You’ll find the hotel a 10-minute walk from Mykonos Old Town, overlooking the town, port and sparkling sea.
Planes
Mykonos International Airport can be reached directly from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester Airport; the frequency of flights increases significantly in the summer season. It’s a 15-minute drive from the airport – the hotel can arrange a one-way transfer for two for €25.
Automobiles
Taxis are plentiful on Mykonos, but it’s useful to have your own set of wheels so you can explore the island at your leisure. There’s open-air parking at the hotel.
Worth getting out of bed for
Considering it’s a 10-minute walk from the heart of the Old Town, the hotel is the perfect base for anyone who wants to make the most of the town’s galleries, boutiques, restaurants and bars. That said, the pool area is sufficiently covetable that you’ll likely find yourself hurrying back for an afternoon dip, sampling cocktails from one of the cabana-shaded daybeds.
Known for its stone-paved streets and azure-blue shutters, Hora looks a little bit like a toy town, such is the uniformity of its whitewashed houses and the brightness of their painted balconies. It’s narrow, winding streets are home to a wealth of boutiques, cafés and restaurants (both low-key and ritzy) that lend themselves to leisurely lunches and drawn-out dinners. For a hit of contemporary culture, stop off at Rarity Gallery, an elegant exhibition space given over to contemporary art. It’s compact but the collection is wide-ranging, showcasing the work of established and emerging artists alike. For something much older, visit the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, parts of which date from the 14th century. The building’s unusual shape is explained by the fact that it’s actually five different churches: four are dedicated to saints, with the final, dome-like structure built to honour the Virgin Mary. From there, stroll up to the town’s famous 16th-century windmills, some of which have been converted into museums or private homes. Boni’s windmill crests the hill, and lays claim to some of the best sunset views anywhere on the island. For a change of scene, book a tasting at Mykonos Vioma Organic Farm, an old monastery vineyard producing organic and biodynamic wines from classic Aegean grape varieties.
Local restaurants
Sleek, whitewashed Nesaea is perched on the scrubby hillside just above Agia Anna beach, making it a fine spot for a sun-soaked lunch. Chef Christos Athanasiadis prizes modern Greek cooking, deconstructing the country’s classics but keeping the ingredients local. Lunches are laid back; dinner is a little dressier, with a tasting menu and wine pairings. For a traditional dinner, book a table at Kounelas Traditional Tavern, a pint-sized taverna renowned for its seafood – try one of the platters, most of which are sized for sharing. The stylish set will often be found on the tree-studded terrace at Kalita, where the lamb is a firm favourite, and Ling Ling, an open-air Cantonese eatery from the team behind Hakkkasan.
Local bars
Castle Panigirakis commands some of the finest views of any building on the island, and has an alfresco cocktail bar to make the most of the sunset. One of the island’s most sought-after beach clubs, Scorpios is a bar, restaurant, artists’ community and bazaar all rolled into one. Loungers, daybeds and tables are all in hot demand here, so be sure to book ahead. If you’re up after midnight, try late-night hotspots Queen and Astra.
