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Irish Times
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Marvellous Mykonos: ‘Even the humble act of taking a breather is an exceptional experience here'
Of course the Greek island of Mykonos was named after a descendant of Dionysus, the Greek god of pleasure – who else could give rise to this party island? I'm catching tan in the wicker-and-white surrounds of SantAnna Beach Club in the south of the island, where rapper and musician Travis Scott was recently spotted and revered international DJ Black Coffee plays later in the evening. The thumping daytime beats turn up a notch, causing me to notice a gathering at the ankle-deep end of the island-studded pool, where a dozen or so ladies in string bikinis have loosely gathered to dance. Their eyes are hidden behind aviators and the moves are only just choreographed – they know that trying too hard is uncool, even for beach club entertainment. Eventually I wander back to my bed, past the groups of 20-something men and the catwalk-ready women, with their ice buckets of champagne or vodka kept by the aisle for the waiting staff to see (though it doesn't hurt that the other clientele can too). It's all quite impressive for midday on a Monday. READ MORE Since the 1950s, Mykonos – the largest of the Cyclades islands, located in the stretch of the Aegean Sea between Greece and Turkey – has earned a reputation as a destination for hedonism. It's where good time vibes drift through the air from dawn to dusk, then carry on until dawn again. In the 1980s when homophobia was on the rise, it was a safe haven for everyone. Then came the big names. Any given year, culturally relevant celebrities from Brigitte Bardot to Beyoncé to Bella Hadid helped propel its high-end image. The rich and the richer arrived too, ready to splash the cash here as an alternative to Saint-Tropez or Ibiza. As Mykonos became the destination to see and be seen, demand surged into a classic case of over-tourism – not ideal for an island smaller than Dublin city. My first glimpse of Mykonos is flying in, when I just about see fleck-like superyachts crowded along Mykonos's peacock-blue bays, and the minimalist lines of chic, swimming pooled hotels studded across the rocky hills. Even from this perspective, it's clear that if Mykonos has been turning into a playground for rich and famous for decades, the mission is now complete. Mykonos harbour in the evening, the island's famous windmills visible at the left Of course, there's an ecological and community impact of this change, and it closes off much of the island to the average holidaymaker. In 2017, a pair of sunbeds at the plush Pasaji Beach Club and Restaurant ( ) was €22. In 2019, it was €40. Five years and one pandemic later, they're now €90. While Greece as a whole has been enjoying increased tourism, Mykonos's traveller numbers are declining – the start of 2024 saw 5.8 per cent fewer seats scheduled to the island. Even though reliable bus services radiate from the hub of Mykonos town to the beaches across the island, pre-booked taxis are a €40 minimum, my pink-shirted, black espadrille-wearing driver tells me. Like most of the service industry, he's from Athens but stays in Mykonos over the summer to earn his money for the year. 'Of course it isn't worth €40 to take a taxi for five minutes,' he says, glancing from behind his Ray-Bans. 'Honestly, I feel so bad asking it from the people who come. I think other islands are just as beautiful, but they come to Mykonos because it's got a name and it's got the clubs.' [ Santorini in the shoulder months: No crowds, just stunning food, wine and views Opens in new window ] The troublesome thing is: well, exactly. Ostentatious as some might find the champagne-fuelled parties Mykonos is known for, there's much to be said for a destination that knows its niche. And Mykonos is certainly committed to the finer things in life. Mykonos is certainly committed to the finer things in life I was drawn originally to the island to experience the open-air club of Cavo Paradiso ( ), a bay away from SantAnna ( ). Refashioned from a shepherd's hut in 1997, it's become one of the must-visit clubs in the world thanks to its location (carved in the uplit rocks of Mykonos's cliff edge) and state-of-the-art sound (a Funktion-One sound system). And it lives up to the hype. It's almost impossible to tear myself away from the heaving dance floor where Italian duo Mathame