Decades ago Brigitte Bardot, Grace Kelly, Liz Taylor and Jackie O established Mykonos’ status as a European hotspot. Come the late 2010s it became synonymous with party-loving celebrity patrons such as Lindsey Lohan, Bella Hadid, and Kendall Jenner — who went viral after posting a video of herself drinking from the bottle on a jet ski. She was at Ornos Bay’s Santa Marina resort, which has earned a reputation as a place to both hide out and let loose.
A member of the Luxury Collection Resort group, it offers a welcome sense of seclusion, largely because it’s the only resort on the island with a private beach. This makes it a jewel where guests can escape the throngs and experience a quieter side of the island. Though if you are drawn by the thrum of late night fun, its beach club Buddha Bar is famous for bringing the vibes come evening.Then there’s its attentive yet understated service, which keeps guests coming back to family-owned Santa Marina year after year.
Where?
In the calm Ornos Bay, with unbeatable views across the Aegean. It’s one of the only spots on the island with a sandy beach — a welcome rarity on this rocky landscape.
It’s just a 15 minute drive from bustling Mykonos town, but Santa Marina feels like a sanctuary from which to explore the rugged nature of the island and its mythological past. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Delos, with its ancient relics, is just a 20-minute boat ride away and idyllic, uninhabited Rhenia is easily reachable as well, for a spot of swimming in its turquoise coves.
Style
Entrepreneur Elias Papageorgiou bought the land on which Santa Marina is built in 1979 and it has become one of the island’s most glamorous resorts. His daughter Christiana took the reigns in 2012, and while retaining its intimate feel, it continues to evolve. Recently the historic windmill was converted — a traditional landmark well worth tearing yourself from your lounger to witness. As is the pretty chapel, which is an occasional wedding venue.
The aesthetic isn’t the classic Greek look you might expect, but more glossy maximilism. There’s four-poster bamboo poster beds and monchrome artwork in some rooms, and natural themed touches such as sea coral and light wood in others. The beach club and cabanas are decked out in light rattan, chic stripes and hanging egg chairs, with smooth stone underfoot.
Facilities
The resort boasts two infinity pool decks. The expansive Oasis area is the perfect place to take in the passing yachts from sunken cabanas. Down on the beach turmeric parasols line the cove nestled beach club. And this is where you’ll really feel how special the service is. One of the hotel’s 300-plus staff will make every step of your stay as seamless as possible, from remembering how you drink your coffee, to reserving your favourite beach lounger and appearing with a menu just as the word ‘lunch’ enters your mind.
For more R&R, the Ginkgo spa is a beautiful space, with mosaic tiles mingling with contemporary touches. Treatments by ESPA and 111SKIN promise to balance body and mind, in keeping with the Greek Harmonia ethos. Ask for Christina if having a Hammam.
If you’re inclined to work out on holiday, there’s a super modern Technogym equipped with a reformer Pilates bed. Oh, and a tennis court if Challengers has inspired you.
Which room?
Most of the 105 elegant rooms and 12 villas frame idyllic views of the sea and surrounding islands. The curved stone suites are staggered along the hillside, giving the hotel the feeling more of a village than a resort. Some of the suites with private pools boast lush green lawns (no mean feat in this heat). Rooms have rainfall showers, large baths and Nespresso machines, as well as sizeable closets.
The newly reimagined Mykonian Windmill is part of the special heritage of Santa Marina, and for those seeking an extra special stay, it now features three floors of accommodation. In the evenings it comes alive, lit by lanterns and uplighting on its conical ceiling.
Food & drink
Head to Elais restaurant for authentic Greek food, set against the stunning blue of the Aegean with a laid-back Mediterranean feel. It’s named after Apollo’s granddaughter, who had the magic ability to make olive bushes grow and trees bear fruit.
Buddha Bar is a restaurant, bar and beach club beloved by the chic set. The menu here is Asian with a Greek twist. The sushi is great, plus there are beautifully crafted cocktails. A violinist can be found lending the atmosphere in the daytime, and later on, DJs turn the venue into a party. Do ask for a room further from the action if you’d prefer not to hear the revellers at night or are visiting with kids.
Meanwhile the Santa Marina Beach Bar & Lounge is laid-back, serving icy drinks and a mix of Greek and Buddha Bar dishes. Kids (and adults too) will love the retro-chic ice cream cart.
Best for...
Luxury lovers who want to experience Mykonos without the crowds. It’s also ideal for those looking for a resort with soul and family values.
The details
Stay at Santa Marina from £400. santa-marina.gr
