Sabi Phagura explores The Myconian Collection on Mykonos Island in Greece
Sometimes, when we head to a resort, it’s easy just to fly and flop and do as little as possible after a gruelling work schedule. And while this is a great way to recharge those batteries, it sometimes pays to venture and explore a little further afield.
You can still enjoy some serious R&R while taking in a lot more experiences, as we found out during a recent trip to see the Myconian Collection on Mykonos Island in Greece.
The Myconian Collection is a local family-owned brand encompassing nine luxury hotels that offer guests a variety of fascinating locations, Thalasso spa centres, gourmet restaurants and much more.
Each property offers its own personality and design features spread across three locations. I only stayed there a mere few days, but I could have easily spent a month exploring each and every one of them in detail. Still, using Myconian Avaton Resort as our base, we explored as much as we could.
The Avaton seems to grow out of the bare rock above Elia Beach, formed in equal part by the workings of nature and the help of man. The landscape is stunning no matter which angle you look at it and the rooms, well, it’s a wonder how anyone manages to peel themselves away from them.
My room, with a wonderful sunbathing terrace offering magnificent views of the aforementioned beach and a private infinity pool merging seamlessly with the azure waters of the Aegean, was a carbon copy of its brochure picture.
But when food is calling, it is easy to get distracted. Our first food offering took place at the Nostos Pool Bar at the nearby Myconian Imperial.
With the weather on our side and the sun glistening from the seawater pool, it made it an ideal place to dine. This hotel is an oasis of white, offset by touches of wood and quirky designs like the ‘I love Mykonos’ plump cushions.
Describing them, it sounds like they shouldn’t work, but they really do. Food by the pool bar – fresh fish, salads, vegetables – was as tasty as they looked, but a return visit to the hotel’s gourmet restaurant, Sishu Sushi Bar, was the real showstopper for me.
The Japanese cuisine, with its catch-of-the-day fish creations and signature dishes, was to die for, and I could have genuinely eaten here during my entire stay.
The vibrant Myconian Utopia Resort and the Royal Myconian Resort are the two other hotels which are in close proximity to this area. Each can be reached within minutes by car transfer and is a must-visit, if only to see the amazing designs and views they offer.
The former was my favourite place to do some serious social media picture-sharing. But if you’re looking for a romantic hideaway as a couple or an idyllic place where families and friends can come together, the Myconian Villa Collection is the one to head to.
These superb villas and rooms offer the most spacious and serviced elegantly appointed interiors, state-of-the-art amenities, gourmet restaurants as an alternative to a private chef and a world-class Thalasso spa centre. You really needn’t leave this place.
For those wishing to explore Mykonos Town, overlooking the emblematic Alefkandra windmills (on the very site that the brand’s founder elected for his first hotel) stands the Myconian Kyma Hotel, Myconian Naia Hotel and Myconian Korali Hotel.
Founders – husband and wife duo George and Elefteria Daktylides – recognised an increase in tourism and seized the opportunity to build the first private hotel in Mykonos in 1979.
Following in the family’s footsteps, their four sons, Panos, Marcos, Vangelis and Marios, now manage the Myconian Collection.
The Myconian Avaton Hotel Mykonos Greece.
Their passion has echoed that of their parents, as they dedicated ten months of refurbishment to the three hotels in this part of the island to bring all of them from three-and-a-half star to five-star status.
And from any one of these sanctuaries, exploring Mykonos Town is a real joy. With its labyrinth of streets, which are mostly closed off to traffic, numerous cafes, chic boutiques, souvenirs and fine jewellery shops, tourists and locals alike can while away hours.
The famous whitewashed windmills – a trademark of the island – stand on the hill overlooking the entire city, offering awe-inspiring views. And when the sun goes down, the capital’s narrow streets fill with crowds ready to party and dance the night away. The buzz, both during the day and night, is seriously electric.
Myconian Ambassador Hotel Swimming Pool.
Just five minutes from the charming town, you will find the Myconian Ambassador Hotel. Opened in 1986, it was the island’s first five-star hotel. From the classic Grecian architecture of white and blue to its understated elegance and contemporary design, this space encapsulates a serene hideaway.
Again, views of the Aegean Sea can be seen from almost every vantage point. To top off its credentials, the Efisia fine dining restaurant is known as one of the top tables on the island.
It’s not surprising to learn the family has ties to local farmers- some going back three decades – who grow vegetables and herbs exclusively for their restaurants. Even the salt is the finest ‘fleur de sel’ harvested around the island of Delos. And one of their signature dishes, the octopus, is delivered by an old friend of MD George, who only fishes for himself and the onsite chef.
The Myconian Collection has to be one of the most beautiful collections of hotels I have seen. Each one is different from the other and offers so much to see and do. I’m sure if I returned several times, I would discover something new. My only regret may be that I can’t be everywhere at once.
Myconian – Where and How?
Myconian Avaton Resort – Member of Design Hotels, Elia Beach, offers rooms from €255/£225 per room per night (www.myconianavaton.gr).
Myconian Collection – Member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Elia Beach, offers rooms from €228/£204 per room per night (www.myconianimperial.gr).
Myconian Ambassador Hotel – Member of Relais & Châteaux, Platis Gialos, offers rooms from €240/£212 per room per night (www.myconianambassador.gr).
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