commandeer the decks with precision. Yet when I move to the sidelines, the ever-present Mykonos warm breeze is most welcome as I gaze out to the rippling, moonlit sea beyond. Even the humble act of taking a breather is an exceptional experience here. Late night clubs aren't the only party in Mykonos. At the dinner and show experience of Lío ( ), in the heart of Mykonos Town, strobes and coloured lights work overtime to create a sensory explosion, especially as the heat of the night and the open-air courtyard are already disorienting (happily the fireworks were at the end of the show). Onstage entertainers perform high-energy medleys of household songs from Michael Jackson, Beyoncé and Madonna, with even a bit of Hozier slipping in for a more contemplative moment. Dancers shake and prance their way through the tables of big birthday parties of boisterous people in their 40s, duos of older men sat opposite impeccable petite ladies, and smatterings of glammed-up women living their best life. It's no superclub, but as one wooing gentleman gives the nod for a second bottle of Tattinger (at €750 a pop), it's clearly a place to kick back in style. Mykonos Theoxenia: 'A quietude that whispers to the exclusivity of the resort' My accommodation in the town is Mykonos Theoxenia, a boutique hotel tucked behind the island's iconic windmills. On a day so sizzling that suntan lotion feels claustrophobic, Mykonos's many visitors swarm around the hotel, taking pictures in front of the striking sight, promenading around its breezy costal perimeter and sheltering at its covered entrance. But beyond the gate lies a quietude that whispers to the exclusivity of the resort. While reception is busy with guests arriving in and checking out, its luxe facilities – the sunbed-lined pool that overlooks the cruise-shipped bay, the divine restaurant that serves up massive juicy prawns over a hot stone at the table – are quiet. All set against the purple-orange sunset reflected in that bay, there's no reason for this exemplary experience to be almost mine alone, but I gratefully and greedily lap up the attention from the staff. Mykonos Theoxenia is a boutique hotel in the island's main town It's a similar vibe in the adults-only Once in Mykonos, located at Ornos Bay on the southwest of the island. Set on a hill within a zigzagging complex a little back from the throng of the small town, Once in Mykonos has cosier rooms – the bathroom is essentially incorporated into the main space, for example. That's perhaps why the social spaces are busier, though just as upscale: staff intermittently go beach bed to beach bed so the guests can sample shots of cocktails; no one converses in anything above a hushed tone. Here, it takes me nanoseconds to realise I have found my new happy place: the hotel's infinity pool that looks out on to the bay and Mykonos's daily light shows – first the blood-orange sunset, then fireworks that colourfully illuminate the town. Yet even in this era of Mykonos, there's space for modest spenders. On my final night in Ornos, I zigzag in my flip-flops down to the moonlit bay, hugging the road to avoid the stream of shiny black cars battling to move forward on the narrow streets. It's not long before I find myself within the hubbub of Lefteris GrillHouse, taking a dinner on the terrace of gingham-covered tables. I order a snipe of Prosecco plus a basket of starchy-white bread and tangy Greek olive oil to nibble on before my Greek salad arrives: a no-fuss slab of feta cheese atop a simple medley of green peppers, cucumber, flavour-packed tomatoes and red onion. Salt and pepper from the pots. It's not quite the lobster and fine wines of Once in Mykonos, but it's divine, and all for €20. Once In Mykanos: 'It takes me nanoseconds there to realise I have found my new happy place' En route back on this oven-hot evening, I swing by the beach, where, lit up by the glow of the beachfront bars and restaurants, I ignore the unmanned plush sunbeds, lay my beach bag and towel on the sand, and cool off in the gin-clear waters. It's every bit the sweet relief I anticipated. There's no better reminder that in Mykonos, the best things in life are free. It's simply that, as Coco Chanel once said, the second best are very expensive. Shilpa was a guest of Once in Mykonos and Mykonos Theoxenia. Fly to Mykonos indirect from €190. Rooms at Mykonos Theoxenia start from €388 – see to book. Rooms at Once in Mykonos start from €329 – see to book.
