Smart, stylish and supremely dreamy – this is our pick of the best hotels in Mykonos
Though you wouldn’t know it now, it wasn’t until the 1980s that Mykonos opened its first luxury hotel, on the island’s south coast – and so launched the influx of the best hotels in Mykonos. While this hotel, Myconian Ambassador, still stands, Mykonos today has become synonymous with luxury: hotels, restaurants, beach bars and beyond. While best known as a place to party, there’s a lot more to this Cycladic island, with beats-until-dawn bars mainly confined to the (actually fairly small) area of Mykonos Town.
More than ever before, visitors are starting to notice everything Mykonos has to offer away from the late-night dining and dancing scene and choosing to explore the island’s wild, less-crowded coastlines instead. And, where tourists wander, hoteliers follow: over the last few years there’s been a boom in openings along the island’s south-east coast, from Kalafati beach, where you’ll find Cali Mykonos, to Elia beach, where Four Seasons Mykonos will open later in the year; the second Greek property from the brand, following its 2019 Athens Riviera launch.
Along the island’s west coast, stretching both north and south from Mykonos Town, there’s been a spate of new openings too – those in the north generally benefitting from easy access into the town, and those in the south taking advantage of a burgeoning foodie scene that centres around Ornos.
When the party's over kick back in one of Mykonos' best bedrooms, with sensational views of the Aegean Sea, exclusive access to private beaches, tasting menus designed by top chefs, northern winds for kite-surfing, family-friendly suites and secret swimming pools. As one of the best Greek Islands, it's only natural that Mykonos be home to some of the best Greek Island hotels – from the buzzy first outpost of Soho House in Greece to family-run hotels set out like a traditional local village. From here, you can visit the prettiest places in Mykonos, lose an afternoon at the best beach clubs in Mykonos or take a slice of island life home with you after a day shopping in Mykonos.
Amyth of Mykonos
On the lesser-trod side of Mykonos, in the Cycladic village of Agios Stefanos, Amyth of Mykonos is a 17-key, adults-only boutique hotel that sits away from the south coast’s party scene. While the isle’s hedonic beach clubs are only a 20-minute drive away (should dancing feet start to itch), Amyth’s location offers visitors a more authentic glimpse at Mykonian life, plotted in a primarily residential area. Designed in collaboration with GNB Architects, the all-suite, boho-vibes hotel blends earthy tones, wooden furniture, and hand-woven fixtures to create a rustic retreat that’s pleasantly simple in design, and comes with all the usual mod cons. Sea view suites come with a private pool or hot tub, while garden rooms boast private terraces.
David Goodridge is group executive chef across Thanos Hotels and has also lent his expertise to the menus at Amyth. The hotel’s main restaurant, Amyth Kouzina, offers an all-day Greek and Mediterranean menu. Plating up contemporary Mykonos fare and using local products where possible, there’s a ‘healthful’ focus on a solid portion of the menu, with popular plates including fresh, locally sourced seafood and zesty salads. Guests can choose to dine anywhere, though lunch bites are perhaps best enjoyed by the outdoor pool, where Amyth Bar is also located. Open from sun-up to sun-down; the pool-adjacent bar offers both table and lounger service. Gilly Hopper
Address: Agios Stefanos 846 00, Greece
Click here to read the article in Condé Nast Traveller.