What’s New & Newsworthy In Mykonos This Summer
HOTELS
Cali Mykonos
Easily one of the most exciting openings on the island in recent years, Cali has its own private beach in Kalafatis on the calmer side of Mykonos near Kalo Livadi Bay to the east. The hotel is cleverly positioned inbetween two mountains to ward off the island’s notorious winds and offers total privacy. Here, it’s all about relaxation, from the clean and crisp interiors to the state-of-the-art spa. Guests can stay in one of 40 white villas, all of which have private pools with sun loungers overlooking the sea (the views are seriously stunning) and a large patio where chefs can serve meals. Here, one of the main focal points is the infinity pool filled with sea water which looks straight out over the sea, with bobbing yachts in the distance. There’s also a restaurant headed up by Greek Michelin-starred chef Lefteris Lazarou which serves Mediterranean dishes and sushi, plus two pool bars where staff happily serve drinks to your sun bed. Cali can help organise everything from yachts trips to scuba diving and horse riding on the beach.
Visit CaliMykonos.com
Destino Pacha
For the ultimate girls’ trip, adults-only hotel Destino Pacha is the new place to go. Known for its iconic properties and hedonistic nightclubs, Pacha has opened its first hotel outside Spain on the island’s north-west side, which is gaining traction for its evolving party scene. Surrounded by whitewashed buildings and winding roads, the hotel has 34 rooms spread across several buildings in traditional Mykonian style, with floor-to-ceiling windows and neutral interiors with bright pops of colour. Resident and visiting DJs set the vibe in the day with house music, while weekly pool parties draw in big names like Guy Gerber and Luciano. There’s also a poolside restaurant serving Spanish and Greek dishes, plus the new Ftelia Beach Club and nightclub Lío.
Visit DestinoPacha.com
Mykonos Theoxenia
Mykonos Theoxenia is one of the newest members of the Design Hotels group. The original property was built in 1960 by renowned architect Aris Konstantinidis and has now been redesigned by Vois Architects, who are behind some of Greece’s top hotels. Theoxenia has 37 rooms, including eight deluxe suites and four signature suites with private pools and terraces. Rooms are minimalist and chic, with vintage furniture, soft neutral colours, and stone and marble features that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Guests can relax on striped sun loungers beside the seafront pool, book treatments at the spa and try local dishes at the restaurant. The team can also help organise yoga lessons and boat trips.
Visit MykonosTheoxenia.com
Once In Mykonos
Once In Mykonos opened its doors only two months ago, but has already established itself as a go-to destination thanks to its proximity to Ornos beach. The property was once an ultra-luxury holiday home but has been since been transformed into a 59-bedroom hotel with sea views of the Aegean and beyond. Inside, expect traditional Cycladic interiors with whitewashed walls and neutral furnishings that reflect the local architecture. Guests can dine at the all-day Infinity Bar & Restaurant for Mediterranean dishes and cocktails. There’s also a spa with an indoor and outdoor pool, hammam, jacuzzi and sauna, plus a private church for weddings and other special occasions.
Visit OnceInMykonos.com
The Wild
Named after a former fishing area known to locals as ‘the wild ones’, The Wild is built into cliffs on the island’s south-east coast. Ideal for couples or groups looking to relax and unwind, the hotel has traditional Greek architecture with earthy colours and modern design throughout – think handmade decorative accessories and woven fabrics. Guests can swim in the clifftop infinity pool which runs the full length of the property, and book treatments in the open-air spa with its hydro massage pool which is built into the cave walls. There are 40 bedrooms and suites (some have private terraces and plunge pools) plus a two-bedroom pool villa on the cliff’s edge. Book a table at Taverna to enjoy typical Greek dishes or head to restaurant Raw for sundowners and Japanese-inspired dishes. Next summer, the hotel will have a sailing boat available for island hopping tours.
Visit TheWildHotel.com
Habitat Mykonos
With some of the most stylish interiors on this list, Habitat Mykonos was made for couples or solo travellers. A short walk from the village of Agios Stefanos, the boho-chic hotel has rustic interiors and minimalist design – expect artisan furniture, understated furnishings and plush linens. Classic suites have a small living area and marble en-suite, while superior suites have private pools and sea views – rooms even come with e-book readers and pillow menus. Guests can book in for treatments at the spa then enjoy cocktails at the bar before trying traditional Greek dishes in the restaurant.
Visit HabitatMykonos.com
Santa Marina
Santa Marina is one of the few hotels on the island with its own private beach. This summer, it’s expanded its lighthouse jetty and added new day beds and umbrellas to the beach and pool area, while its beach bar – where guests can relax by the sea with cocktails and sushi – has been given a nautical-inspired look. Elsewhere, there are 101 rooms and suites to choose from – as well as 13 villas with two to seven bedrooms, all with light and bright interiors and sea views. There’s also the Buddha-Bar for seafood and Asian dishes, a poolside restaurant and lounge, and a Mediterranean restaurant headed up by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton. You can even travel to and from the island’s beach clubs and restaurants via the hotel’s private jetty.
Visit Santa-Marina.gr
Lovia
This small boutique hotel is to the west of the island, a short walk from Megali Ammos beach and Mykonos Town. There are 21 spacious rooms and suites with whitewashed walls and simple, modern interiors – some with private infinity pools and hot tubs overlooking the sea. Guests can enjoy breakfast in their room or at the pool bar, recharge at the modern spa with its heated outdoor pool, sauna and steam bath, and dine at Sunset Rock restaurant to try local Greek dishes. There’s also an open-air cinema doing evening screenings.
