Australian travellers are having a love affair with Greece. According to Kayak[1], there has been a 109 per cent increase on searches to Athens year-on-year by Australians, and the Greek Islands are among Australians’ ‘top 10’ must-visit destinations[2] – with Mykonos rounding out most holiday wish lists[3]. Meeting this growing demand from discerning travellers is the island’s luxe ten-hotel Myconian Collection – offering travellers a choice of premium properties in prime locations – all family owned and operated.
The Myconian Collection’s luxury hotels boast a mix of beautiful beach, hillside and vibrant village locations including Elia Beach, Platis Gialos and Mykonos Town. Each has earned a reputation for delivering the best in bespoke experiences, personalised service and incredible attention to detail – reinforced by a raft of industry awards and accolades including: “Top Resorts in Europe” and “Top Hotels in Greece & Turkey” Awards as part of the 2018 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards; “Best New Hotel of the Year” in the 2018 Preferred Awards of Excellence; and “Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame” by Trip Advisor 2018, to name just a few.
Having shed its’ ‘party-island’ past, Mykonos is enjoying a renaissance among Australian travellers, who are loving the island’s authentic cultural experiences, boutique accommodation, delicious cuisine, beautiful beaches and genuine Greek hospitality. Its laidback luxe vibe has made it a magnet for fans of the finer things in life – from couples and groups of friends to foodies and families.
“With luxury travel trending in Australia at record rates[4], and airlines such as Qatar introducing flights from Australia direct to the island via Doha, it’s little wonder the Greek Islands – and the Myconian Collection – are enjoying renewed appeal among savvy Aussie travellers,” said Mr Vangelis Daktylides, President and CEO of Myconian Collection Hotels & Resorts.
“The Myconian Collection includes three Relais & Châteaux properties, two Leading Hotels of the World, two Design Hotels, two Preferred Hotels & Resorts, and one Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and is proud of its longstanding heritage as a family-run local business, a factor which resonates well with Australians given its strong cultural ties with Greece – Melbourne alone boasts the largest Greek population of any city outside Athens!”
Founded in 1979 by George and Elefteria Daktylides, today the properties are run by the couple’s four sons, who combine their international hotel training and expertise with the family business’ ‘hospitality from the heart’, which has been legendary on the island for decades.
In addition to superlative service, gastronomy is a serious business at the Myconian Collection, where executive chefs combine classic culinary traditions with contemporary techniques, using fresh farm-to-table ingredients and seafood sourced through the founding family’s time-honoured ties to local farmers and fisherman, including lamb and pork hand-reared on the family’s own land, and octopus sourced from one of the island’s most renowned fisherman.
“From collecting your shopping to booking an afternoon on a luxury yacht to reservations at the island’s hottest restaurants to a butler service, packing and unpacking, tailor-made romantic dinners and more, Myconian Collection properties offer an extensive range of five-star guest services to guarantee an unforgettable stay,” said Mr Daktylides, “with guests able to enjoy the fantastic facilities and dining at sister properties within the Myconian Collection group.”
While each Myconian Collection hotel has its own distinctive personality, guests across all properties enjoy some of the island’s most iconic locations, glamorous interior designs, gourmet restaurants, superb bars and state-of-the-art Thalasso Spa centres. With its 10th five-star property ‘Panoptis’ set to debut in May 2019, its current portfolio of luxury lodgings includes:
Myconian Ambassador Hotel Relais & Châteaux
Capturing the essence of Myconian charm and the ‘art de vivre’ of the Relais & Châteaux hotel group, Myconian Ambassador enjoys a hillside position just steps from the sands of Platis Gialos. Luxe bedrooms and suites spill out onto the spectacular pool deck to make the most of magnificent Aegean views. Guests can stroll to the anchored superyachts of Psarou, the lively local tavernas of Paranga or be amidst Chora’s maze of boutiques and bars within a few minutes’ drive. Casual lunches and cool cocktails at George’s Bar, sunsets on the vast timber pool deck and candlelit dinners at Efisa, one of the island’s top tables, are hotel highlights, with accommodation ranging from divine rooms to suites with private jacuzzis and pools.
Myconian Avaton Resort – A Member of Design Hotels
From its picturesque perch between the bare rocks of epic Elia Beach, Avaton’s mix of privacy and unpretentious beauty make it an exclusive haven for those who love seclusion, serenity and unparalleled panoramic views. Accommodation ranges from rooms and suites to four-bedroom villas with private pools, the indoor/outdoor Panorama Fine Dining Restaurant enjoys a prime position adjacent the impressive infinity pool, and the Kokkino Bar dishes up light meals and late-night drinks with views to-die-for.
Myconian Imperial Resort – Leading Hotels of the World
Enjoying an exclusive address above the sublime sandy beach in Elia, this Leading Hotel of the World’s majestic white profile rises from rustic stone walls and boasts airy interiors, quirky interior accents and views to the horizon.
