Mykonos, located in the Aegean Sea, is known for its beautiful shores, active nightlife, and rich cultural legacy. Amidst this utopia, Mykonos has an array of high-end hotels where modern luxury merges smoothly with traditional Greek hospitality. From whitewashed homes overlooking the blue waves to boutique resorts tucked away in picturesque lanes, Mykonos provides a hideaway for visitors looking for a memorable Mediterranean holiday.
Best Hotels in Mykonos
- Best Hotel Mykonos Overall: Cali Mykonos
- Best Hotel Mykonos for party vibes:Destino Pacha Mykonos
- Best Hotel Mykonos for couples: Domes Noruz Mykonos
- Best Boutique Hotel in Mykonos: The Wild
- Best Luxury Hotel in Mykonos: Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort
Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort
Santa Marina is created like a quiet little town on a hillside in the southernmost corner of magnificent Ornos Bay, with panoramic sea views of the region. Outside the well-manned security gates, there is quick access to the Ornos Bay beach community, which includes restaurants, cafés, and stores.
The hotel is located four miles (two and a half km) south of Mykonos Town, the island's major settlement and ferry station. Mykonos' most popular beaches are located two to eight miles west of the hotel.
The exteriors reflect the Cyclades' austere cubist style, with piled stones and whitewashed walls. The interiors depart from tradition, including a neutral colour palette, contemporary furniture, hardwood floors, and modern yet modest art work. Rooms and suites have wood and bamboo furnishings, soaring ceilings and neutral textiles.
Elegant yet comfortable outdoor common spaces, shaded by giant palm trees, take full use of the sea view, with wicker furnishings, hanging egg seats, canopied loungers, and sunken 'sofas' constructed into the vast infinity pool.
The 101 rooms and suites are spread out across various levels and have either a king-sized or two single beds with Luxury Collection mattresses clothed in 250 thread-count linens.
The black and beige marble bathrooms have glass-panelled waterfall showers, hand-carved oak sinks, Acqua di Parma products, bathrobes, and slippers. Superior Rooms are assured to have a sea view, whilst Deluxe Rooms have partial sea view balconies.
Suites provide balconies with beautiful sea views. The Sea View Suite features a lounge area. A Deluxe Suite has an in-room hot tub. There is also a Family Sea View Suite with two bedrooms and two baths. The Deluxe Sea View Pool Suite features its own plunge pool. Thirteen individual villas provide up to four bedrooms. High rollers book the Presidential Villa, which features its own private pool and stunning views of Mykonos.
The Buddha Bar Mykonos is one of the most popular tables on the island. It overlooks the hotel's beach and is furnished with sandstone Buddha sculptures and Asian-inspired decor.
Celebrity DJs play avant-garde global music as visitors buy drinks from a themed menu, such as the South Pacific, which includes Pisco, passion fruit, fresh lime juice, mate-vanilla cordial, and spirulina. Enjoy meals like black pepper wok-fried beef, chicken gyoza dumplings with truffle yuzu ponzu, Vietnamese spring rolls with sweet and sour passion sauce, and roasted black fish with miso and yuzu sauce.
Breakfast is served in the Colonial restaurant and includes a diverse buffet with egg dishes, breakfast meats, cold cuts, cheese, quiche, fresh bread, croissants, and a variety of Greek cakes and sweets. Morning sea views are breathtaking.
Domes Noruz Mykonos
Domes Noruz Mykonos is located near the town of Agios Stefanos on the island's northwestern shore, 2.5 miles (4 kilometres) from Mykonos Town and four miles (6.5 kilometres) from the airport.The hotel provides stunning sea views, and the nearest sandy beach is little over five minutes' walk away.
There are a few Greek tavernas on the beach that provide good and reasonably priced cuisine.Beyond here, you'll have to drive or take the bus. When I went, the hotel did not have a shuttle service to and from Mykonos Town, but this is planned for the 2024 season, once in the morning and twice in the afternoon.
