In July 2022, Luxury London was one of the first to knock on the door of Cali Mykonos. Since January we’d been hearing rumours of an uber-luxe new resort opening its doors on the quieter, more rugged south-eastern coast of the island. Lured by the promise of vast suites with private pools, exquisite ocean views and service fit for a king, we weren’t disappointed. So, when the opportunity arose to return and discover the hotel’s expanded offering for 2023, who were we to look a gift horse in the mouth?

Greece in summertime conjures up a vividly distinctive image: glittering sandy beaches with brilliantly azure waters, quaint seaside tavernas, and endless sunshine. A sojourn to one of its islands holds the promise of a glowing tan, leisurely sipped mojitos, and quiet moments by the sea. A summer getaway to Mykonos should all but guarantee the picturesque appeal of slow island life. But its quick rise in popularity as a tourist destination has transformed the once tranquil location into a party island.

If beach clubs, with their crowded rows of day beds and all-day DJs, don’t exactly paint an appealing summer holiday picture, allow us to shift your focus to Cali Mykonos. Built in a hidden gem of a sheltered cove, the luxury hotel is perched above its own private beach and owes its brilliant under-the-radar location to founder Kyriakos Mourkakos, a New Yorker of Greek descent. Quintessentially Greek to the studs, the resort was crafted to seamlessly blend into the coastline, with villas built using stones obtained while landscaping and a self-sustaining water system fitted to avoid straining the island’s local water supply.

Designed as a series of private havens, Cali Mykonos’ all-villa accommodation is carved into the cliffside overlooking the Aegean sea with traditional minimalist architecture and natural materials, like wood and coconut fibre, creating a calming ambience a world away from the buzz of the main town. Sweeping terraces and private pools come as standard, while rooftops double up as gardens for local flora and ingredients for the resort’s signature cocktails.

While each villa is a symphony of impressive structures and calming tones, the magnum opus is unarguably Villa Calliope. Newly opened this year, this enormous four-bedroom villa boasts two private swimming pools, a large terrace, and an outdoor kitchen, making it the perfect spot to entertain while enjoying the sea breeze. Equivalent in size to hiring a private villa but with all the benefits and services of a five-star hotel, this really is the best of both worlds.

Those looking to commit to true relaxation should book in-suite wellness treatments. After all, is there anything better than being pampered without ever needing to venture from your room? That said, from 2024, the resort will have a sparkling new spa featuring a steam room, infrared sauna, hammam and cold plunge pool. Looking for something a little more active? Available as of summer 2023, Cali Mykonos not only offers access to a state-of-the-art gym and a Pilates and yoga studio but also personal trainers who can create bespoke fitness programmes.

Having inevitably worked up an appetite, you won’t be short on elevated dining options at Cali Mykonos. Offered across three restaurants and two bars, Cali’s traditional Greek and Mediterranean-inspired menus are made using locally-sourced seafood and seasonal ingredients. For those peaceful sundowner vibes, cocktails and canapes by the pool are the perfect option before hopping over to the new sushi bar for Japanese delicacies made using the freshest local catch.

Cali’s serene ambience is alluring enough to keep you captivated for days, but if you crave a little island exploration, the hotel’s fleet of yachts and speedboats can jet you off to neighbouring islands such as Tinos and Paros. Fancy creating a lasting memory with a unique experience? Cali can arrange wine tastings, scuba diving, horseback riding, and even helicopter journeys.

At Cali, you’ll find a relaxing bubble in the heart of Mykonos where rejuvenation and regeneration are guaranteed. Trade the cacophonous music and table-dancing for gentle sea breezes and languid lunches? It’s a resounding yes from us.

Suites from €900 per night, visit calimykonos.com

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