Secret lookouts, gourmet dining and an expansive entertainment deck with pool and bar make this a favourite with honeymooners and couples seeking laidback luxury – as well as easy access to the island’s nightlife via complimentary shuttle. Accommodation ranges from classic rooms to grand suites with private pools, a la carte restaurant Celebrities Seafood offers delectable dining under the stars, while Nostos Bar, Eros Veranda Bar and Sishu Sushi Bar provide plenty of sustenance, from sun-up to sunset. A favourite for glamorous weddings and events.
Myconian Korali Hotel Relais & Châteaux
One of the newest properties in the portfolio, Myconian Korali is a remember of Relais & Châteaux, enjoying a prime position on the hills above the historic harbour, just minutes from the cafes of Little Venice and boutiques and tavernas of Mykonos Town. Sophisticated interior haute cuisine and exceptional views are the hallmarks of this luxe retreat, where shaded balconies sport oversized pools or jacuzzis and afternoons at the pool deck turn into starry nights at Kitrino Bar, or fabulous inventive dining with lofty views at Baos. A luxe pool and vast cocktail collection at famous George’s Bar complete this perfect picture.
Myconian Kyma – A Member of Design Hotels
The King of the Hill, Myconian Kyma, a Design Hotel member, attracts a jet-set clientele bewitched by its famous views of Little Venice and the windmills, as well as the hotel’s hallmark service and ideal blend between trendy and traditional. Home to lush gardens, glorious views, a central pool deck, an endless breakfast buffet, and fresh Mediterranean flavours at fine dining restaurant, Kalypso; Myconiam Kyma is where you’ll find the original George’s Bar, the island’s hip yet unpretentious spot to see and be seen. Accommodation ranges from rooms to junior suites with private infinity pools.
Myconian Naia Luxury Suites – Preferred Hotels & Resorts, LVX Collection
From its enviable spot on the hill overlooking Mykonos Town and the Aegean Sea, the adults-only Myconian Naia is an exclusive 18-suite retreat full of objets d’art and custom designer furnishings. Home to an infinity pool, panoramic poolside bar, floating deck with incredible views and gourmet Naros Restaurant serving everything from lavish breakfasts on the balcony to international fusion cuisine. Accommodation includes a choice of suites and private pool suites.
Myconian Utopia Resort Relais & Châteaux
Proud Relais & Chateaux member, Myconian Utopia, is set into the rock a soaring 300 metres above Elia Beach. Mixing ultra-glam interiors with hand-cut local stone, Myconian Utopia is a firm favourite among couples and honeymooners seeking the ultimate romantic escape. Offering accommodation from suites to a five-bedroom villa with private pool and outdoor jacuzzi, Utopia is home to a lively late-night Pool Club, as well as the elegant Pavilion Restaurant, renowned for its fresh fish, lobster, hand-reared lamb and more.
Myconian Villa Collection – Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Legend Collection
Nestled into the hillside above Elia Bay, the Myconian Villa Collection is a unique resort concept which features rooms, suites and opulent villas of up to six bedrooms with private pools and outdoor jacuzzis. International designer furniture, a helipad, a vast entertainment deck, infinity pool, sun-baked terraces, Cabbanes and Nouveau restaurants, and exceptional staff available to fulfil the most extravagant desires put the Villa Collection in a league of its own on the island – whether for the ultimate romantic retreat or a group getaway.
Royal Myconian Resort – Leading Hotels of the World
Overlooking the aquamarine waters of Elia Beach, the Royal Myconian’s illuminated rustic stone façade contrasts with its contemporary designer interiors. A Leading Hotel of the World, Royal Myconian’s outstanding amenities include its panoramic pool deck, Lagoon Swim-up Bar, sublime Sunset Terrace and state-of-the-art conferencing facilities, as well as spacious rooms and suites with optional infinity pools or jacuzzis. Fine dining fans are spoilt for choice between the salads and snacks of Camares Pool Restaurant, and the a la carte menu, candlelit ambience and ocean views of Ambrosia Restaurant. An ideal choice for hosting upscale events, such as conferences and weddings.
Panoptis Escape, Small Luxury Hotels of the World – opening May 2019
On top of the hill overlooking the idyllic Elia Beach in Mykonos, Panoptis Escape, proud member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is the latest addition to the Myconian Collection family. Eight stunning, spacious villas comprise the new Panoptis Escape with the iconic Panoptis Villa its crowning jewel, featuring a welcome area of 1,500m2, zen area, 130 m2 infinity pool, open kitchen with barbeque and much more. Unparalleled comfort and lavish amenities are provided with the help of an experienced team of staff dubbed The Artisans, take care of guests’ every need and provide ample opportunities for specially curated experiences. Panoptis Escape amenities include personal chefs, butler services, private helicopter and yacht charters, and much more.
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