Latest news with #Ios
News.com.au
01-07-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Australian woman left in ICU in Greece after horror quad bike crash
An Australian woman has been left fighting for her life in a hospital bed on the other side of the world, after a dream trip took a tragic turn. Sydneysider Michelle Bui was on holiday in Greece when she decided to take a tour of the idyllic island of Ios on board a quad bike. But the vehicle ended up in a ditch after a misinterpreted turn and pinned Ms Bui underneath. Despite wearing a helmet, the safety device came loose meaning her head was unprotected in the fall. Taken by helicopter from the island to the Thriasio Hospital in Athens, a CT scan revealed the tourist had bleeding on the brain and a neck fracture. To save her life, Ms Bui's devastated friend Ella Weinzettel — who started a GoFundMe page to support Ms Bui — said she required emergency craniotomy, which meant part of her skull was removed to treat the brain. Ms Weinzettel hopes her GoFundMe — which has already raised more than $80,000 — will help to pay for Ms Bui's medical bills and transportation home, with the surgery appearing to be a success. 'The haematoma was successfully evacuated and the skull was placed back,' Ms Weinzettel wrote on the page. 'This is a good sign as it tells us that she does not need to have her skull to be removed for a period of time to decompress any additional pressure in her brain. 'She now has a drain inserted in her brain to drain out any excess bleeding. She has sustained rib fractures and a haemothorax, however these injuries do not need an operative intervention and instead will be for conservative management.' Ms Weinzettel said her friend, who she has known since 2019, also sustained 'small cervical fractures in her upper spine' and while these do not need intervention, Ms Bui will be required to wear an aspen collar for a number of weeks. 'She has been deeply sedated and ventilated for the past few days and is in safe hands in the intensive care unit,' Ms Weinzettel added. Ms Weinzettel while her friend has been covered by travel insurance, it is unclear if the injuries will be covered entirely. 'I cannot begin to imagine the financial burden that it will place on Michelle and her family,' Ms Weinzettel, pleading with the public to dig deep and assist in 'relieving this financial burden and to bring our beautiful girl home.' Generally speaking, a standard travel insurance policy don't automatically cover quad biking, with most insurance provider's requiring the purchase of an add-on or adventure pack that specifically covers quad biking or other adventure activities. But travellers should be weary — because even then, there may be restrictions in place, meaning it's crucial for the policy holder to carefully review the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and understand the specific terms, conditions, and exclusions related to quad biking.
Daily Mail
30-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Aussie tourist is left fighting for life after horrific quad bike accident while on dream Mediterranean holiday
A young Aussie woman has been left fighting for her life after a horrifying quad bike accident left her with a traumatic brain injury while holidaying in the Mediterranean. Sydney woman Michelle Bui had been on a quad bike when it ended up in a ditch and pinned her underneath while touring the Greek island of Ios. She had been wearing a helmet at the time of the accident; however, it appeared to have come loose, as her head was unprotected when she was freed. She was rushed in a helicopter to Thriasio Hospital in Athens, where a CT scan revealed bleeding on the brain and a neck fracture. She is now in an intensive care unit with surgeons performing an emergency craniotomy, a procedure where part of the skull is removed to treat a brain bleed or hematoma. Ms Bui's devastated friend Ella Weinzettel has kickstarted a GoFundMe and raised $78,000 so far to help ease the financial burden. 'The hematoma was successfully evacuated and the skull was placed back,' Ms Weinzettel said. 'This is a good sign as it tells us that she does not need to have her skull to be removed for a period of time to decompress any additional pressure in her brain. Renting a quad bike is a popular way to explore the rugged interior of the island of Ios 'She now has a drain inserted in her brain to drain out any excess bleeding.' Ms Weinzettel said her friend also sustained rib fractures and a hemothorax in the accident. 'She has been deeply sedated and ventilated for the past few days and is in safe hands in the intensive care unit,' she said. 'She has been covered by insurance who we have been in close contact with over the length of her admission however we are not entirely sure if her injuries are covered entirely. 'I cannot begin to imagine the financial burden that it will place on Michelle and her family.'
