Kivotos Mykonos

To outsiders, the appeal of Mykonos has waxed and waned, cool one decade, uncool the next. For the record, it’s apparently cool again, but ask a local (or better yet, visit yourself) and you’ll find it’s the kind of place whose natural charms should transcend any concerns about relative coolness.

Case in point is Kivotos Mykonos. Concerns about hipness are evanescent at best when you’re floating in one of four swimming pools (choose between fresh- or salt-water, piped-in music or not), looking out over the improbably blue waters of the Bay of Ornos. The forty guest rooms are a rather uncomplicated good time as well: the hotel complex winds along terraced paths down the hillside, meaning most of the expansive rooms come with sea views. All are handsome, quietly contemporary rather than strictly modern, decorated with a smattering of antiques and local artworks, and though they feel private they’re anything but remote: attentive staffers are never far away.

Two restaurants, a cocktail bar and a spa and fitness center see to it that all your needs are seen to on site. The beach, a tricky walk down the hill, is smallish and rocky, but no matter — the view is better from poolside anyway. There’s no need to leave, and most will have little inclination; but just in case, a shuttle runs frequently to town (and to some more hospitable beaches).

Please note: Kivotos Mykonos requires a 4-night minimum in July and August.

How to get there:
Mykonos can be easily reached by plane or ferry. Flight time from Athens is approximately 45 minutes. Ferries from Athens' Pireaus port to Mykonos take approximately 7.5 hours. Ferries from Santorini (Thira) to Mykonos are approximately 2 hours.