The feeling here is extremely subtle elegance. A cream and taupe colour scheme is used throughout, with exquisite rattan furniture, textured cushions, natural carpets, clay pots, earthenware tableware, and a sprinkling of green plants and bushes. It's desert chic with a touch of bohemia, and you'll undoubtedly want to steal a few design ideas to take home.
The hotel's pleasant staff ensures that you feel well taken care of from the time you arrive, and they are always there to answer inquiries and provide suggestions on things to do around. That is, if you can get yourself to leave. The pool overlooks the sea and features double loungers.
The hotel conducts frequent lounge events with well-known DJs from across the world. Domes Noruz Mykonos also houses Soma Spa, which provides a variety of therapies that blend traditional Greek rituals with modern technology. I had a wonderful 60-minute massage that was both refreshing and soothing.If you want to work up a sweat, go to the outdoor gym or relax with a yoga session by the pool.
Rooms are divided into many kinds, including those with and without sea views. Some have private mini pools, while others have their own hot tubs (mine took a few hours to warm up, but I was told they are now all heated upon arrival).
All are well designed and have a walk-in shower, outside area (balcony or patio), and the standard high-end hotel amenities (cocktail mixing set, Nespresso machine, steamer, robes, and slippers).
The Haute Collection rooms include a 30-minute spa treatment per person, a welcome glass of champagne upon arrival, and a specialty drink by the pool every day.
The hotel features one restaurant and two bars. The al fresco Topos Restaurant, open every evening, takes customers on a "culinary voyage" around the country's Aegean islands. Marinated Aegean tuna with lemon peel puree, fennel salad, and sea asparagus; squid ink tagliatelle with a fish broth; and lamb cooked sous-vide with orzo, tomato, thyme, and dry Anthotyro cheese. Meanwhile, the Raw Gastro Bar, located within the restaurant and open all day, provides lunch, snacks and delicious drinks.
There is also an indoor bar in the lobby for those rare days when the Greek weather does not cooperate. A wonderful breakfast-cum-brunch buffet (cereals, fruits, meats, cheeses, pastries, juices, and sparkling wine) and à la carte menu with eggs and pancakes are offered until 1pm, making it ideal for those who have danced the night away and want to get a late start.
Destino Pacha Mykonos
The quiet northwest side of this party island is rapidly developing, with new hotels catering mostly to couples of all ages. The firm behind the famed Ibizan nightclub Pacha picked Mykonos for their first hotel outside of Spain, securing a stunning cliffside position in Agios Stefanos with views of the isle's whitewashed capital and a calm stretch of water.
Destino Pacha Mykonos is a five-minute drive from the harbour, making it convenient for those arriving by boat. The airport is less than 20 minutes away, and Mykonos Town is around 12 minutes by car, although keep in mind that traffic can be congested.
Pacha's cheeky cherries are the first thing you'll see when you arrive at the glass-enclosed foyer, but this Destino Pacha is more low-key and private than its boisterous Ibizan counterpart.
One desk is adorned with a huge book titled Pacha: 40 Years of History, next to a store selling Pacha-branded bags and Greek-designed swimwear. The 34-room stone-built villa exudes a Zen vibe, maybe inspired by the surrounding isle of Delos, one of Greece's most important ancient monuments.
This effortlessly stylish, purposefully four-star hotel features neutral colours and simple designs that complement the Cycladic scenery. It suits just in on Mykonos.
Eleni, clad in flowing linen, greeted me with the courteous welcome that is inherent in Greek culture. This friendly yet subtle care is evident throughout, from the skilled restaurant servers to housekeeping, who sent a top sheet to my room late one night. While there is a guest-only pool, everyone gravitates to the general pool area, where they may find shelter under a cabana or a macramé umbrella.
Resident and visiting DJs primarily play upbeat house music during the day. Destino's main appeal is its weekly sunset pool parties, which are accessible to guests and tourists and feature DJs such as Guy Gerber presenting organic, mystical, and indie rhythms. The relaxation continues at the spa. My therapist relieved tension with a relaxing deep tissue massage that used shiatsu, Thai, and traditional methods.