The Independent
13-05-2025
- The Independent
10 of the best beaches in Greece – and where to stay nearby
If you're hankering for a beach break, you can be certain you'll find something in Greece. After all, this is the country with more coastline than anywhere else in the Med, stretching around the Greek mainland between its borders with Albania and Turkey and encircling every one of its 6,000-odd scattered islands. So the question is: what sort of beach experience are you looking for? This isn't just a choice between pebbles and sand. Do you fancy something urban that's within easy reach of cultural attractions? Would you rather go somewhere busy with beach clubs, loungers, music and cocktails? Or does your dream stretch of shore look wilder, perhaps accessible only by boat, where your footprints mark the sand beside the tracks of nesting turtles? Whatever your preference, there's every chance that your fantasy beach is somewhere in Greece. Here's our pick of the best to get you started. Mylopotas, Ios Although it's situated halfway between Paros and Santorini, lovely Ios tends to get overlooked. That's not to say it isn't popular: its summertime party scene draws a youthful, spirited crowd, with the action split between Ios Town's bars and the beach club at one end of Mylopotas, the island's longest strand. This deep, golden sweep is organised with loungers and parasols; there are water sports here too (both motorised and self-propelled), plus speedboat tours to the west coast's wilder beaches. Where to stay For rooms with a view, book into Far Out Hotel & Spa, which overlooks Mylopotas from its hillside position. Monolithi, Ionian Riviera The seaside town of Preveza is the gateway to the Ionian coast, and the main beach, Monolithi, is one of the longest in all of Europe. As well as beach clubs and empty stretches on which to spread out and relax, holidays here offer much more than downtime. This mainland region's sleepiness belies a turbulent past: the Roman Emperor Augustus defeated Anthony and Cleopatra here before founding Nikopolis ('Victorious City'), now one of Greece's greatest archaeological sites. Where to stay Enjoy it all from couples-only Meraviglia Slow Living, whose 12 suites sit among Mediterranean gardens with views across to the islands. Kalafatis, Mykonos Platys Gialos, Elia, Psarou, Super Paradise: there are plenty of famous beaches on Mykonos, each with its own distinct beach-bar scene, but if you're looking for something laid-back, head east to Kalafatis. Although it's broad and sandy, with views towards the dragon-shaped Tragonisi islet, Kalafatis was formerly seen as too far from Mykonos Town to be cool, which saved it from being engulfed by development. Ironically, it's that distance from the action that makes it desirable today. Where to stay Stay a five-minute stroll from the sand at Numo Mykonos, where every one of the design-friendly digs has a plunge pool or hot tub. Balos, Crete The Aegean's gentle currents have deposited swirls and arabesques of sand on the sheltered side of an islet on northwest Crete 's Gramvousa Peninsula, creating bone-white Balos. Surrounded by shallow waters in the most vivid blue shades, it's a genuinely drop-dead gorgeous place. Its beauty is no secret, however: boat and coach trips unload hundreds of tourists each day, so the trick is to stay nearby and enjoy the beach before the crowds descend. Where to stay The closest resort is Kissamos, where eco-conscious Tella Thera (a boutique hotel with a farm-to-table restaurant) sits sleepily among olive groves. Similarly bright-blue waters await at Porto Katsiki, whose white pebbles line the shore beneath a towering backdrop of limestone cliffs. Sunshine reflects off the pale seabed, igniting the bay's turquoise tones to a level that looks almost artificial. Unsurprisingly, it's a crowd-puller. Porto Katsiki can be accessed via steep steps carved into the cliffs, but it's far more dramatic (and gentler on the knees) to arrive by boat. Plenty of trips depart from the ports of Nidri or Vassiliki. Where to stay The latter's Hotel Odeon makes a convenient beachfront base (and has two family suites among its rooms). Koukounaries, Skiathos Skiathos is the westernmost of northern Greece's Sporades islands, an archipelago far greener than the Cyclades to the south. Its covering of emerald pines is thickest at Koukounaries: a long, slim streak of pristine sand that's backed by a nature reserve. For beach purists, there are loungers and water sports; or, for a break from the sun, take a stroll through the forest to its freshwater lake. Where to stay For the best views, check into delightfully retro Skiathos Palace, which looks down the beach's full length. Liven things up by hopping on the regular bus to Skiathos Town. Sarakiniko, Milos Ever more popular Milos (a close neighbour of Santorini) has some 70-odd beaches from which to choose, of which the most famous is Sarakiniko. A star of many an Instagram feed, it's known for its lunar-like landscape: all sculpted, weather-beaten white rock formations that contrast with the bright-blue Aegean. Like Balos in Crete, Sarakiniko is popular with day-trippers, but you can beat the rush by staying nearby and getting there early. Where to stay Try Ventus di Milo, a six-suite retreat that's barely a five-minute drive away and has a stunning sea-view infinity pool. Vouliagmeni, Athens Riviera For city slickers keen to combine Athens ' urban charms with Aegean swims, there's no need to jump on a ferry to the islands. The seaside suburbs of Glyfada, Voula and Vouliagmeni are easily reached by metro and bus (or simply take a taxi). Vouliagmeni is the main draw for its restaurants, bars and sandy beach; the admission fee of €10 (£8.50) includes the use of loungers and parasols. Where to stay For something ritzier, buy a day-pass to the Four Seasons Astir Palace (€150/£127pp), which grants access to its boardwalk and beach (the Riviera's prettiest). Amarilia Hotel in nearby Voula has more affordable lodgings. Koroni, Kefalonia You'll need a car to reach this wild and lovely stretch of southern shore, but the effort (and steep descent) are greatly repaid. Backed by a hilly hinterland, it's completely undeveloped save for a scattering of loungers for hire. There's no need to worry about staying hydrated: top up your bottle with the cool, refreshing water that bubbles from a natural spring. For further libations and lunch, you'll find a taverna or two back up the hill (plus outstanding views across the sea to Zakynthos). Where to stay Oikos Boutique Residences is one of the nearest places to stay, with two villas suitable for families and larger groups. Gerakas, Zakynthos The enormous arc of Laganas Bay fills the southern part of Zakynthos. Gerakas, its easternmost beach, is one of the bay's six sandy nesting grounds of loggerhead sea turtles, which lay their eggs here in summer. Thanks to these ancient mariners, Gerakas has been preserved within the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, leaving it almost entirely natural and undeveloped. This does mean that beachgoers are limited to the strip of sand nearest the sea, but that's an acceptable compromise (and limits disturbing the incubating eggs). Where to stay A chic place to stay nearby is the barefoot-luxury Bay Hotel & Suites.
