The turquoise sea at Santa Marina Mykonos
(Picture: Santa Marina Mykonos)When sitting down to write the ubiquitous travel feature about Mykonos, many words come to mind to describe the glittering Greek island floating in the middle of the Cyclades — but let’s not pretend ‘undiscovered’ is one. For plenty of LGBTQ+ travellers, a week sunning and schmoozing on the hallowed isle is a rite of passage, and its reputation as one of Europe’s best spots for a hedonistic escape has been cemented by Insta stories of dazzling beachside lunches and sorbet sunsets posted by the world’s richest and most famous. It’s all part of the draw. Santa Marina Mykonos, the resort with bragging rights to the island’s only private beach, doesn’t fly under the radar either.
While Mykonos vies for the crown of see-and-be-seen isle of the Med, secluded Santa Marina provides the perfect foil for those seeking a more discreet vacation. If you can’t stretch your budget for one of its 13 private villas (with dedicated butler, of course) then settle in like I did to one of the more than 100 breezy rooms and suites, all with fabulous views, sky-high pillows and bathrobes that could double as duvets. The added bonus? I was spoilt with two secluded terraces, one reserved for tanning and the other for daily sundowners.