The rooms vary from modest Destino Rooms to the top-tier Cherry Suites and two-bedroom Pacha Suite. The former have a patio with a table and chairs and, due to the lack of a physical wall, are ideal for individuals who love conversing with the neighbours. If you want more privacy and space, book a higher category accommodation. I elected to spend the majority of my time taking in the strange panoramic vistas.
All have polished light grey cement bathrooms with rough-hewn marble accents. The basin, likewise made of marble, is lovely, but its narrow design makes it somewhat impractical. The walk-in showers are spacious, and the Guy Laroche bathrobes are luxurious. Cherry Suite 201 seemed more private, with direct views of the sunset and the azure waves of Houlakia beach below. Oak dominates from floor to desk, looking great with mustard, charcoal, and cream bedding and accessories.
The trendy sea-facing poolside restaurant-bar has a Moroccan vibe and serves all-day eating and drinks, beginning with an à la carte breakfast served until 11 a.m. I ate a substantial kagiana, a Greek scrambled egg meal with Santorini cherry tomatoes, peppers, and feta on sourdough toast. Sweet tooths should choose Greek rice pudding, while coco chia pudding is a light and delightful vegan choice.
Mini Black Angus burgers with smoked cheese, bacon, tomato, iceberg lettuce, caramelised onions, and truffle mayonnaise were a hit at lunch. Aperitivo hour is best enjoyed with a Not a Bloody Mary drink perched up on cushions or seated in low chairs beneath wicker basket lampshades. As the in-house DJ played downtempo music throughout dinner, I highlighted noteworthy seafood dishes, including grouper carpaccio, tuna tartare and shrimp risotto. Don't miss Pacha Cherry for dessert.
Myconian Utopia
You come here to enjoy the hotel, pool, and private beach, but if you want to explore, Mykonos Town is less than a half-hour away via complimentary hotel shuttle. Cavo Paradiso and Super Paradise, two of Mykonos' most famous nightlife beaches, are only a few kilometres away by water taxi or a 30-minute drive. The beach is a quick, free shuttle trip down the hill.
With a strong emphasis on natural materials, all of the furniture is locally crafted, including exquisite loungers and chairs carved from single pieces of wood and stone washbasins.
The rooms are separated by whitewashed, open hallways and stairs that wind through the hillside, creating a pattern evocative of Mykonos Town's little streets. It's light and airy, and practically all of the shared areas are indoor/outdoor. The infinity pool and suspended 'beach', a sand-covered deck with circular daybeds, driftwood, and views via glass barriers, enhance the natural mood.
The spa has three thalassotherapy pools with natural seawater and three treatment rooms, one of which is a double, that provide Elemis and St Barth treatments. There is a modest but nicely constructed infinity pool with a lovely floor inlaid with lighting that shine at night. The hotel's drivers will provide free transportation to and from the private beach or Mykonos Town. Service is pleasant and polite, with all front-of-house workers speaking good English and frequently greeting customers by name.
Every accommodation has a view of the bay and is decorated with natural materials. Each has a large wooden-framed bed with soft macramé blankets and matching macramé lobster cushions. Many have open bathrooms (with the shower and toilet hidden away), while others have freestanding granite bathtubs. Every accommodation has a furnished patio or balcony, and some even have private infinity pools and/or hot tubs.
There is also a villa that can accommodate up to 13 people and has a small kitchen and grill area. Black/grey bathrooms have massive rain head showers, natural stone basins, and Molton Brown and Prija products. Other amenities include Bluetooth speakers and a complementary bottle of Muscat.
The Pavilion Restaurant and its patio overlook the sea and serve classic Greek meals that have been updated and presented elegantly. The cuisine includes plenty of local seafood, salads, risottos, spaghetti, lamb, and beef.
Desserts include classic favourites including sweet dumplings with cardamom ice cream, bitter chocolate mousse, and baked peaches. I had grilled octopus, followed by seabass fillets with a flavorful Greek yoghurt and beluga lentil salad.
Breakfast is a massive buffet with all of the standard hot selections and omelettes made to order, as well as pastries, fresh fruit, a variety of cold meats and cheeses, and a large gluten-free area. There is also a poolside bar.
