Mandraki Beach Resort

The mythical hydra has many heads, but the island of the same name has only one sandy beach — and it’s on this idyllic stretch of sand that you’ll find the Mandraki Beach Resort, a modern luxury resort built on the site of a 19th-century naval fortification. It’s this curious history that explains the aesthetic; one part weathered stone and one part crisp, contemporary minimalism, it’s a look that conveys plenty of character without feeling heavy or overbearing.

It’s a fitting aesthetic for this low-key, bohemian destination. While Mandraki offers what is unmistakably a luxurious experience, it’s an unpretentious one, and the tranquil vibe is helped along by the solidity of the construction and the spaciousness of the interiors. There’s nothing here smaller than a 22-square-meter suite, and at the upper end of the range they come with luxe extras like private pools, and the suite in the old watchtower adds extra space and a far-ranging sea view.

Meanwhile Mandraki’s beach is lined with orderly rows of loungers, and guests are served by the Captain M restaurant, whose menu ranges from Mediterranean classics to bao buns and sushi — and whose atmosphere ranges from sunny beach-bar ease to casual glamour in the evenings.