The most beautiful hotels in Mykonos for a zen and glamorous stay

1. Kalesma, an exclusive refuge

The pitch? On the Bay of Ornos, in Alomeandra, nestles the Mykonos boutique-hotel Kalesma, a secret and exclusive refuge, a place whose charm is discovered over time. An immersive invitation to be lulled by a special energy... The hotel in Greece is located in a region where the horse was once king ; according to legend, the place was home to the sacred Delian stables of the god Apollo. Various design elements pay tribute to this equestrian heritage: the hotel logo or the horsehair adorning the lighting fixtures. This project came about thanks to the passion of two associates and friends for this island: Aby Saltiel, Makis and Sofia Kousathanas, who also own the Pere Ubu and Sea Spice restaurants in Athens.

The hotel? It's reminiscent of a typical Mykonos village, with 25 suites and 2 villas overlooking the sea. It was designed in collaboration with the Saint of Athens agency, K-Studio and Vangelis Bonios of Studio Bonarchi.

The décor features raw, natural materials that blend perfectly with the landscape, while the whitewashed walls, typical of the Cyclades, sublimate the blue of the Aegean Sea. The suites, both spacious and cosy, reveal many surprises, such as a private pool, outdoor shower or bathtub overlooking the bay. Two Mediterranean villas named Apollo and Artemis evoke the myth of Delos, the sacred island directly opposite the hotel, where the god of light, sun, poetry and music and his twin sister were born.

Aby has long worked in the New York fashion industry, as evidenced by touches such as this sofa by Rick Owens, made especially for Kalesma, and details that exude the discreet luxury found in the suites. It's the ideal place to recharge your batteries, far from the world... which you can extend by visiting the recently inaugurated spa, featuring treatments by Dr. Barbara Sturm. Emerging from this tranquil setting, you can join the warm ambience of the restaurants: the Athens-style Pere Ubu, the Pool Bar and the Aloni Sunset Lounge. The menu features succulent Greek specialties made from seasonal produce, not to mention a list of local wines.

A big surprise awaits guests at the end of the road: a chapel designed for Kalesma, illustrated in black and white by cartoonist Gerasimos Hatzis. The music, composed by Stefanos Giakoumakis, will transport you into another dimension. You can end the evening over dinner, watching the sun set from a vantage point overlooking a pool, at the heart of which crackles an outdoor fireplace reflecting the magic of Delos. A stay that resembles a dream.

Features :

• Aby, the host of these premises, is full of good addresses and personalized advice,
• The Pere Ubu table, both succulent and convivial,
• La Chapelle, a jewel that will delight even the most jaded of souls.

Kalesma
27 keys from €605 per night for two in a deluxe room including breakfast
Aleomandra, Mykonos 84600, Greece
www.kalesmamykonos.com

2. Once in Mykonos, zen and glamour

Still on Ornos Bay, overlooking the multitude of yachts, caiques and catamarans, rises the aptly named "Once in Mykonos". Built into the hillside on several levels, the ambiance of this luxury hotel in Mykonos is both chic and relaxed. A dreamlike view that won't leave you, whether you enjoy it from your room, on the terrace, in a Jacuzzi or in the private pool of certain suites.

Even more majestic is the panorama around the infinity pool and its floating deckchairs, veritable cocoons of well-being, where you are lulled into an infinite sense of well-being, or at the "Infinity Restaurant", just a few steps away, at any time of day. The menu bears the signature of Executive Chef Kyriakos Sotiriou, who has sharpened his knives at numerous Michelin-starred addresses, and Chef de Cuisine Marios Toutountzoglou, while breakfast features a range of Greek recipes, including a selection of local cheeses such as Graviera from Crete. Special mention should be made of the sweet creations of pastry chef Christina Daskalaki, including rizogalo (light Greek rice pudding sprinkled with cinnamon) and orange tart. Dinner will be the highlight of your stay, set against the backdrop of an endless sunset over Ornos beach. Signature dishes not to be missed: Dakos salad, a Cretan specialty (trio of tomatoes, toasted carob rolls and Kopanisti cheese), and above all kakabia, a fish soup with lemongrass and ginger, topped with cod and shrimp "giouverlakia".

The sea view is always a delight from the fully-equipped gym, a setting that also lends itself to outdoor yoga sessions. And let's not forget the spa, offering state-of-the-art techniques and cosmetic treatments by Omorovicza, Natura Bisse, Carol Joy London & Leahlani.

And, of course, you're always welcome to get away from it all: you're not far from the famous beaches of Psarou or Paradise Club Beach, and the hotel can organize a boat trip to Delos and the nearby island of Rhenaeus. On your return, you'll always be delighted to come back to Once in Mykonos, where the staff remember your first name and which coffee you had for breakfast.