Kalesma
Kalesma is located near Aleomandra (called after the legendary Delian stables where Apollo is said to have stabled his horses), in the north west of the island. It rests on the spine of a hill and offers views of both dawn and sunset. Under it are the turquoise seas of Ornos Bay. The town of Mykonos and the airport are both around 15 minutes distant.
Both the exteriors by Greek design firm K-studio and the interiors by Vangelis Bonios draw influence from the island's history, combining the traditional with the contemporary, using wood, marble, sand-blasted stone, and forged cement.
The outside walls of the apartments and patios include lattice work, an homage to the dovecotes on adjacent Tinos island. Basins are made from the same marble used to build the Parthenon on Tinos. It has been pounded by hand to increase its waterproofness.
The horse-hair decoration on the lights refers to the horses that were originally stabled here, according to folklore. The entire property exudes a feeling of place and an easygoing, relaxed atmosphere.
There is the option of scheduling in-room spa treatments, private yoga, and Pilates. There's a library and a small business centre.
The concierges are up to date on the hottest drink or supper spots in town, advising and booking if required. Boat cruises to secret golden beaches for picnics and swimming, as well as visits to Delos' cultural highlights, may be organised. There is also a small chapel on site that will be able to host marriages.
The apartments are stunning, making it difficult to peel oneself away to explore the island. Bedrooms feature double doors out to the pool at the foot of the bed; open them in the morning and let the sun into your room as it rises. The bathroom is huge, with a large forged cement bathtub situated beneath the window, enabling you to relax while taking in the view. There are separate showers and one al fresco, all with Frederic Malle's Eau de Magnolia amenities.
The swimming pools inserted on the terraces are impressively large, allowing for a full swim rather than simply a dip. They are heated in an environmentally responsible manner to roughly 24 degrees Celsius. There are sun beds and a well-placed table that may be used as a workstation (with a plug nearby) or a dining room table for room service breakfasts.
The two villas (one with three bedrooms and the other with four) have similar décor to the suites but also have private gyms and saunas.
The meal is delicious, from the warm flatbread served with handmade taramasalata, hummus, and smoky, spicy feta to the roast octopus, sardines wrapped in vine leaves, and fresh sea bass with olives, lemon, and mint. Make space for classic Mykonian pastries like loukoumades (crisp dough filled with honey, spices, and ice cream). The Sunset Bar is the ideal spot to try one of the hotel's various cocktails or a local craft beer; drink carefully as the sun sets.
Breakfast, served on the balcony of your room or in the main restaurant, features an amazing selection of local and foreign foods on the à la carte menu. Try the scrambled eggs with feta cheese wrapped in sesame seed bread, which is popular on the island.
Katikies Mykonos
Katikies Mykonos skillfully blends a private environment with a position that allows you to easily go farther afield if you weary of the pool (unlikely). It is located on a hillside on the island's south-west, above the little sandy length of Agios Ioannis beach, and is just a 20-minute drive from the airport in one direction and the port in the other, which serves ferries to Santorini and other destinations. Transfers by the hotel's air-conditioned shuttle can be arranged.
It's worth planning a boat excursion (they can pick you up at the dock, which is only a five-minute walk down the hill) to visit the ruins of the Unesco site and the island Delos, as well as to find the most blue seas for swimming.
A 15-minute taxi ride will take you to the city of Chora, where you may walk the twisting alleyways in search of windmills.
This was the group's first hotel to open outside of Santorini, where it built its name with Katikies in Oia over 30 years ago. From the outside, it resembles much of what the original was renowned for, with whitewashed cube-like structures built up against the hillside, intermingled with glittering aquamarine jetted tubs and pools that overlook the deep blue Aegean Sea.
A closer glance finds a considerably more contemporary design at work, with the old-school romantic approach replaced by something more playful: an appropriate choice for Mykonos, Santorini's wilder sister.
There are cobalt blue daybeds, striking wicker lamps dangling from the ceiling, weird blue-and-white bird-patterned sofas, and even a DJ playing tropical music. Cacti, palm trees, and the lovely pink bougainvillaea all contribute to the sense of location.
