The Myconian Arts: A Connoisseur's Guide to Greece's Most Seductive Isle Stories > Hotels > The Myconian Arts: A Connoisseur's Guide to Greece's Most Seductive Isle Curation by Yasmina Rodríguez, words by Bastiaan EllenMykonos rises from the Aegean like a symphony carved in marble and light. Here, on an island where mythology claims the giants slain by Hercules still rest beneath the earth, contemporary luxury finds its most graceful expression. The same winds that once filled the sails of ancient vessels now carry the laughter from exclusive beach clubs across crystalline waters, while centuries-old streets host some of the world’s most sophisticated travellers. For the discerning gay voyager, Mykonos represents more than a destination—it’s the embodiment of refined liberation. The island’s metamorphosis into an international beacon of style mirrors its journey as an LGBTQ+ sanctuary, where acceptance isn’t merely granted but celebrated with characteristic Greek passion.Exceptional StaysTransform each sojourn into an extraordinary experience. Through Mr Hudson, unlock a world of privileges at the world’s most prestigious properties—including gourmet breakfasts, priority suite upgrades, and generous resort credits. MEET OUR PARTNERS The iconic cubic buildings, their whites made brilliant by the Mediterranean sun, now house some of the world’s finest examples of architectural reinvention KalesmaThe soul of Cycladic luxuryAs dawn breaks over the Aegean, Mykonos reveals its dual nature: a place where weather-worn fishing boats still bob in hidden coves while private helicopters trace elegant arcs toward clifftop helipads. The island’s evolution from humble maritime village to global luxury haven tells a story of remarkable transformation, yet one that has somehow preserved its soul intact.In the narrow lanes of Chora, where bougainvillea cascades over centuries-old walls, you’ll find the seeds of this metamorphosis. Here, what once were fishermen’s homes have been reimagined as intimate boutiques and design hotels, their traditional Cycladic architecture—all smooth curves and stark angles—providing the perfect canvas for contemporary luxury. The iconic cubic buildings, their whites made brilliant by the Mediterranean sun, now house some of the world’s finest examples of architectural reinvention.This is luxury that speaks in whispers rather than shouts. It reveals itself in subtle details: hand-woven textiles that echo ancient patterns, infinity pools that appear to merge with the horizon, and outdoor spaces that frame the landscape like living paintings. Each resort approaches this balance differently, some embracing minimalist modernity, others celebrating traditional craftsmanship, but all sharing a deep respect for the island’s timeless aesthetic.The result is a destination that feels both authentic and elevated—where a morning might begin with the time-honored ritual of watching local fishermen mend their nets, only to end with a sunset meditation session in a private villa designed by a world-renowned architect. This is Mykonos’s greatest achievement: it has ascended to the pinnacle of global luxury while keeping its feet firmly planted in the rich soil of its cultural heritage. Photo: Woody Van Der Straeten Photo: Angelo PantazisA tapestry of sublime staysAs the Aegean light shifts through its daily dance, it illuminates a constellation of extraordinary havens scattered across Mykonos’s sun-sculpted landscape. Each property stands as a testament to the island’s ability to reinvent luxury while honouring its ancestral soul—some perched like modernist monasteries on windswept ridges, others nestled within the embrace of secret coves where the rhythm of waves sets the pace of days.These aren’t merely places to rest; they’re carefully orchestrated experiences where ancient Cycladic building traditions merge with contemporary design vision. In hillside sanctuaries, infinity pools mirror the endless sky while private terraces catch the theatre of sunset. Along pristine shores, beachfront retreats pulse with the energy of the coast, their architecture flowing from sand to sea in a graceful dialogue with the natural world. Panoptis EscapeSanctuaries in the sky: Where privacy meets perfectionFor those who seek the pinnacle of Myconian luxury, these extraordinary retreats redefine exclusivity. Perched in privileged positions across the island, these havens of refinement offer more than mere accommodation—they present private worlds where every detail is crafted to exceed the expectations of the most discerning travellers. Here, luxury finds expression in space, silence, and seamless service.Panoptis Escape claims its territory high above Elia Beach, where infinity pools seem to pour into the Aegean horizon. Here, luxury finds its purest form: private villas where traditional Cycladic architecture meets contemporary design, and personal butlers anticipate desires before they form. Dawn brings private yoga sessions on sun-warmed terraces; dusk transforms your villa into an intimate restaurant where Michelin-worthy meals are served under canopies of stars.At Deos Mykonos, overlooking the sheltered waters of Elia, each suite tells its own story of refined isolation. The resort’s design ethos marries brutal concrete with soft, weathered wood, creating spaces that feel both dramatic and deeply comfortable. Private pools reflect the changing light of day, while dedicated concierges craft bespoke experiences that range from sunset sailing to private beach dinners.Cali Mykonos embraces its position above Kalafati Beach with theatrical grandeur. The resort’s 40 villas, each with private pools, cascade down the hillside like a modern interpretation of a Cycladic village. Here, wellness transcends the ordinary—think sunrise meditation sessions followed by treatments in the spa cave, where ancient Greek healing traditions meet contemporary luxury. Deos Mykonos Deos MykonosIntimate artistry: Design-forward staysFor the aesthetically minded who appreciate intimate settings and distinctive design, these boutique properties offer a more personal take on luxury. Each has been carefully crafted to provide a sophisticated yet warm atmosphere where architectural beauty meets intuitive service, and every corner tells a story of style and attention to detail.Bill & Coo presides over Mykonos Town like a private members’ club for the design-conscious. Its