If you only know Mykonos from its reputation as a global hub of party culture, you’re missing out. Here are twelve small hotels that prioritize the rhythms of nature over those of the night club.
Somewhere between Jackie O. and Lindsay Lohan’s Beach Club, the perception of Mykonos among those who’ve only experienced it through magazines went from glamorous escape for the especially well heeled to global hub of passing out drunk by the pool. We’re here to say: this is not a fair representation.
While Mykonos is no longer thought of as a far-off fantasy land reserved for those with last names like Kennedy and Onassis, it’s still the same magical little island that drew them there in the first place. And its party culture bona fides aren’t necessarily a negative. Even if you come in search of its many relaxing pleasures and natural gifts, sometimes it’s nice to know that actual late-night activities aren’t too far away.
Speaking of relaxing pleasures and natural gifts, we’ve gathered together twelve hotels for a more serene experience on Mykonos. They’re small — with forty rooms or fewer — and they offer a quiet refuge that puts nature over party.
Need more? Check out our full selection of hotels in Mykonos.
The WILD Hotel by Interni
Kalafatis, Mykonos
The Wild Hotel, thankfully, isn’t wild like an all-night party, but rather wild like an undiscovered, unmolested patch of ocean-facing hillside — which is exactly what it is. Here on the island’s southeast coast, just about as far as you can get from Mykonos town, the vibe is bohemian, hand-crafted, and back-to-nature; all of which, of course, is perfectly compatible with a certain level of unpretentious luxury. Read our in-depth profile.
Enigma Hideaway Suites
Aleomandra Glyfadi, Mykonos
Connected to Mykonos by a narrow isthmus, Aleomandra is almost like a separate island — remote, exclusive, and home to some of the area’s most opulent private villas. Near the very tip of the peninsula, Cycladic-chic Enigma Hideaway feels especially far-flung and private. This luxury boutique hotel is made up of just four rooms, each sumptuously outfitted in modern earth-toned décor with king-sized beds and stone-walled terraces overlooking the sea.
Numo Mykonos
Kalafatis, Mykonos
Housed in a beautifully restored historic building on a gently sloping hill above Kalafati Beach, Numo Mykonos is small-scale, retro-chic, and environmentally friendly. It’s the work of a boutique hotel group that runs the popular Numo Ierapetra, on the island of Crete. Numo Mykonos, like its sister hotel, embodies barefoot luxury — in this case, adding a minimalist Cycladic twist and vintage ’60s- and ’70s-inspired glamour.
NOMAD Mykonos
Kalo Livadi, Mykonos
NOMAD Mykonos is a small and luxurious 14-suite adults-only escape that promises splendid isolation on an island that’s not exactly a well-kept secret. It’s on the southeast coast, halfway across the island from Mykonos town, a pleasant few minutes’ walk up the road from the lovely Kalo Livadi beach. But much of its air of reserved luxury is a matter of the hotel itself: a compact little enclave with suites laid out in such a way to frame private views.
Mykonos No5 Suites & Villas
Kanalia, Mykonos
Set on a peninsula across the bay from Mykonos’s town center, Mykonos No5 is perfectly placed for stunning sunset views and finding some seclusion without straying too far from the action. Nearly all of the rooms and suites have terraces facing out to sea, and many of them have plunge pools as well. The style is minimalist but never cold, with furnishings and accents that lean more toward the bohemian than the modernist.
Myconian Panoptis Escape
Elia Beach, Mykonos
Like its sister hotels (Myconian Utopia and Myconian Avaton, for example), Myconian Panoptis is a luxurious escape with dazzling sea views — in this case, 360-degree panoramas over Elia Beach and the Aegean from its clifftop perch. What further sets it apart is an air of exclusivity, thanks in part to the attentive butlers (or Artisans, as they’re called) that serve the hotel’s 21 stylish, boho-chic villas around the clock.
Cali Mykonos
Kalafatis, Mykonos
Arriving at Cali Mykonos is a slow reveal – an ancient olive tree, whitewashed walls, and then the Aegean stretching endlessly below. Carved into a cliff above Kalafatis Beach, it is a quieter, more refined take on Mykonos, where muted tones and contemporary Greek design set a soothing scene. A 130-meter infinity pool curves along the edge, a private beach awaits below, and days unfold between Pilates, yacht excursions, and freshly-caught seafood.
Rocabella Mykonos
Stefanos, Mykonos
Elegant whitewashed architecture, a sparkling pool, sweeping views of the Aegean Sea; Rocabella Mykonos has everything you’d expect at a luxury hotel on one of Greece’s most visited islands, and does it with more style and sophistication than most. The hotel’s design mimics the look and feel of a Greek village, with winding staircases and cool, shadowy pathways leading through the hillside property and opening onto sun-dappled stone terraces overlooking the sea.
Maregold Mykonos
Elia Beach, Mykonos
Maregold Mykonos has eschewed the latest Grecian hotel design trends to bring a touch of Morocco to its contemporary interiors. The whitewashed blocky buildings still stay true to Cycladic architecture, but inside each suite geometric patterned textiles, tiled bathrooms and golden pendant lamps nod towards Marrakech. All rooms come with a sea view, and some with private pools. There’s also an outdoor infinity pool with a view across Elia beach.
Kivotos Mykonos
Ornos Bay, Mykonos
Kivotos Mykonos winds along terraced paths down a hillside looking out over the improbably blue waters of the Bay of Ornos, meaning most of the forty expansive guest rooms come with sea views. All are handsome, quietly contemporary rather than strictly modern, decorated with a smattering of antiques and local artworks. There are no fewer than four swimming pools to choose from (fresh- or salt-water, piped-in music or not).
OMEON Mykonos
Agios Stefanos, Mykonos
Knowing that Mykonos is guaranteed to pull in an annual crowd of partygoers, the adults-only OMEON Mykonos has made the smart decision to offer some downtime. Firstly, the hotel has set itself away from the main attraction of Mykonos Old Town and boasts soothing sea views from most of its coastal whitewashed villas, which come dressed in calming neutral shades. The highlight though is the Aeon Spa.
Mykonos Bliss
Kalo Livadi, Mykonos
If you’ve read this far, you’re likely just as interested in the history of Mykonos as you are its beaches and bar scenes. At Mykonos Bliss, not only do you get incredible views and close proximity to one of the island’s most famous beaches — as well as your own private slice of aqueous paradise — you’re also minutes away from the Cyclades’ ancient past: the 16th-century Monastery Of Panagia Tourliani and the 18th-century Monastery of Paleokastro.
Mark Fedeli is the hotel marketing and editorial director for Tablet and Michelin Guide. He’s been with Tablet since 2006, and he thinks you should subscribe to our newsletter.