The pools are a big appeal here, and each has its own flavour. Select the one on reception level for a more relaxed environment and deeper water for actual swimming rather than lazy toe dipping. A four-poster wooden daybed is the ideal position to claim early on and stare out to sea, albeit telephone wires do slightly obstruct the view.
Upstairs, in the infinity pool, you can enjoy a breathtaking view. Settle into one of the round cobalt daybeds that can accommodate two people and watch boats leave zigzagging white foamy trails in the sea. The fact that the sea is substantially shallower up here and sand has been spread down all around enhances its beach club credentials.
There's also a little store offering boujie bikinis, fantastic sun hats, and sleek beachwear; a relaxing little spa that utilises Ligne St Barth's massage products; and a small fitness facility with Techno Gym equipment. Staff are quite nice and willing to assist.
Whitewashed interiors with lovely blue accents in the soft furnishings are quite appealing to the eye. There are more of those gorgeous cushions, this time with designs inspired by flora; a dazzling bright blue bed foundation and headboard as the backdrop to clean white sheets and pillows; and cobalt-colored seams on white couches and armchairs.
At night, the room is illuminated by backlit ornamental lattice panels and lights inside carved-out hollow holes in the wall behind the bed.
All have private terraces with either an open-air jacuzzi tub or a pool; but, due to the stacked layout, many of the patios are overlooked and so not completely secluded. Some rooms feature direct views of the Aegean, while others require you to go outside onto the terrace.
Bathrooms are big and include gorgeous blue sinks, strong showers, tubs, and Bvlgari amenities. Air conditioning, a Bose SoundLink Bluetooth speaker, safe, minibar, Nespresso machine, hairdryer, and television are all included as standard.
Pre-dinner drinks are best enjoyed at Seltz Champagne Bar and Restaurant. Choose a Madame Juicy from the extensive menu; the spice-infused aperol and champagne drink is garnished with a strawberry slice and pairs wonderfully with the dusty orange pink corners of the sky. At midday, it serves as a pool bar with sushi rolls and light entrees, while at supper, Greek classics are given a modern touch.
The tiny restaurant Mikrasia, which sits next to the infinity pool upstairs, is the highlight dining choice. Rattan lamps dangle from the bamboo ceiling, and tables are arranged on the beach; the atmosphere is pleasantly casual, but the food - a contemporary spin on Anatolian and Byzantine delicacies - is truly exceptional.
Unusual combinations work really well: exquisite sea bass carpaccio is paired with parsley sorbet, tomato-celery juice, and caper leaves, while pan-fried turbot topped with sea asparagus is served with minced beef tongue.
Belvedere Hotel
The hotel is positioned on top of the ancient town, in a quiet location away from Mykonos' partying masses, although Chora's cafes and restaurants are less than a five-minute walk away.
The lovely region of Little Venice and Mykonos' iconic windmills are only seven to eight minutes away on foot. Despite its location on a very busy road, the hotel is delightfully tranquil. The major road position also allows for quick access to the remainder of the island, with Mykonos airport less than a 10-minute drive away.
Contemporary elegance blends with classic Cycladic design. Natural elements, such as Mykonian rock in the spa and curving lines of dark wood in the social rooms, compliment the crisp white-washed walls, which were designed by New York's Rockwell Group. The pared-down design highlights the rich green foliage and vibrant pink bougainvillaea during day, while glittering lanterns create a wonderful atmosphere at night.
The highlight, however, is the crystal blue pool surrounded by magnificent palm trees. It was designed to be the hotel's focal point, serving as the social hub and background for breakfast, supper, and beverages. Around the pool, sun loungers that double as beds perfectly embody the hotel's laid-back luxury culture.
Service is impeccable, and personnel would gladly go the additional mile every time; there is poolside service, and beach towels are immediately delivered upon request (with complementary bottles of ice cold water).
The top-notch facilities include the Belvedere Bar, a peaceful Six Senses spa with magnificent massages and private steam rooms, a fitness centre and two luxury stores. The spa also welcomes clients to organise monthly health events with acupuncturists and famous facialists.
