Why do all our Greek friends from Patras head straight off home at around 6pm every night after a hard day’s sun-lounging on the beach?  Conversely, why do the Brits head straight for the bar?

We were just pondering that thought as we sat sipping our beers and cocktails one evening, eagerly awaiting that splendid hour when the sun dips behind the hill to the west of the hotel.  A wonderful fleeting moment that, despite happening like clockwork every day, never fails to be impressive and always surprises and delights us with its sheer magnificence.

Then we thought…. ‘Let’s make it official’!

Hence, The Ionian Beach Hotel Sunset Cocktail Party was born.  An utterly shameless and decadent excuse to chill-out, drink cocktails, listen to mellow music and marvel at, nay… celebrate, the passing of another day with the sun gently dipping below the horizon.

Will the Brits support it? You bet! They’re already queueing up to get involved well before the appointed hour.

Will the Greeks get it? It’s early days yet and they are clearly not as keen as the Brits, but there are positive signs that the locals are ready to embrace the new Sunset Party and make it their own.

In the meantime, we’re going to enjoy the free punch, sip lots of ‘happy hour’ cocktails and try desperately to look as smooth and sophisticated as we can possibly be.