Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort — lostwithlina.com

The Greek Gods must have had it good all those years ago – with the island of Mykonos as their playground. It would have provided just the right mix of glamour, beauty and mischief for the fun-loving deities. Then again, they wouldn’t have had the pleasure of staying at Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort.

As we made our way down the hillside entrance of the Hotel, we came face to face with a true Myconian masterpiece. Mykonos Grand is a family-owned and managed Hotel, made up of several three-story buildings sprawling down the hillside towards the quiet Agios Ioannis beach below. With a backdrop of the sacred island of Delos, the birthplace of Apollo, Mykonos Grand is the kind of place where you feel your shoulders drop as soon as you check in and are handed your welcome glass of champagne. As a Small Luxury Hotels of the World member, Mykonos Grand completely lives up to the adjective, especially since undergoing an extensive renovation and rejuvenation in 2015.

We’re given a short tour around the Mykonos Grand; a warren of dazzling whitewashed, cube-shaped buildings with blue-hued shutters, and the backdrop of the deep azure sea - you’ll be fooled into thinking you’re staying in a traditional Cycladic village. A smartly designed network of pathways and elevators makes it easy to manage the hillside location, so you’ll always find your way out eventually. The distinctive allure of the Mykonos Grand is that it is a secret gem that completely belongs in its landscape.

You’ll quickly learn that white is the colour of Mykonos; that famous Cycladic-island white that all the churches here are painted in. In fact, during our two weeks travelling the Greek islands, I don't recall seeing anything other than the iconic white sugar cube buildings – perhaps its law? Colour comes courtesy of the bold blue sky, pink bougainvillaea and cactus trees on every corner here at Mykonos Grand.

We find our way to the Hotel’s plateia (town square), which is centred around the main pool, cocktail bar and restaurant, all of which sit looking out across to Delos and the azure waters below. There are blue sun-loungers and plump daybeds to sink into, and I could mention the fitness centre, personal trainers and tennis courts, but there’s no room for exercise on any holiday of mine. The Hotel’s newly revamped restaurant, Nama, has eschewed the fusion trend to focus on genuine Myconian cuisine. Around dusk, focus shifts to the pool bar or the open-air lobby bar, where you can sip sundowners and plot after-hours escapades.

LOCATION

One aspect that sets Mykonos Grand apart from other hotels in Mykonos is it’s prime location on Agios Ioannis Beach. Guests at Mykonos Grand have the option of enjoying the sun by the pool AND the beach, while at other hotels you would have to pay to go to a beach club if you want to spend the day on the sand.

Another feature we loved about Mykonos Grand was the complimentary evening shuttle back and forth to Mykonos Town. This runs on the hour every evening (I think beginning around 5-6PM) and is a great amenity to take advantage of especially if you don’t plan to rent a car or want to worry about how much you’re drinking at dinner. Mykonos is the place to indulge after all!

HOW TO GET HERE

The hotel is located 2.5 miles, about a 12-minute drive, from Mykonos Airport. Due to the limited number of taxis, it’s often difficult to arrange a transfer on arrival. Given prior notice, the hotel can arrange a transfer.

To reach the hotel by bus, take the Fabrika-bound bus from the Airport or the Tourlos Ferry Port (“The New Port”). These airport and ferry port routes run several times a day throughout the summer but infrequently (if at all) in the winter. Get off at Fabrika in Mykonos Town, and catch a second bus to Agios Ioannis. The bus from the Airport or Ferry Port to Fabrika should take around 10 minutes, and the bus from Fabrika to Agios Ioannis should take about 10 minutes. The total trip should cost about €4 and take under an hour, depending on how long you wait at Fabrika for the Agios Ioannis bus. Tickets are purchased (cash only) on the bus or from a manned kiosk at the terminal. Buses typically run about every 30 minutes during summer peak hours and less frequently at night, in the early morning, and in winter. It is about a 4-minute walk from the bus stop.

Taxis are also available from the port or airport, though there are only about 30 taxis serving the whole island, so there is often a long wait during the summer season; schedule a ride through a private car service in advance to avoid this (I use and recommend Welcome Pickups). Taxis on Mykonos are not metered, so be sure to agree on a price with the driver before setting out. A taxi from the airport or ferry port to Mykonos Grand Hotel will cost roughly €20 to €25. Booking through a private car service will cost only a bit more – about $38 (or €31), but is worth it to avoid the wait and for the convenience of paying ahead.

