Mykonos Theoxenia

Built in 1960 and now recognized by the Greek Ministry of Civilization as a national preserved property, the Mykonos Theoxenia is a true gem. It is crafted with local stone and features a distinctive vintage style throughout. As guests arrive at the property, the town's iconic windmills are visible all around. In the lobby, guests find hanging wicker egg chairs and other retro furnishings, including a typewriter and rotary dial phone. A flat-screen TV and computer for guests to use add 21st-century elements. The adjacent lounge has a bar and comfy clusters of retro seating. The downside of the proximity to the windmills is that visitors there park near the hotel and often cause traffic problems. The hotel's large stone parking lot accommodates guests for free, and those arriving by helicopter can land directly on the property. The hotel is particularly appealing to couples who appreciate its glam history, style, and convenience to the town's party scene, but families and groups also stay here. This member of Design Hotels is also a popular wedding spot. It is closed for the winter, from October to April. 

This hotel is situated next to Mykonos' famous windmills, which have inspired many an amateur and professional photographer over the years. The center of Mykonos town is a five-minute walk from the hotel, and is filled with restaurants, shops, bars, and clubs -- it gets crowded in high season. While the hotel technically has a beach, it isn't the best for swimming. Mageli Amos beach, the closest major beach to Mykonos town, is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Little Venice is about five minutes away on foot, and the Mykonos airport is less than 10 minutes away by car.

Guests are welcomed to their rooms with fruit and wine. Rooms are stylish, with retro 1960s decor that looks fresh and modern. Bright colors such as blue, pink, green, and yellow stand out against white bed coverings and stone or wood floors, and medium-toned wood furnishings are mid-century modern. There are plenty of Van der Rohe-inspired lines throughout the rooms. The look is cheerful and fun, but not overdone. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, bathrobes and slippers, coffee/tea facilities, digital music players, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and a work desk. Bathrooms are on the small side but are sparkling clean and come with makeup mirrors, hairdryers, and upscale toiletries. All rooms have a balcony or terrace with nice teak furnishings and views of the garden or sea.  

The Plate restaurant serves Greek cuisine in a lovely little space by the sea with dining inside or out. Views of the Aegean are spectacular. The Breeze In bar serves drinks in the lobby, while The Breeze Out Pool Bar serves drinks and light fare by the pool -- huge trees provide nice shade for diners. The outdoor pool is as blue as the Aegean next to it, and the trees all around create a beautiful setting. A lifeguard keeps an eye out for safety. Cushioned lounge chairs and daybeds on the stone deck encourage relaxing poolside, and cabanas and umbrellas keep the sun off for those protecting their skin. There is a beach, but it's tiny and rocky, and not ideal for swimming. An aqua bike and treadmill let guests get a workout without even leaving the pool. The BHealthy Club offers massage treatments, and there is a small on-site gym. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, as are airport transfers.