Once in Mykonos
58 rooms and suites, from €358 per night
Ornos Beach, Mykonos, Greece

3. Belvedere Hilltop Rooms & Suites, the Greek Dolce Vita

Ideally situated on a hill, just a four-minute walk from the center of Mykonos, Hilltop Rooms & Suites has a unique charm all of its own. A complementary address to the mythical Belvedere Hotel, it is nestled 250 meters above the parent address, far enough away to avoid the decibels of beach clubs and other party spots, while enjoying one of the most beautiful views on the island. Its 26 rooms were designed by architect Domna Ioannidis of Concept Boarding Architectural Studio, in a minimalist, authentic atmosphere that enhances the landscape. From the other accommodations - 30 to 50 m² houses with whitewashed walls, Jacuzzi pools or terraces - you can admire the panorama that stretches from the windmills of the old port to Little Venice.

Surrounded by lush vegetation, in stark contrast to the aridity of the island, the new pool also offers breathtaking views. Here, you can sip a cocktail in the blue and orange garden furniture. Another special moment at this Mykonos hotel is breakfast. Take a seat in the Magic Gardens, an idyllic garden, and discover Greek cheeses such as manouri, freshly squeezed juices and homemade jams, served by friendly staff.

What's more? Guests have access to the services of the Belvedere Hotel a few meters down the road: dine at the Matsuhisa, admire the mural around the pool by British artist Luke Edward Hall or visit the Six Senses Spa.

Belvedere Hilltop and Suites, Leading Hotels of the World
26 keys from €447 per night for a sea-view room
Mykonos Town 84600 Greece

4. Nomad Hotel, a sanctuary of serenity

In the south-east of the island, the Nomad Hotel is an almost secret luxury hotel in Mykonos. Just a stone's throw from the tranquil Kalo Livadiet beach of Ano Mera, the island's only village, Nomad offers a return to its roots and cultivates an authentic art of living. As soon as you arrive, you're greeted by a three-hundred-year-old olive tree surrounded by a stone wall displaying tamatas, votive offerings from the neighboring island of Tinos. Here, guests can engrave their first name and leave an imprint of their stay. Jars and amphorae line the path to the lobby, where a farm table displays various seeds and aromatic herbs with healing properties. At the side of the room, a small cinema with armchairs shows a Charlie Chaplin film. The Nomad is a discreet, serene retreat that invites you to take your time.

The sleekly designed rooms feature a minimalist décor that highlights nature and raw materials. Muted hues evoke the landscape, while the lapping of water is the soundtrack to a stay in the 14 suites, provoked by a private pool or whirlpool. For complete relaxation, in-room massages, facials and specialized treatments are available.

The hotel's communal area forms an agora around the pool. The Kukulu restaurant unfurls its tables around the same pool, showcasing the products and flavors of the Mediterranean. Breakfast is also in keeping with this philosophy of authenticity: homemade bread, butter from the farm, artisanal and organic jams and marmalades. An ideal address for exploring the hinterland, and ending the day with a glass of wine by the fire in the courtyard.

Plus points:

• Discreet, friendly service
• A haven of peace, away from the crowds
• The suites are very spacious.

Nomad Mykonos, Small Luxury Hotels of the World
From €474 per night including breakfast
Kalo Livadi, Mikonos 846 00, Greece

5. Boheme Mykonos, a bubble of well-being

From the moment you enter this Mykonos hotel, you're enveloped by an atmosphere that invites you to let go, a feeling reinforced by the staff dressed in the island's typical bohemian spirit. You'll immediately be captivated by the soothing view over the Aegean Sea, the promise of sublime sunsets... Descending to the edge of the rounded comma-shaped pool, deckchairs nestle in a troglodyte space that hugs the rock, forming an ideal bubble-refuge.

On the other side of the hotel, you'll discover a nugget: a garden of herbs and plants unique to Mykonos: guests can choose from rosemary, thyme and lemons to compose their cocktails. Culinary workshops are held under olive and pomegranate trees, and the setting is ideal for outdoor yoga sessions. The well-being of body and mind is at the heart of this immersive experience, thanks to massages and spa treatments.

The 27 suites are housed in a white building, typical of Cycladic architecture, and are decorated in a minimalist boho chic spirit. Retro lighting and round fans on stands, a nod to the island's famous windmills, decorate the space. Local craftsmanship is showcased with unique design pieces such as Tinos marble washbasins, made by the island's stonemasons. In the reception area, a 500-year-old Tripoli jar sits majestically. The poolside Bilo Bar and Restaurant offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea from its balconies and terraces. The chef selects local produce to create Greek and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

More..:

• Garden and vegetable patch
• View of the Aegean Sea
• Cocooning atmosphere
• Location for quick access to Chora, the pulsating heart of Mykonos

Boheme Mykonos Hotel, Small Luxury Hotels of the World
From €333 per night, including breakfast
Mykonos Town, Mikonos 846 00, Greece