MYKONOS MAGIC
Mykonos’s reputation as the Aegean party island precedes itself, so if you are looking for rest and relaxation keep heading to Antiparos. Come the start of the summer season it is base camp to all the high-octane glamour and high-jinx of the international jet set.
But In between the superyachts and spectacular people watching, you will also find a more authentic low-fi cool that is pure haute hippy luxe. Castaway Island beach clubs, miles of bleached driftwood and white washed buildings on white sands rolling into turquoise waters, Mykonos boasts a new barefoot luxury that has the style set flocking to the jewel in the Cyclades crown.
Here’s your hit list to some old favourites, eternal classics and chic additions you won’t want to miss.
HIT THE BEACH
The first order of Mykonos business is Beach Clubs and from one or two early institutions (hello and thankyou Nammos) there is now one (or three) for every day and night of your stay. Here are some of my favourites.
Alemagou
Rustic boho chic and the antithesis of the splashy look at me vibe of Nammos. Relaxed and slightly remote on Tarsanas, rugged coastline melts into Aegean water. Its authentic, awesome and you will not want to leave. Alemagou.gr
Scorpios
Scorpios really shifted the needle by creating a sophisticated yet raw organic aesthetic. Arriving through sand dunes, it’s all rustic luxe and where the globe-trotting gyp-set want to be all day, every day. Great food, a breathtakingly expensive wine list, deep house tracks and dancing on the sand whilst the sun sets. What’s not to love?
Scorpiosmykonos.com
Principote
On the north end of the Island on Panormos Beach, it is all smooth washed timbers and blue Aegean vistas as far as the eye can see. Settle in for another day in paradise. Principote.com
Ftelia Beach Club
Super chic and sophisticated, Ftelia Beach Club is nestled on the water’s edge of pristine Ftelia Beach and has had everyone in a style spin. Tones of ochre, sunburnt orange and terracotta, against white washed walls and blue water, Ftelia is the design genius of Italian architect Fabrizio Casiraghi and exudes a decidedly sixties design glamour. Fteliabeachclub.com
Nammos
Where bigger is better and more is still not enough, Nammos is the OG of the hedonistic beach club scene, where dancing on the tables before entrée is the norm. There are better versions, but still worth a visit now that the Nammos village retail precinct has been redeveloped, thankfully still including the super luxe Louisa boutique, home to the best curated edit of high end vacay pieces on the Island.
Jordan’s at Psarrous Beach
If your Amex and liver need a break, have a day at Jordan’s kiosk on Psarraou beach. You will find low fi sun lounges and the best home style cooking from Jordan’s kiosk. Jammed between Mykonos Blu and Nammos, you are still within ear shot of great tunes and people watching on a budget break.
ITS ALL GREEK
Yes, you are there for the calamari and tarama, but you will also rejoice in the fresh, seasonal and locally sourced fare being served in these kitchens.
Spilia Seaside Restaurant
Another day, another magical eating experience on the water’s edge. Spilia is nestled into the rocky cove of Agia Anna next to Kalafatis beach, and you feel like you are suspended over the sea. Needless to say there is an abundance of freshly caught seafood on the menu. Spiliarestaurant.gr
Kiki’s
No phone, no power, no bookings. Kiki’s is an institution and old school Greek eating at its best. Legend has it Mr Kiki made Kim and Kanye line up like everyone else. That’s just the way it is at Kiki’s. With a position and view like no other other, you’ll drink beer in cold cans barefoot under vines and eat fresh octopus cooked over hot coals, all while sitting above stunning Agios Sostis beach. Get there early to get in line.
Interni
An elevated dining experience in an outside courtyard in the heart of Mykonos town. Matoyiannia Mykonos, reservations@interniresaurant.com
Kalita
Another high end dining destination with reimagined Green flavours and tastes. 31 N Kalogera Str 84600 Mykonos info@kalitamykonos.com
Nikos Gallop
When the locals stream into a place you know you are in business. Nikos Gallop is just that. Family owned and run, its honest traditional Greek food at its best. Platys Gialos Mykonos info@nikosgallop.com
Bhudda Bar Beach at Santa Marina
Nestled into the side of rolling green lawns, the view of super yachts jostling for key mooring positions is more entertaining than the people watching at the Shisha bar. Ornos Bay Mykonos buddhabar@santa-marina.gr
BeefBar on the Coast
For when you need to swap out the octopus for a big juicy ribeye. Part of the global BeefBar group, this seaside outpost opened this summer and is next door to Bill & Coo Hotels. Agios Ioannis Mykonos reservations.mykonos@beefbar.com
Ling Ling Hakkasan
Who knew Asian flavours and Greek local ingredients could fuse into something so fabulous? For a shift in gear when you are after a different culinary experience and vibe entirely. Malamaternias Street, Mykoos Town reservations@linglingmykonos.com
Matsuhisa
For your sushi fix, waste no time getting to the open air Nobu outpost at The Belvedere Hotel in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Mykonos town. contact@matsuhisamykonos.com
Nikkei
A Peruvian restaurant where the (beautiful) people watching is nothing short of stellar next level. Nikkeirestobars.com
Oti Apomeine
An off the beaten track local taverna in the heart of the old town Ano Mera. Serving locally sourced and and in season organic food, this rustic gem is big on authenticity and food served with heart. Ano Mera Mykonos otiapomeine@yahoo.com
