VISITING THE GREEK ISLANDS WITH GABRIELLE MIRKIN, Co-FOUNDER OF ACTIVIST MĀNUKA
Summer Skincare Essentials, Skin-contact wine, and beachy play dates.
Bask in the golden light of Sifnos, Greece, with Gabrielle, co-founder of Activist Mānuka, a modern skincare line rooted in the healing powers of wildcrafted Mānuka honey from Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Known for its nourishing properties and gentle efficacy, Activist's collection—especially the cult-loved Mānuka Honey Mask—is a go-to in any dry skin routine. It offers deep hydration and calming support for sensitive, dry, acne-prone skin.
In this travel diary, Gabrielle shares her sun-soaked essentials, including the Activist Mānuka Honey Mask and the product she's adding to make it extra hydrating. Each essential summer skincare pick is available in our shop for those searching for a truly healing face mask in Canada.
WHERE ARE YOU?
Sifnos Island Greece, in the summer.
WHAT BROUGHT YOU HERE?
A family holiday with our children and friends to experience the beauty of the Cyclades islands for the first time.
WHAT WILL STAY WITH YOU?
Swimming in the clear, cool, salty Aegean Sea.
Eating the freshest fish, Greek salads with local soft cheeses, wilted Kritamo (sea fennel) and Sifnos chickpea soup.
Drinking delicious skin-contact orange wine from grapes grown in the local volcanic island soil.
MUST SEE SHOPS/EATS/VIEWS?
Loggia Wine Bar
The most inspiring and beautiful wine bar set on the edge of a dramatic cliff overlooking the sea. Enjoy a spritz, listen to the records playing and watch the incredible view of Church of the Seven Martyrs. This is life!
Cantina
After a drink at Loggia, head down the rocks to this local and seasonal zero-waste eatery. The menu is changed daily but everything they serve is the freshest and most delicious of its kind. We had local tuna with smoked red wine vinegar and locally grown saltwort.
Atsonios Ceramics
An old family business of three generations, operating since 1870 at Vathi on Sifnos island. I bought very beautiful “Greek Blue" dinner ware and coffee cups; evoking the beauty of the Aegean Sea and the Greek islands.
Manolis Restaurant and Wine Shop
Picture perfect tavern in the sand serving the freshest inventive salads and delicious seafood from the boat. Very interesting and thoughtful natural wine selection which are also sold in their perfect boutique wine cellar in the space next door. Take a dip in the sea in between a glass or two.
Omega 3
Enjoy super tasty raw fish caught that morning and cold crisp natural wine with your feet in the sand and the kids playing in the sea.
Chrisopigi Monastery
You can’t find a monastery on a cliff in Greece more picturesque than this! The most idyllic swimming spots on the rocks below. Our tiny Greek casita was just a few steps away.
Chrysopigi Tavern
After swimming on the rocks by the monastery, this was our favourite traditional tavern to enjoy a daily lunch on the water with the kids.
Betty’s Bakery Faros Beach
A lovely small spot to grab freshly baked goods and coffee to eat under a tamarisk tree on Faros beach.
Kavos Studios
Run by two sisters, this newly renovated accommodation offers family studios, a beautiful pool and delicious bites and drinks. Unpretentitious luxury.
loggita wine bar
Manolis Restaurant and Wine shop
WHAT ESSENTIALS DID YOU PACK?
- ACTIVIST Mānuka Honey Mask of course—my forever favorite travel essential. It’s my summer cleanser, after-sun mask and a must for summer travel to use on cuts, bug bites, spots and sunburn. Don’t leave home without it!
- My Lido swimsuit.
- ACTIVIST A.M.S Green Botanical Serum—the best after-sun oil serum to soothe red salty skin after applying a Mānuka Honey Mask.
- Rummikub to play with my kids. My son beats me everytime.
- Snorkeling gear for Cisco, Talullah and myself.
- ACTIVIST A.M.S Mānuka Honey Lip Balm—especially helpful when on the plane and after a day in the sun.
- Monastery Aloe Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum—an amazing addition to our Mānuka Honey Mask. Add a pump or two for extra hydration.
YOU'VE GOT 10% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER
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