Known as the ‘Greek Ibiza’, Mykonos has one of the best club scenes going. But this be
Beautiful island is also so much more than that. Here’s its best hotels
Mykonos is, famously, the “Greek Ibiza” and, to be fair, it’s club scene is pretty spectacular. But, in common with the Spanish party paradise, it’s also an island with far more on offer than the chance to stay up dancing until 4am. The “other” Mykonos is chilled-out, classy and jaw-droppingly beautiful. But before you start exploring the bougainvillea-adorned streets and take a dip in the clear ocean, you’ll need to book somewhere to stay. We’ve compiled a list of the island’s most chic and delectable hotels. Put the champers on ice, we’ve got our suitcase packed already.
1. BohemeBoheme
is a relatively new addition to the hotels of Mykonos Town, but what it lacks in history it more than makes up for in luxurious comforts and stunning sea views. The decor is, fittingly, inspired by the colours of the Aegean sea which can be viewed from various balconies, terraces and, of course, the rooftop pool. Loosely speaking, the aesthetic here is up-market minimalism, but you’ll find a few bold additions such as twisted rope lights. End each day sipping cocktails at sunset, poolside.
2. Nissaki Boutique Hotel
This glorious ocean-inspired hotel deserves all five-stars of its rating. Glass-walled interiors combine with a classic, nautical feel for a very modern take on an Ancient Greek ideal. Water babies will love its location between the bays of Platis Gialos and Psarou and its own swimming pools surrounded by day beds. Light infuses everything, even the blonde wood found throughout, while the restaurant serves a contemporary twist on Mediterranean cuisine.
3. Mykonos Grand Hotel & ResortJust
uphill from the peaceful sandy bay of Agios Ioánnis, famous for its role in the romcom Shirley Valentine, this ultra-luxe resort has alluring Aegean views from its poolside cabana beds. Staggering down the hillside, the low-rise, whitewashed hotel stays true to Cycladic architectural traditions, with uber-stylish rooms in Greek marble and a palette of blues and whites. Service is impeccable, as are the facilities: from the private beach to the gym and yoga classes to the Altea spa offering all-natural treatments and Med-infused food seasoned with garden-grown herbs.
4. Lyo Boutique Hotel
From the hilltop perch of this boutique hotel, the Aegean spreads out like a blue silk cloth. The relaxed vibe here is a world apart from the pumping parties on nearby Super Paradise Beach, a five-minute stroll away. With clean lines, clever use of patterned fabrics, whitewashed wood and pops of turquoise and blue, the room decor is as uplifting as a breath of sea air. Top suites crank up the luxury with private whirlpools. And chef Nam Truong’s sushi is mind-blowing in its freshness and flavours.
5. GraceGraceful
by name and by nature, this fabulous escape opts for a pure aesthetic. Interiors decorated with pale, neutral colours, wicker and floaty drapes scream new-wave beach chic. It sits above Ágios Stéfanos, a pretty arc of sand edging into aquamarine sea. Champagne on arrival, a pool rimmed by cabana beds (where you can expect occasional treats), a spa with steam room, hydrotherapy bath and intuitive treatments, all-day à-la-carte breakfast, free shuttles into nearby Mykonos Town – they’ve literally thought of everything.
6. Waves
Look at a map of Mykonos and you’ll see a thumbprint-like indentation on the south-west coast, which creates a natural funnel for wind and waves. Hence the name of this little beach house, making the most of the surf. The whitewashed rooms, with rustic wood and woven basket lights, are deliberately understated, allowing the sea views to take centre stage. Breakfast baskets are provided on request. Snag a day-bed by the infinity pool or hook onto kite-surfing lessons.
7. Kenshō Ornos
A sleek, ultra-chic retreat uphill from party-loving Ornos Beach, Kenshō is Zen-like in spirit, with clever backlighting accentuating contemporary white spaces, funked up with driftwood, stone and modern art. Rooms and suites have been carefully thought out, with posh details running from private plunge pools and hot tubs to freestanding tubs, Nespresso makers, iPads and Hermès cosmetics. Add to this ingredient-driven tasting menus served with panache, a gym with personal trainer, a rooftop whirlpool and a grotto-like underground spa and you’re looking at one very special space to stay.
8. Petasos Beach Resort and Spa
In certain lights, it’s hard to tell where the pool ends and the sea begins at this heavenly coastal resort, which sits on a private peninsula between Platis Gialos and Psarou Beach. Besides views to make you swoon, this minimalist-chic resort has slick rooms decked out in white, teal and hits of pastel. Top billing goes to those with roof-terrace Jacuzzis. The ambiance is blissfully chilled whether you’re being pummelled by thalasso jets in the mosaic-tiled spa or nibbling on sushi in VIP Restaurant.
9. Rocabella‘Happiness
is homemade’ is the strapline of this luxe boho getaway, a two-minute stroll from Ágios Stéfanos beach. It delivers, with delightfully breezy rooms featuring lily-white walls and linens, rustic wood furnishings and basket-woven lights, not to mention mood-lifting views of the Aegean. Simply drift from pool to spa, hire a bike, hit the gym or get the attentive staff to pack up a picnic for a day at the beach. Reeza restaurant makes creative use of local, seasonal ingredients in palate-awakening dishes like sea bream carpaccio with sea urchin, fennel root, lemon, chilli and kumquat.
10. Bill & Coo Coast
A slice of coastal cool, with a discreet air and secluded location in 10 acres of grounds, Bill & Coo Coast is jetset heaven. If you’re lucky enough to snag one of the 15 suites, you’re in for a treat: the decor is super-slick, with sea-facing balconies, soft grey-white colour schemes, Nespresso machines, iPads and Molton Brown cosmetics. It’s luxury all the way, with a pool overlooking the glassy sea, private beach, spa treatments, and sumptuous breakfasts with fresh fruits, homemade bread and omelettes cooked to perfection.
11. Kivotos Club HotelThe Kivotos
pushes the boat out when it comes to luxury – literally: it has its own yacht. As well as its own beach and two pools. And the villas and suites go the extra mile too – from a villa with private glass pool to one with its own private beach, this is seriously luxe accommodation, all done out in cool white and local stone to merge beautifully with the surrounding olive groves and crystalline waters. Can’t afford a villa? The individually decorated sea-view suites are stunners, and even the garden-view ones aren’t to be sniffed at.