The concierge service is there to accommodate your every need, from simple airport transfers to ultra-luxurious helicopter trips to the next island.
Rooms and suites are spread over seven buildings in a maze-like pattern, evoking the atmosphere of a little Greek hamlet. The decor matches the rest of the hotel, with spotless white walls, warm oak furnishings, softly curved surfaces, and marble baths. Each room includes a television, a minibar, and Molton Brown amenities.
Courtyard rooms are located on the ground level, and while they have garden or courtyard views (and you may upgrade to your own private whirlpool bath), some of them appear a touch dark; it's recommended staying in a Standard room or above for a wonderful view as well as the luxury of your own balcony.
The Belvedere Suite is especially desirable, with floor-to-ceiling windows, three terraces, marble floors, and an invitingly huge freestanding tub. The hotel's original edifice, the 19th-century Belvedere Mansion, was formerly the preferred vacation home of Argentinian painter Pierro Aversa and the site of his renowned parties.
It is now concealed behind a secret door but retains the impression of a private apartment, complete with comfortable vintage-style Mykonian decor, an outside patio, and the ultimate decadence: your own private pool.
In addition to the main property, Belvedere Hilltop Complex Rooms & Suites is located only a one-minute drive up the road (the hotel provides a shuttle bus service) and offers greater room, your own private terrace, pool, and whirlpool bath, as well as access to the hotel's amenities.
One minute farther is the magnificent Waterfront Villa & Suites, Thierry Mugler's old house and now a favourite celebrity getaway with stunning sunset views and your own private butler. If you want something less flashy, inquire about the Little Venice pied-Ã -terres, which are situated in a 19th-century historic Mykonian building directly on the water's edge.
The Belvedere Bar features well-executed Greek cuisine for lunch and evening (even the classic Greek salad is better here; the fava beans spread with octopus and roasted tomato salsa is another standout), as well as crowd favourites like tiny hamburgers and vegetarian alternatives.
Thea Estiatorio, a Greek fine dining restaurant, serves a contemporary touch on traditional food while overlooking Mykonos' ancient town. It also lends a handful of its dishes to the Belvedere Bar, which offers a more relaxing poolside atmosphere.
Matsuhisa Mykonos is not to be missed. The staff is well-versed in Nobu's cuisine (the chef also visits the hotel on a regular basis for the Nobu Festival) and can help you navigate the wide sushi menu, which is made using local fish for a Mykonian touch. Nobu's black cod, which is filled with flavour after days of marinating, is a well-deserved signature dish, and the truffle and spinach salad, which is frequently suggested for vegetarians, will enchant even meat-eaters.
Do not offer to share dessert; you will want the Whisky Cappucino all to yourself. The sake was made particularly for Nobu's restaurants by a single Japanese source and is very superb.
Cali Mykonos (boutique)
The hotel is concealed away from the hordes of Mykonos' partying Old village, on the island's south-east side in the sleepy coastal village of Kalafati. Kalafati is only a 10-minute drive from the hotel's jagged cliff, while the airport and Old Town are all 20 minutes distant by vehicle.
Cali is an advertisement promoting Cycladic contemporary chic. There is no hint of overt maximalism in the place, but subtle earthy tones and colours of grey, milk, and blue rule supreme.
The hotel, built by Athens-based company SFTN Labs, combines the rhythmic topography and ancient architecture of the Cyclades with a touch of Grecian modernity.
Indie canvases hang on the sparkling white walls, while the sleek twisting walkways that snake their way down to the gigantic cliffside pool—now claimed to be the largest of its sort in Mykonos—are sprinkled with stylish and simple ceramics.
It's all really warm and welcoming here, with a 'you're part of the family' service philosophy. Guests are treated like demi-celebrities from the start, with fresh lemonade on arrival before being whisked away on buggies to whatever section of the resort they like at the touch of a button. The hotel also offers a helicopter (for the genuine celebs) and free transportation to and from Mykonos Old Town.