For those who prefer to drive themselves, we recommend renting a car either at the airport on arrival, or in Mykonos Town. I recommend reserving a vehicle in advance, especially if you require automatic transmission. Upon arrival at the hotel, Mykonos Grand offers free parking.

If you’re feeling slightly more adventurous, the easiest and best way to navigate and explore the island is by ATV. We rented an ATV Quad Bike for €45 a day. You’ll be zipping your way around the island in no time!

SUITES & ACCOMMODATIONS

With 96 guest rooms scattered across the extensive five-acre property, Mykonos Grand provides guests with ample space and privacy, with generously-sized, contemporary ultra-luxe rooms and suites with sea viewsOnly the iconic colours of Myconian architecture, white and blue, are allowed to prevail in the guest-rooms, with splashes of beige or orange with black accents.

Our suite, room 210, is the deluxe sea view room - and I can’t remember the last time we had a room this impressive. I literally jumped around the room in excitement. A freestanding Corian bath (white, of course) sits in front of the white Greek marble walls. All of the guest bathrooms throughout the Hotel have been upgraded with divine white Greek marble, which continues onto the floor of the bedroom areas. All of the furniture, art work and new decorative lighting is elegant and streamlined, recalling mid-twentieth century styling.

This is all lovely, of course, but sometimes it's the little things that stand out most. Like the two sets of complementary beige ‘Mykonos Grand’ hats, or the blue ‘Mykonos Grand’ woven beach bag for your use during your stay at the Hotel. In your wardrobe, you'll also find a skipping rope to help you burn off the many gyros.

FINE DINING AT NAMA RESTAURANT

The newly opened Nama Restaurant, named after the sweet wine, Nama, which is deeply rooted in Greek orthodox tradition that it has come to mean ‘a gift from God’, is situated right beside the main pool, and cooks up a menu which focuses on taking a contemporary, sophisticated approach on classic Greek cuisine with a special emphasis on fresh seafood, local ingredients and sensational wines.

The inspiration behind the design of the newly revamped restaurant was to capture the land and seascape, as well as the climate and light. It has been specifically positioned in a space that looks towards the Aegean and is slightly elevated above the pool, al fresco style. Thanks to its position, all tables, both inside and out of Nama, have front row seats to views of the pool and the backdrop of Delos island.

For our first night in Mykonos, we indulged in an amazing meal; prawns for entree, lobster ravioli for main and Greek donuts for dessert. Who could ask for more? The ambience of Nama truly plays a key role in ensuring guests have a magical experience. You can peacefully enjoy your meal watching the reflection of the ever-changing colours of the sunset glimmering across the pool.

Nama is also where breakfast is served; and it has a rather elaborate and extensive menu where guests are spoilt for choice. I opted for the nutella crepes most mornings - it’s vacation after all. The Pool Bar also offers a number of signature cocktails by the Hotel’s mixologists, as well as a wide range of wines and fine spirits.

THE ALTHEA SPA

Mykonos grand recently announced the launch of Althea Spa Retreat, a brand-new sanctuary of tranquility and wellness. With its name having been inspired by the goddess of healing, Althea is elegantly designed, allowing its guests to be immediately overcome with a sense of calm and serenity as soon as they enter. The new retreat boasts a semi-caved Thalasso pool, overlooking the Aegean, and features a palette of white, grey and blue interiors which perfectly tie in with the overall Cycladic theme of Mykonos Grand.

WHAT TO KNOW

FAMILY-FRIENDLY: This is a family friendly Resort, with a separate children's pool - it even has a babysitting service.

PARKING: Mykonos Grand offers free on-site private parking.

THE SHUTTLE: You can make use of the Hotel’s complimentary shuttle service to Mykonos Town. You will be provided with a timetable of the shuttle services upon check-in.

THE BEACH: No water sports are permitted on the beach, a policy that pays dividends in terms of peace and quiet.

PERSONALISED SERVICE: Majority of the Hotel staff we met have been working with Mykonos Grand for many years, and their personalised service is a point that truly needs to be praised. A special thanks to George at Nama Restaurant, who greeted us with a smile each morning and tended to all of our needs during our time at the Hotel.

LATEST ADDITIONS: There’s a newly revamped fitness centre, tennis courts, and a stone amphitheatre where yoga enthusiasts can practice.

Visit mykonosgrand.gr to check their availability or visit their Instagram, @mykonosgrandresort

I was hosted as a guest of Mykonos Grand, however, all the opinions expressed in this article are, as always, my own.