lounge pool, studded with fibre-optic lights, creates the illusion of swimming in a sea of stars. The hotel’s gastronomic restaurant transforms local ingredients into artistic expressions that would impress even the most seasoned epicureans.Boheme Mykonos redefines boutique luxury with its artful blend of Cycladic minimalism and bohemian spirit. Sunset cocktails on the terrace become a daily ritual, with the windmills of Mykonos Town silhouetted against the changing sky. Each suite serves as a private gallery where contemporary art meets traditional craftsmanship. Bill & Coo Bill & CooCoastal revelry: Where social spirits soarFor those who wish to be at the centre of Mykonos’s celebrated social scene, these beachfront properties offer the perfect blend of energy and elegance. Here, the island’s famous joie de vivre flows seamlessly from day to night, while sophisticated accommodations provide peaceful retreats when desired.Mykonos Ammos Hotel embraces its position on Ornos Beach with sophisticated playfulness. Here, the social scene revolves around the seaside restaurant and beach club, where beautiful people gather for long, leisurely lunches that stretch into sunset aperitifs. The rooms offer a serene retreat when needed, their whitewashed simplicity providing calm after sun-soaked days.Mykonos Riviera Hotel & Spa commands attention from its privileged position above the new marina. Its naval-inspired design—think polished teak decks and crisp white furnishings—creates an atmosphere of a luxury yacht made permanent. The infinity pool, seemingly suspended between sea and sky, hosts some of the island’s most glamorous sunset gatherings. Mykonos Riviera Hotel & Spa Mykonos Riviera Hotel & SpaHidden harmonies: Retreats for the soulFor travellers seeking tranquility without sacrificing sophistication, these secluded sanctuaries offer the perfect balance of privacy and refinement. Here, luxury whispers rather than shouts, creating spaces where one can truly unwind while remaining connected to the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.Kalesma Mykonos reimagines traditional Cycladic architecture through a lens of contemporary luxury. Set above Ornos Bay, the resort’s blackened timber and local stone create a striking contrast against the whitewashed landscape. Each suite and villa celebrates indoor-outdoor living, with private pools positioned to capture the drama of Myconian sunsets.NOMAD Mykonos brings barefoot luxury to Kalo Livadi Beach. This bohemian sanctuary offers a more intimate interpretation of island life, where morning yoga sessions and farm-to-table breakfasts set the tone for days of elegant relaxation. The suites, with their natural materials and earthy palette, feel like sophisticated beach houses rather than hotel rooms. Kalesma Each day on Mykonos unfolds like a carefully choreographed celebration of sun, sea, and sophisticated pleasureThe rhythm of beach club lifeEach day on Mykonos unfolds like a carefully choreographed celebration of sun, sea, and sophisticated pleasure, with the island’s legendary beach clubs playing starring roles in this daily theatre. At Super Paradise Beach, JackieO’ sets the stage for refined revelry, where elevated entertainment meets bohemian luxury—think international DJs spinning sophisticated soundtracks while drag performers command attention from the poolside stage. Here, some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful people lounge on designer daybeds, their laughter carrying across the crystalline waters. Further along the coast, Scorpios transforms the beach club concept into a sensory journey, its organic architecture and natural materials creating an amphitheatre of sunset worship. As afternoon mellows into evening, the space pulses with carefully curated music that seems to emerge from the landscape itself, drawing beautiful people into its embrace like moths to a flame.Those seeking quieter pleasures find sanctuary at Agrari Beach Club, where luxury expresses itself through space and tranquility, with private cabanas tucked discretely into the natural landscape. For a taste of authentic Myconian mysticism, Alemagou on windswept Ftelia Beach offers elegant shelter inspired by traditional Cycladic architecture, while at Agios Ioannis Beach, Beefbar elevates the experience through world-class gastronomy, proving that sophisticated dining and barefoot beach luxury can coexist in perfect harmony. Each venue writes its own chapter in Mykonos’s daily story of pleasure and refinement, offering distinct interpretations of the perfect beach day. Photo: Axp Photography ScorpiosWhen to embrace the isleWhile Mykonos enchants from May to October, June and September offer the perfect balance of energy and space. The water is warm, the crowds sophisticated rather than overwhelming, and the island’s true character shines through. July and August bring peak season’s electric atmosphere, when the world’s beauty seekers converge to create an unforgettable display of summer’s ephemeral magic.The essentials of elegancePack with intention: flowing linens and light cottons for day, designer swimwear for the beach clubs, and at least one outfit that makes you feel divine for special evenings. Don’t forget elegant yet comfortable footwear—Mykonos’s charming cobblestone streets require both style and practicality. NOMAD MykonosA Mr Hudson invitationThrough our lens, Mykonos transcends its reputation as merely a playground for the beautiful. It becomes a canvas for creating your own definition of paradise, where every luxury is accessible but never ostentatious, every pleasure possible but never prescribed. Let us craft your perfect Myconian moment, complete with priority upgrades, exclusive access, and those special touches that transform a vacation into a legend.share Panoptis Escape Kalesma Panoptis Escape Boheme Mykonos Photo: Damien Rei Photo: Alex Korolkoff Photo: Despina Galani Photo: Stathis Statharas Kalesma Bill & Coo Bill & Coo Scorpios Mykonos Kalesma NOMAD Mykonos NOMAD Mykonos Panoptis Escape Boheme Mykonos Bill & Coo Mykonos Ammos Hotel Boheme Mykonos Bill & Coo Boheme Mykonos kalesma Kalesma Boheme Mykonos Kalesma Deos Mykonos Kalesma Kalesma NOMAD Mykonos Bill & Coo NOMAD Mykonos Boheme Mykonos Mykonos Ammos HotelDid you enjoy this article? Then sign up for our newsletterDid you enjoy this article? 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