Manoulas Mykonos Beach Resort

Manoulas Mykonos Beach Resort overlooks the Agios Ioannis Bay, in a quiet area far from the crush of tourists. With its picturesque sea-front location set amid palm trees, a pool, stone walls, and gleaming white buildings, the Manoulas looks like an idyllic Greek island resort. In fact, the 1989 movie "Shirley Valentine" was filmed here, and the vibe is quiet and peaceful. Style-wise, things have progressed a bit from the late '80s -- when the film was produced -- but the relatively modern look is homey and simple. The lobby has an attractive seating area, with hardwood floors, sofas, chandeliers, and large windows framing sea views. Shades of white, cream, and bright blue -- nothing too exciting, but pleasant enough. The clientele is mostly couples, but a few families and some friends pass through as well. 

Manoulas Mykonos Beach Resort is situated in Agios Ioannis Diakoftis, overlooking the calm waters of Agios Ioannis Bay. The beach is about a two-minute walk from the resort, and a 10-minute drive from bustling Mykonos town, with its restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and museums. A few restaurants and grocery stores are in the immediate vicinity, but the setting is quiet. A bus to Mykonos Town and other parts of the island stops in front of the property. Several beaches are within a five- to 20-minute drive from the resort, including Ornos Beach (five minutes away), Paraga Beach (a 15-minute drive), and Paradise Beach (20 minutes by car). It will take 20 minutes to reach Armenistis Lighthouse by car. Mykonos Island National Airport is a 10-minute drive from the resort, and Mykonos Ferry Port is a 15-minute drive away.

The 76 rooms at the Manoulas Mykonos are low-key and fairly spacious, with a white, cream-colored, and beige color palette, with gray or turquoise accents in the soft furnishings. Overall, rooms are in good condition, but some could use a bit of sprucing up in the bedding, furniture, curtains, floors, and walls. Some guests have complained about hard beds, and a shaky Wi-Fi signal.  All rooms have desks, safes, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs, but they lack coffee- and tea-making facilities. Private balconies or terraces come standard, and some have bay views.The Suite has a sitting area and outdoor jetted tub. Bathrooms are small, dark, and dated, with limited space around the sinks; not all have bathtubs. Smoking and nonsmoking rooms are available, and the resort has designated smoking areas. 

Manoulas Mykonos Beach Resort serves a free breakfast buffet, with scrambled eggs, meats, feta cheese, pastries, Greek yogurt, and fresh and canned fruit, though reviews are mixed from previous guests regarding the quality. The resort also features an indoor cocktail bar and a poolside bar with drinks and a small menu of light fare like pizza, sandwiches, and Greek salad. The beachfront restaurant serves seafood, Greek, and Mediterranean cuisine. The resort's large saltwater swimming pool overlooks Agios Ioannis Bay, and has a few lounge chairs set up around its perimeter, with a decent amount of shade as well. The hotel isn't right on the beach -- that's two minutes away and there will be a fee for chairs and umbrellas. There's also a small fitness center, free parking, and 24-hour front desk. Airport transfers are available for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.