Kalo Livadi, Ano Mera 84600 Greece, Ano Mera, Greece | (888) 399-9863
Traditional Greek style and cheerful atmosphere
Only a five-minute walk to the beach
Guest rooms have classic blue-and-white decor
In-room AC, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges
Many rooms have balconies with sea views
Restaurant that serves free buffet breakfast
Pleasant outdoor pool and whirlpool, and tennis court
Babysitting, laundry, and shuttle service (for a fee)
Free on-site parking
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Located in rural area six miles from town
Basic amenities in guest rooms; no kettles or coffeemakers
Some rooms lack balconies
Limited public transit, especially off-season
Fee for sun loungers on the beach
In summer, the golden beach of Kalo Livadi on the south coast of Mykonos welcomes throngs of young, energetic adventurers looking to blow off steam and create a little of their own, and the three-pearl Penelope Village is ideally situated to facilitate the action. The beach just steps from the front door, and the hotel offers a range of amenities, including pool, tennis court, mini-theater, and restaurant. Its 36 guest rooms and suites are decorated in classic Greek blue and white, and many feature balconies overlooking the sea. The rural location, however, does keep entertainment options limited. The same goes for sightseeing if lacking a car. For something that keeps the pool and seaside location, but adds a larger community, check into the Poseidon Hotel Suites in Mykonos town.
Scene
Seaside vacation village with Mediterranean spirit
From the outside, the hotel complex looks every bit the vacation village it claims to be, with multiple whitewashed buildings repeating geometrically up the gentle slope. The hotel’s main action takes place right out front, first in and around in the midsize outdoor pool and attached whirlpool, and then at the tables of the indoor-outdoor buffet restaurant and bar. The light and airy but cookie-cutter Aegean ambiance encourages both relaxation and socializing among the predominantly Italian couples and families who check in (hence the language of the signage). For entertainment, there's a small stage with seating that hosts musical performances.
Location
Beachfront property in rural location, five-minute walk to the beach
Overlooking the long curve of Kalo Livadi Bay on the southeast coast of this famous Greek island, Penelope Village snuggles comfortably among fig trees, vineyards, and olive groves. The golden sand itself is only a five-minute walk, as are the sprinkle of restaurants, bars, and clubs by the water catering to large numbers of vacationers during the peak season. Beyond that, however, there are few facilities until reaching Mykonos town, six miles to the northwest. Mykonos Airport is slightly closer in the same direction, while the ferry port in Tourlos, which connects to both other islands and the mainland, adds a few miles to the trip. Public buses do cross the island, but service is limited, particularly outside of summer, so it's often better to arrange a cab, car, or hotel shuttle to the property. As Mykonos only covers 33 square miles, the island’s other main sights are within a 20-minute drive, including Agios Sostis Beach, Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, Paraportiani Orthodox Church, and Windmills of Kato Mili.
Rooms
Straightforward Mediterranean-style rooms with modest amenities
The blue and white colors so familiar to Greece carry through to the walls, textiles, and trim of the 36 air-conditioned guest rooms and suites, but with little flair. Between the wooden ceilings and tiled floors are double and/or twin beds, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, CD players, and mini-fridges, and all units have free Wi-Fi, but rooms lack kettles or coffeemakers. Ceramic tiled bathrooms contain standard stall showers, hairdryers, and toiletries. Considering the location and slope of the property, it’s well worth an upgrade to a unit with a balcony and sea view. Larger units add more beds and/or bedrooms, as well as a shower/tub combos or separate tubs, but that's as far as it goes.
Features
Relaxing pool and whirlpool, on-site restaurant, and tennis court, plus free Wi-Fi
Penelope Village's top feature is its pleasant outdoor pool and whirlpool surrounded by loungers, offering guests an alternative to the beach for cooling down and sunbathing. Those seeking a bit more vigor in their activity need only lace up for the tennis court out back. Live entertainment is also provided at the on-site performance space. The on-site restaurant and bar satisfies food and drink needs, albeit buffet style, including a free breakfast. Private parking and Wi-Fi is also free, but babysitting, laundry, shuttle service, and beach loungers cost extra. Car rentals can also be arranged on-site.