Myconian Ambassador

Worth getting out of bed for

There’s water, water everywhere on Mykonos – in fact, the choice of pool or beach could be the most strenuous decision made all holiday. After all, the hotel perches above Platis Gialos, one of the most serene stretches of sand on Mykonos, and a favourite local retreat from more crowded swim spots. The hotel’s sprawling sea-facing pool has plenty of alluring lounge chairs, and in-water seating that’s ideal for cocktails in the high sun.
The main town, Chora, is a drive away, but the Ambassador has a fleet of cars at the ready to shepherd guests in that direction, where winding cobbled roads are lined with leather workshops, jewelers, cafes and beachy boutiques. Bring a camera to capture the white-washed Panagia Paraportiani, an ancient Greek Orthodox church that’s starkly juxtaposed against the blue skies. From there, stroll up to the 16th-century windmills, some of which have been converted to museums or private homes, for one of the best vistas on the island.
Though Mykonos has plenty to entice, the nearest island to Platis Gialos, Delos is a sun-bleached bonanza of crumbling ruins and working excavation sites. Staff can organise a day trip to explore, or set you up with yoga mats for secluded practice.
For more beach exploration, hire a car to visit Agios Sostic, a secluded span near the main town. Fragia Beach is only reachable from the water, and is ideal for a romantic picnic.

Local restaurants

The Greeks love their food, and Mykonos produces plenty of it. Mykonos Vioma produces biodynamic wines in classic Greek red and white varietals, including agiannitis and athiri. Visit the vineyard for a stroll and sampling of local sour cheeses, Greek salads and homemade sausages. A short stroll from the hotel, Avli Tou Thodori serves classic local dishes on the beach. Take a cue from the setting and order any seafood dish. Finish with honey-drizzled Greek yogurt. Near the Old Port, Catrin's is one of the oldest restaurants on the island, with French-influenced Greek dishes, including local prawns sauteed in lemon-cream sauce and bouillabaisse with Mediterranean seafood. East of the hotel, near Kalafatis, Nesaea from the buzzy Nice n Easy Group, focuses on farm-to-table cooking, using the best local seafood and produce to produce inventive takes on classic Greek flavors in an airy space with water views. Facing the port in the old city, Remezzo has long been an island favourite, with classic dishes, including Greek spreads and fish tartare, and a long list of cocktails. The scene transforms into a party when DJs take over.

Local bars

Mykonos is almost as famous for its nightlife as for its sunny days, and plenty of bars offer music and dancing until almost daylight. On the north side of the island, Alemagou is an iconic beach bar right on the sand, with inventive cocktails and glamorous, well-tanned clientele. Those looking for great dancing should head for the multilevel Jackie O Beach Bar, Hippie Fish, Namos or Scorpios Mykonos.