Andronikos Hotel Mykonos

Rough stone paths lead up to the hotel through elevated garden grounds to the classic white buildings and commanding views over the island. Once at the hotel's reception a more modern setting takes over, with an open-air lounge devoid of right angles, and a striking black sculpture to greet arriving guests as they pass under a corded rope awning. There are soft, white-fabric chairs and couches with beige pillows where guests can sit and take in the fresh air. Around the other side, the chic Sky Bar melds the traditional, airy Cycladic style and white palette with a futuristic, open-air lounge design that's all lit up by recessed mood lighting at night. Guests can sit and sip their welcome drink at the Sky Bar or the pool bar, where cool grays and warm woods play off the whitewashed surrounds. Most guests are couples and friends, as the sophisticated style of architecture and decor lends itself to adult fun, rather than family-style getaways. Kids under age 12 are not exactly welcomed at this property. 

The hotel is situated on the main road south of Mykonos Town too far for most travelers to walk to the town attractions. But the hotel's hillside placement makes for excellent panoramic views of the island below and the sea beyond. It's a five-minute drive into town for the island's vibrant nightlife and high-end shopping, along with attractions like the Aegean Maritime Museum and the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos.  Psarou and Platys Gialos beaches are both about a nine-minute drive to the south. Mykonos Island National Airport is just a five-minute drive to the east. 

The hotel's rooms come in four types with furnished balconies or patios (with pool, garden, or sea views) and a chic decor that blends natural materials with the classic Cycladic style. The Standard Rooms have a simple white and gray decor with a plush sitting chair and a wooden bed stool, while upgraded rooms replace their bland tiles with wood floors and add larger sitting areas with couches. The Cocoon and Blue Rooms make a stylistic jump into a retro-futuristic design with fluid lines and more natural materials like pebbles and bamboo fashioned into the floors and ceilings. Sophisticated accent lighting completes the romantic ambience. Photography of Greek island scenery is a nice touch in some rooms. The modern bathrooms have either glass walk-in showers or shower/tub combos (with jetted tubs). All rooms have free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs along with minibars and safes, and most have iPod docks.

To complete the relaxed environment around the hotel's outdoor pool, comfortable loungers are set along the stone sun deck with thoughtful perks like grapes, ice cream, and aloe available for indulging. Adjoining the pool area, the Lady Finger Restaurant is well-regarded for its international and New Greek-style cuisine -- think lobster burgers and sea urchin spaghetti --  and open-air terrace seating. Free Greek breakfast is served daily. An adjacent bar serves coffee by day and cocktails by night, with a second rooftop bar providing gorgeous views over the grounds (and the Aegean sea in the distance). The Earth Spa has treatment rooms with all the usual massage services, facials, and beauty treatments, and the small fitness center has treadmills along with a few other modern cardio machines. The hotel also operates a free shuttle bus service to and from Mykonos Town. Airport drop-off can be arranged for a fee.