The South African
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Black Coffee's girlfriend likes 'stealing husband' comment
Victoria Gonzalez has continued to flaunt her relationship with Black Coffee by spamming her Instagram account with pictures of the couple happily in love and travelling the world. However, the Venezuelan model has seemingly thrown shade at the DJ's ex-wife, Enhle Mbali, by liking several controversial comments. Enhle and Black Coffee – real name Nkosinathi Maphumalo – called time on their nuptials in 2019, coincidentally the same year he began dating Victoria. In her latest Instagram post, Victoria Gonzalez posted a collage of pictures of 'life lately'. The post included many loved-up moments with her DJ bae, Black Coffee. Under the post, many fans of the SA hitmaker congratulated the model on her romance.e A few critics also jumped into the comments, accusing Victoria of being a 'homewrecker.' Shadily, Victoria comments that read: 'Misadi wa ho utswa banna ba batho sies [The trick of stealing people's husbands, sies]', and 'Bragging about her love, she's really marking her territory and you know we're watching her'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by VIC 🏹❤️ (@victoriagonzalezzg) Victoria Gonzalez's Instagram post comes after she revealed that she had celebrated a relationship milestone. This week, the couple posted images of their fifth anniversary on their Instagram Stories. In the pics, taken in 2019 and again in 2025, Black Coffee and Victoria posed on the streets of Milan, where they hugged and kissed each other. The revelation of the relationship has had many South Africans scratching their heads about the timeline of their relationship. In 2019, Black Coffee and Enhle Mbali announced their official separation. The actress accused her ex of cheating with multiple women during their marriage. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
News24
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
‘It's life': Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa on ‘non-negotiable' behind her split from Black Coffee
Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa has cited 'two children by two different women' as the straw that broke the camel's back in her marriage to Black Coffee. Despite the hurt, she said she has forgiven her estranged husband, even without receiving an apology. She urged the public to separate their artist identities from personal matters, calling for respect amid an ongoing divorce. Fresh from her recent win at the SA Style Awards as the Most Stylish Performing Artist on TV and Film, actor and fashion designer Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa has once again found herself in the spotlight over her marriage to internationally acclaimed DJ and producer Black Coffee. In a snippet that went viral from her recent interview with seasoned broadcaster and producer Relebogile Mabotja on Radio 702, Mlotshwa reflected on the highs and lows of her life, diving deep into her marriage and eventual split. 'I'm proud of how I handled my marriage. I never cheated in my marriage, not once, till the day I decided to leave because I could no longer take the punishment to myself,' she said in the interview. Exploring the 'multi-layered' reasons behind her decision, she zoomed in on a significant dealbreaker: 'My non-negotiable were children in a marriage. Once there were two children by two different women, I said you don't love me. In fact, you're going to kill me,' she said, describing how the infidelity shattered her trust and respect. 'While I was leaving a lot of untruths. I lost a lot of respect for my partner.' Aside from forgiving her estranged husband, the actor and fashion designer said she had also forgiven herself for forgetting her inner child and her dreams. Further in the interview, Mlotshwa said she did not want people to leave the interview having picked sides. 'I love Black Coffee's music. I might not have a lot of respect for Nkosinathi Maphumulo, but Black Coffee is talented. He's extremely talented, and Enhle Mbali is out of the world talented, so I want people to be able to separate the two and let Enhle Mbali and Black Coffee be separate entities, but Mbalenhle Maphumulo and Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo are going through something right now, and it's a divorce, and it's not done. Allow them to get through it, you know. It's not news, it's life,' she said. Mlotshwa's confirmation that she and her estranged Grammy-winning husband, the father of her two children, are still married came as he and his current model girlfriend, Victoria Gonzales, continue to share glimpses into their relationship on social media. Most recently, Gonzales shared a side-by-side photo of her and Black Coffee on her Instagram stories with a photo from 2019 and 2025. In another, she shared a photo of her kissing Black Coffee's cheek and another of him kissing her forehead. Since the announcement of the couple's split, they have made headlines for all the wrong reasons, with there being allegations of domestic violence from Mlotshwa and a protection order. Black Coffee denied the claims of abuse. Months after the announcement of their split, Coffee said he believed he had done 'enough' to fix their marriage. 'I don't want to speak about her faults – she is the mother of my children, after all,' he said. 'Whenever I was wrong, I admitted I was wrong. We tried everything, such as seeing a therapist and a life coach, but nothing worked.' 'We have reached the point of no return. For the first time, we are understanding that we can't be together.' In another interview with Kaya 959, he attributed their growing apart and wanting different things as a contributor to their split. 'I can safely say that we both wanted different things. Then problems start. That's why today I know for a fact that I won't get married again.'
