! We felt genuinely cared for everywhere we went.
How does the pace of life on Greek islands compare to what you're used to at home?
Everything moves slower, in the best way. Meals are lingered over, conversations are unhurried, and there’s always time for another coffee or a stroll by the sea.
Island Hopping & Travel Tips
What's your best advice for couples planning to visit both islands?
Give yourselves time to wander without an agenda. Go see small, local spots for authentic experiences.
Interested in planning your dream proposal? Contact one of our knowledgeable travel advisors today!
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