In addition to the huge outdoor pool, guests may enjoy the sun at Cali's modest and quiet umbrella-flecked private beach. Alternatively, they may book a yacht trip to adjacent Naxos and Unesco-listed Delos, Apollo's fabled birthplace, to see some of the ancient world's most important Doric temples and palaces, some with beautifully preserved mosaics. Personal exercise and Pilates sessions can be scheduled upon request.
All 40 rooms and suites enjoy spectacular sea and sunrise views, with some featuring heated saltwater pools or hot tubs. The categories range from Deluxe to the resort's headliner, Villa Cali, which has five master suites split across three stories.
Our Deluxe Pool apartment has it everything, with abstract art on the walls and sea views from the windows. The king-size bed, wrapped in comfortable sheets from eco-friendly company Coco Mat, provided a nice night's sleep, while the well-lit bathroom made of Greek marble was capped by a separate (and extremely big) rain shower, adding to the space's wow factor.
A fully-stocked minibar had Greek delights and bottles from island vineyards, as well as a Nespresso machine.
The pergola-topped patio, complete with a wide sofa, chairs, and two loungers, was possibly our favourite feature. And it all looks out over the dazzling Aegean and the adjacent island of Naxos.
Menus by the poolside Lefteris Lazarou, Greece's first Michelin-starred chef, has curated Cali Restaurant. The service is friendly and informal (as is the dress code), and the cuisine emphasises a Greek-Mediterranean fusion theme with locally produced products gathered directly from the sea and garden.
Our favourite dishes throughout our stay were the garlic shrimps drowning in Limino wine and the organic chicken with zucchini cream.
Light nibbles such as crackly pork gyros and Greek salads may also be eaten in the extremely casual Pool Bar around lunchtime. Breakfast is a conventional affair of scrambled eggs served Greek-style with peppers, mushrooms, and feta, with classic pancakes, bread baskets (a touch too abundant at times), and, for those looking for something healthy, granola with thick Greek yoghurt and a variety of smoothies.
Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort
4.3 km southwest of town, just uphill from the quiet Agios Ioánnis beach made famous by Shirley Valentine. The tiers provide views of Delos and RÃnia islets, as well as breathtaking sunsets. To add to the amazing location, complimentary arrival/departure shuttle to (air)port are included in your stay.
Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort, with its stunning whitewashed, cube-shaped structures set against a backdrop of a deep blue sea and sky, is located on the beachfront just a short distance from Mykonos town.
This sophisticated and relaxing retreat features a luxurious spa, a stunning pool, and a breathtaking outdoor amphitheatre for social gatherings and workout sessions. The guests can also use the tennis court, rackets/balls for free.
The generously-sized rooms and suites, spread across an expansive five acres to give space and seclusion, are painted in brilliant white with flashes of blue, orange, or beige. Flowing white curtains form a canopy above the beds and in front of the windows, the majority of which provide stunning views of the sea.
The staff here make the place; nothing is too much bother, even securing rare island cabs for tourists. Yoga and pilates classes are held in a Delos-view amphitheatre.
The beach is largely private and serene, with no water sports or moored gin palaces. The spa features a squash court, which is most likely a Greek first (a tennis court outdoors), as well as an adjoining, high-tech gym. A big saltwater outdoor pool is outfitted with elegant daybeds, plush seats, and shaded pergolas. The lounge-library contains two computers.
Nearly a dozen types of rooms, each separated by view, size (32-110 sq m), and facilities. The beige-white colour scheme, Simmons orthopaedic mattresses, goose feather duvets, and excellent Greek linen are standard throughout, as are iPod docks and 32- to 50-inch flatscreen televisions. 'Premium' doubles (just above entry level) resemble suites elsewhere, with marble cladding, rain showers in the bathrooms, and large balconies. Suites have whirlpools and steam cabins. Two rooms link and share a small infinity pool outdoors, which laps a boulder-clad dining and grill area for intimate feasts with a personal chef.
There are two restaurants: informal poolside Aqua e Sole for lunch, and more formal Dolphins of Delos further up, which serves buffet breakfast. Seafood-heavy main courses precede inventive sweets; the grouper on Jerusalem artichoke purée, garnished with botargo pieces, was flawless. Allow €55 (about £40) for three à la carte dishes, with an additional well-chosen Greek wine selection. The lobby-level bar remains open until 3 a.m., while the beach bar closes after sunset.
