Bay Garnett finds peace and freedom among the beaches and bars of Paxos

The stylist unveils her Greek tonic for city dwellers, complete with night swims, sunset views... and lots of dancing

- 

Where is your favourite destination and why? Paxos! I feel so at peace there. And Greece has a mystery to it that I love. It’s steeped in history and has a feeling of otherworldliness.

When was the last time you were there and who were you with?

I went last summer with my husband and kids, and I also met up with lots of friends while I was there.

Where do you like to stay there?

We usually rent a house. It’s a farmhouse high up in the mountains on the west coast, so you get the lovely sunset. The look is what you might imagine Brigitte Bardot’s house in Saint-Tropez is like. It almost resembles a fisherman’s cottage. It’s very simple, with only three bedrooms, but it’s beautifully done. It also has an incredible garden, with olive trees, hammocks and a small pool. It feels so tucked away and private. We booked through Scott Williams.

What are your top restaurants on the island?

I like to eat traditional Greek food at a restaurant called Grandfather’s Hanger. It does very simple but delicious food, like perfectly cooked aubergine and chicken — and the dips are amazing. My favourite dish there is probably the falafel with lamb. I’d also recommend Erimitis, which is high up on the west coast, making it a great spot to have an early drink and watch the sunset.

What would you do if you only had 24 hours there?

I would wake up and read my book first thing, lying in a hammock at the farmhouse. I’ve read so many novels there and they now really remind me of Paxos — Jonathan Franzen’s Freedom, Anita Brookner’s Hotel du Lac and George Eliot’s The Mill on the Floss. Then, I’d have my breakfast of Greek yoghurt with granola and then hang out with my family.