IOL News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
DJ Black Coffee takes Europe by storm: summer adventures from Monaco to Ibiza
DJ Black Coffee who is currently on a European summer tour. Image: Instagram DJ Black Coffee (real name Nkosinathi Maphumulo) has once again captured the essence of glamour and excitement as he shares his vibrant European summer experiences with fans across social media. Taking to Instagram, the renowned musician provided glimpses of his thrilling itinerary, showcasing both his work and leisure in some of the continent's most enticing locales. 'European summer mode in full swing… Athens, Ibiza and @f1 weekend in Monaco 🎬,' he declared, setting the tone for a season overflowing with music and adventure. From the sun-soaked shores of Greece to the electrifying nightlife of Ibiza, his presence is as captivating as the destinations he graces. Recently, the Monaco Grand Prix attracted a star-studded lineup of celebrities and the elite, turning the coastal paradise into a vibrant hub of luxury and high-speed excitement. In one compelling video, the DJ is seen commanding the decks amidst a pulsating crowd of enthusiastic motorsport fans, proving that his sets are some of the most sought-after performances on the international stage. Not one to miss out on the breathtaking views, Coffee shared an exhilarating helicopter ride that offered stunning vistas of the endless sea and glorious cityscapes below. The weekend in Monaco was crowned with an extravagant blend of Formula 1 excitement and top-tier entertainment. Shifting gears, Ibiza - a quintessential summer hotspot - continues to be the epicentre of pulsating nightlife, stunning beaches, and a delightful mix of relaxation and exhilaration. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The island beckons with world-famous clubs, tranquil and secluded coves, and historic landmarks that cater to every type of traveller. Just a hop away, Athens, Greece's vibrant capital, offers its own flavour of entertainment. Locals and tourists alike flock to bustling areas such as Kolonaki, Exarchia, and Glyfada, where classy nightclubs, underground venues, rooftop bars, and traditional pubs brim with energy. Amidst his energetic summer exploits, he also spotlighted intimate family moments, sharing snapshots with his girlfriend, Victoria Gonzalez, and his son, Esona Maphumulo, reminding fans that while he indulges in wild adventures, family remains a core part of his life. Fans couldn't contain their excitement as they commented on his posts. User @laduma aptly exclaimed: 'Grootman, doing Grootman things 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿👌🏿💫.' Another user, @drcarlacastro, felt the infectious energy, stating, 'That magical energy coming through! Wooooo! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤.' Meanwhile, @reasonhd_ offered heartfelt support, saying: 'Yo. I'm so glad you overcame the challenge of having to fly again, bro. That's truly inspiring.' During the summer months, Europe pulsates with life, inviting visitors to revel in its scenic beaches, partake in outdoor adventures, and immerse themselves in rich cultural experiences. Festivals, lively nights, and gourmet culinary delights abound, making any visit unforgettable.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘I'm proud of how I handled my marriage': Enhle Mbali on life with Black Coffee
Black Coffee is currently dating Venezuelan model Victoria Gonzalez. Actress Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa has opened up about her marriage and split from world-renowned DJ and producer Nkosinathi Maphumulo, popularly known as Black Coffee. The award-winning fashion designer and actress was married to Black Coffee for a couple of years before filing for divorce in 2019. Together, they have two children. During an interview with Relebogile Mabotja on 702 earlier this week, Enhle spoke about the emotional toll of the relationship and its ultimate breakdown, saying she is proud of how she handled her marriage. 'I'm proud of how I handled my marriage. I never cheated, not once, until the day I decided to leave — because I could no longer take the punishment to myself,' she said. Enhle said she reached her breaking point when she discovered he had two children with two different women. 'Once there were two children, from two different women, I said, 'You don't love me. In fact, you're going to kill me.' I have two kids. So I'm going to run — and I did.' ALSO READ: Why Enhle Mbali is honest with her sons about her marriage to Black Coffee Enhle on healing and forgive The actress said she has since worked on herself and forgiven both her ex-husband and herself. 'I lost a lot of respect for my partner. I forgave him for the apologies I never got. I forgave myself for forgetting my inner child — the 20-year-old, the 21-year-old, the 28-year-old. But there are dreams. I remember who they are now, and we're moving together so beautifully. 'I don't want people to take sides. I love them — obviously. I might not have a lot of respect for Nkosinathi Maphumulo, but Black Coffee — that man is talented. He's extremely talented. And Enhle Mbali is out-of-this-world talented. So I want people to be able to separate the two.' Black Coffee is currently dating Venezuelan model Victoria Gonzalez. The pair recently shared their 2019 vs 2025 pictures on Instagram Stories, hinting at an anniversary celebration. Black Coffee With The Love Of His Life Victoria.🥹❤️🔥 — Minister of retweets(reposts)🔄 (@Buhlenomuhle) May 23, 2025 Black Coffee has been linked to Gonzalez since 2023. The pair have been travelling the world together, with their latest trip to Monaco for the F1 Grand Prix weekend. NOW READ: It's lekker, messy creativity and art