Visit MykonosLovia.com
FOOD & DRINK
Zuma
Co-founded and created by Rainer Becker in London, Zuma is bringing its award-winning contemporary Japanese cuisine to a new location in Mykonos. To the west of the island near New Port, it’s one of the biggest and most impressive Zuma outposts to date, where guests can lounge on day beds beside the pool with cocktails and snacks, then have dinner while DJs take to the decks until the early hours. Expect Zuma’s signature dishes such as roast lobster with green chilli and garlic butter; spicy beef tenderloin with sesame; black cod marinated in miso; and grilled seabass with chilli and ginger.
Visit ZumaRestaurant.com
Bagatelle
After several years of planning, Bagatelle has finally opened in Mykonos. Known for its fun yet sophisticated dining experience and ‘joie de vivre’ spirit, the new restaurant is in Mykonos Town, a short walk from Fabrika Square. Diners can enjoy Bagatelle’s signature French dishes with Mediterranean influences while resident DJs spin house tunes until 1am. Expect performances from aerial performers and fire eaters, and dancing on the seats in signature Bagatelle style.
Visit Bagatelle.com
The Sanctuary
The Sanctuary has sites in Rome, Sardinia and Milan and has just opened a fourth spot in Mykonos near the eastern end of Ftelia beach. More than just a restaurant, the venue is a retreat which hosts open-air performances and events. Guests can bring their children to the family friendly events in the day before it turns into an adults-only space later on. You can book ‘rituals’ to restore the mind and body – think sound baths, meditation, shamanic drums sessions and yoga kundalini – before enjoying going into the restaurant for typical Mediterranean dishes and sushi from the raw bar.
Visit TheSanctuaryEcoRetreat.com
Nōema
Tucked away in Mykonos Town’s lanes, Nōema is a Mediterranean restaurant and bar by Caprice Holdings. The menu is predominantly pescatarian and vegetarian, ranging from raw meze to feasting platters made from local, seasonal produce. Expect dishes like crispy octopus with wild oregano, sun-dried mackerel in lemon verbena sauce, charred beets with hazelnut pesto and yoghurt, and slow-roast pork chops with a cinnamon-anise crust. During the evenings, diners are treated to impromptu DJ sets at the bar and patio, before the party moves inside. There’s also a boutique store and gallery space showcasing handcrafted homeware, books and lifestyle items.
Visit NoemaMykonos.com
La Cantine du Faubourg
La Cantine du Faubourg is the destination restaurant at the Once in Mykonos hotel. The third one after Paris and Dubai, the Mykonos site serves the brand’s signature French dishes – but with a Mediterranean twist. With beautiful sea views, guests can dine in the courtyard, dimly lit by lanterns, or relax by the pool underneath wicker lampshades. Menu highlights include truffle wagyu beef carpaccio, whole crab with spicy mayonnaise and honey short ribs with pomelo and pomegranate. The restaurant feels relaxed in the day, and there’s a lively atmosphere in the evenings when resident DJs play house and soul tunes.
Visit LaCantineMykonos.com
Alemagou
This beach bar and restaurant is where the fashion set are going this summer. Positioned on Ftelia beach, Alemagou’s outdoor restaurant serves modern Greek dishes like crab and avocado salad, crayfish orzo, grilled lobster and galaktoboureko (a traditional filo dessert). Then there’s the sunset and beach lounge where guests can sunbathe on loungers and enjoy sundowners. You’ll want to wear your best beach look to match the chic surroundings.
Visit Alemagou.gr
Beefbar Mykonos
Bill & Coo (one of the island’s smartest hotels) has opened a beach lounge and revamped its restaurant Beefbar. It overlooks the beautiful island of Delos, a Unesco World Heritage site, as well as Ioannis Bay where guests can arrive by boat. Diners can try a selection of traditional Mykonian dishes like salads, mezze and locally sourced seafood. Throughout the summer, the hotel’s other restaurant Gastronony Project will host a series of pop-ups from Michelin-starred chefs like Alexandros Tsiotinis, Luca Piscazzi and Arnaud Bignon.
Visit Bill-Coo-Hotel.com
IT Beach Mykonos
Last year, IT Restaurants group opened party restaurant IT Mykonos on the edge of Old Town. Now, the team has opened an open-fire restaurant and beach club headed up by Michelin-starred chef Nino Di Costanzo. The menu features Italian and Greek dishes which are cooked over flames in the open kitchen. Diners can choose from pasta dishes, salads, pizzas and seafood alongside classic cocktails served to diners on sun loungers on the beach.
Visit ITRestaurants.com
CLUBS & RESIDENCIES
Ftelia by Pacha
Pacha is one of the world’s most famous nightlife brands, so we were excited to hear its hotel has launched Ftelia, a beach club on the northern side of the island. Not your average beach club, the venue also has a restaurant, bar and entertainment space where international DJs play every day of the week. After a special performance from the Martinez Brothers last week, confirmed acts for the rest of the summer include Marco Corola, Guy Gerber, Damian Lazarus and Themba. Dine at the restaurant to enjoy healthy Mediterranean dishes and bar snacks with cocktails.
Visit FteliaPacha.com
Tabū Mykonos
Tabū opened its Mayfair nightclub at the end of last year. Now, the brand has taken its Japanese-inspired concept to Mykonos Town’s strip. At this cool location, resident DJs play techno and house tunes until sunrise, while mixologists serve experimental cocktails at the bar. If you want to party all night, this is where to do it.
Visit TabuMykonos.com
Super Paradise Beach Club
This beach club has just opened after a multimillion-pound renovation. With a distinctive bohemian vibe, the décor is minimalist and chic, featuring natural materials and earthy tones throughout. Guests can relax on the sun loungers with cocktails or sit at the bar to soak up the party vibes with music from resident DJs and saxophonists. Stop by in the late afternoon to order spicy margaritas and seafood tacos.
Visit Super-Paradise.com
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