Petasos Beach Resort & Spa

Like most luxury resorts on the Greek island of Mykonos, Petasos Beach Hotel & Spa was built in the traditional Cycladic architecture with cube-shaped buildings, brightly painted doors and shutters, and whitewashed walls. The all-white lobby looks like something from a design magazine. White marble steps lead up to a chic sitting space with sleek (you guessed it) white furniture and views of the grounds. Built-in white upholstered benches are accented with heart shaped glowing white lamps. A large, circular pendant-style chandelier hangs overhead. Two enormous white sculptures of human faces sit near the blue mosaic-tiled reception desk. Staff wears all-white uniforms, which complements the chic look of the hotel.

The word "beach" is right in the hotel's name -- and it's hard to find better beach access on the island. Petasos Beach Hotel & Spa is built on a private peninsula between the beaches of Platis Yialos (about 100 feet from the hotel) and Psarou (about 500 feet away). There is also a small dock where water taxis regularly take passengers (for a fee) to different beaches on the island. It's the best way to get to the party beaches of Mykonos, or to more secluded spots quickly. Both beaches by the hotel have a selection of Greek and Mediterranean restaurants open to the public. A local bus stops right in front of the hotel's entrance, bringing passengers to Mykonos Town, and service runs late into the night.

Classic and Standard Rooms are located on the ground floor and have either garden or sea views. Expect tile floors and a beach scene painted over the bed, though a window between the bathroom and bedroom is an unexpected fun touch. These are the least-expensive rooms in the hotel. Superior and Deluxe Rooms have nice extras, such as jetted bathtubs, essential oils and body salts, and a steam room. Guests need to make this upgrade to get bathrobes, too. These rooms have sea views from small balconies that overlook the private swimming pools in the suites. The Diamond Suite is over-the-top with three bedrooms and four bathrooms -- plus a private fitness studio, indoor hot tub, and gorgeous swimming pool. If villas are more your thing, check rates at the Myconian Villa Collection.

Free breakfast gets good reviews, and V.I.P. restaurant serves dinner on an exterior veranda with romantic Aegean Sea views. Le Club offers poolside service and cocktails. About 5,380 square feet of space is dedicated to treatment rooms and indoor pools at Aqua Marine Spa, which has traditional thalassotherapy treatments. Guests can use the steam room and sauna at the spa free of charge. The fitness center was updated in 2014 to include a space for yoga. Expect a fee to use Wi-Fi, though there is a small business area in the lobby with a notebook computer and printer. The outdoor, two-tiered swimming pool has an adjacent whirlpool, and finding an open sun lounger doesn't seem to be a problem. Though two public beaches are easily reached from the hotel, a private company will charge guests to use the loungers and umbrellas. Private chefs and personal trainers are available on request (for a fee).