Mykonos has a new address on its southern coast, where a cliffside resort steps down to a private cove on the Aegean. Four Seasons Hotel Mykonos has opened its doors for a first summer, its terraces and gardens falling from the rocks to a stretch of pale sand. The island’s beach clubs, its whitewashed main town and the ancient site of Delos all sit within easy reach.
“Four Seasons Hotel Mykonos is set to elevate the traditional Greek island vacation to an entirely new level of serene luxury, thoughtful details and personalized service. Our goal is to create a deeper experience for our guests as they venture beyond the nightlife and beaches, connecting to Greek culture in more meaningful ways.”
Adrian Messerli, President, Hotel Operations, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Four Seasons
Shaded walkways, courtyards and flowering gardens link 94 rooms and suites, each one facing the water. The design comes from Greek architect Nicos Valsamakis, working in the classic Cycladic language.
A private cove
The hotel sits on the western side of Kalo Livadi Bay, on the south of the island, where terraces and gardens run down from the rocks to a private beach on clear Aegean water. Arrival takes around 20 minutes from the airport and from Chora, the main town, with shuttles and private cars running through the day and into the night. The position keeps the resort apart from the busier stretches of coast while leaving the island’s highlights close at hand.
A private jetty gives the property its own route to the sea, from here, guests can set out on yacht trips to hidden beaches, reach the better kite-surf spots, or cross to calmer islands for the day.
Cycladic by design
Greek architect Nicos Valsamakis shaped the hotel across six hectares, or 15 acres, laid out like a small village. Stone paths, courtyards and gardens designed by Helli Pangalou connect 94 rooms and suites in shade and colour. Every room faces the water with a furnished terrace, and many hold a private plunge pool that seems to run to the sea’s edge.
New York’s Rockwell Group designed four dining rooms across the resort, each with its own character. Álef is a Mediterranean grill, its wood fires scenting the air for guests seated indoors or out on a wide terrace. Corbu turns to the coastal Italian kitchen, with a lightness that suits long afternoons and a dash of la dolce vita.
Mornings begin at Kafeneo, a Greek coffee house in spirit, which by evening pours ouzo as the sun drops. The Beach runs from first light to dusk with cocktails, juices and coffee by the water. Private options round out the choice, from round-the-clock in-room dining to a private room for up to 15 guests at Álef and full restaurant takeovers for a party.
Spa, shoreline and spectacular experiences
The spa, designed by Wimberly Interiors, holds seven treatment rooms, among them a couple’s room, a larger suite and an outdoor pavilion. A terrace juice bar, sauna and steam complete the wellness floor, and a fitness studio and yoga pavilion keep a routine within reach for guests who want one on holiday.
Down the hillside, the private beach offers watersports and slow hours in the sun, reached on foot from the rooms. Two infinity pools sit above the sea, each ringed with plush loungers and served by staff carrying drinks and snacks. Water, sand and shade all fall within a short walk.
Families can find themselves settling in easily across the resort. A supervised kids’ club welcomes children aged 5 to 12, and babysitting is on hand when parents want an evening of their own. Suites and connecting rooms let groups of any size stay under one roof.
In additon to all this, there is also charming chapel on the grounds, poised above the water for vows with the Aegean as witness. A dedicated team shapes a full programme of parties and special touches around the day, leaving the couple and their guests free to soak it all up. The island does much of the work, and the setting does the rest.
“Our local experts can create personalised experiences based on each guest’s own interests. Whether it’s recommending off-the-well-beaten-path restaurants, matching families with a knowledgeable guide, packing a delicious picnic to go, or simply helping you make sense of Chora’s maze of streets and squares, our team will create your perfect Greek Island holiday.”
Ryan Grande, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Mykonos
Chora’s stone lanes and white houses hold designer boutiques, galleries and easy cafes at every turn. A short crossing reaches Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo and one of the most extensive archaeological sites anywhere, where the island’s history opens up.