The Wild
Wild is around 25 minutes' drive from Mykonos Airport and town, and may be accessed by winding rural roads, with the exception of the people congregated near Agia Anna Beach at the height of the season.
Once you've passed this little brash honeypot, there's only you, a wonderfully constructed hotel facing a secluded beach cove, and a sparkling view of the Aegean. If you're staying for a few days and want to explore the area, you'll need to rent a car because there's not much to go to other than Kalifatis beach, which is about a 10-minute walk away. And that is the beauty of it.
Warm winds flow through the reception and lounge areas, tickling chimes, rushes, and macrame hangings along the way. This extends into the outdoor bar area beside the large infinity pool, which overlooks the hotel's isolated - and sheltered - cove below.
Expect a bohemian combination of rusty tones, taupe, and subdued greys against bare pink-hued walls; blocks of marble and polished stone accented with loads of natural woods (beams, chairs, stools, and benches); and areas ornamented with terracotta pots, rattan furniture, black-iron fixtures, and wicker items.
In sum, it's a delightfully understated, sophisticated, and welcoming design that appeals to couples dressed in flowy beachwear as well as young families. The style extends throughout the hotel, including the guestrooms and services.
The little, protected, secluded beach is a true highlight, especially on such a popular island with noisy agias, boat parties, and beach clubs. Several thatched parasols front softly lapping crystal-clear sea, where stretched-out beachgoers order Mai Thais and poke bowls from their loungers while children play securely on the coastline.
There is a tiny spa that offers a superb full-body massage in one of two private rooms, as well as a little hydro cave pool carved out of the rock itself. A modest open-air gym with a bike, free weights, TRX weight training system, and changing room is located at the far end of the hotel's infinity pool, which spans the length of the property.
When I visited, the service was incredibly courteous, albeit there were a few of issues with room service (for example, a sofa bed was put up in the room while we were getting ready for dinner). The hotel provides a shuttle service to the airport (€50 [£44] each way), which should be booked in advance because taxis in Mykonos can be difficult to hail. A variety of cultural trips and activities can also be planned.
The earthy, uncomplicated atmosphere extends to the 40 rooms, suites, and villas, some of which have two bedrooms, sea or garden views, separate lounges, and plunge pools.
Sand-colored walls, double basins, vaulted ceilings, asymmetrical mirrors, and handcrafted artefacts adorn our sea-view room, which seemed enormous even with an additional bed. Malin+Goetz amenities and Wild vanity kits are included, along with Nespresso machines, slippers, and (chargeable) minibars.
RAW is the hotel's newest dining establishment, a romantic Japanese-Mediterranean fusion restaurant with tables cascading down a pine-clad cliffside ornamented with low-lit lanterns in the nights.
Think tangy seaweed salads in a sweet and sour Japanese sauce, sushi rolls brimming with fresh fish and crisp vegetables, and catch of the day ceviche with coriander, lime, watermelon, and chilli. Proverbial blemishes on the menu included sluggish service, which was apologised for, and appetisers that arrived before our beverages.
Taverna, the hotel's relaxed al fresco bar-dining area, serves a delicious breakfast. Start the day with made-to-order delicacies such as oatmeal, omelettes, pancakes, acai bowls, and the local favourite Kagiana (scrambled eggs with tomatoes, feta, and oregano), as well as a generous continental buffet.
Continue with Greek-Mediterranean cuisine for the remainder of the day (tzatziki, pork gyros, courgette linguini, grilled sardines), including dishes made from family recipes.
Conclusion
As the sun sets over the Aegean's dazzling waves and the warm sea wind whispers down the small alleys, it becomes evident that Mykonos is more than simply a location; it is an experience. Whether you crave relaxation, adventure, or a taste of Greek island life, Mykonos' best hotels are ready to exceed your expectations. With its stunning architecture, flawless service, and captivating ambiance, these hotels guarantee that every moment spent on this magical island is nothing short of amazing. Chose the right hotel for you and make memories that will last a lifetime.