Best Luxury Hotels in Mykonos

Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort is a design-forward luxury property with many of the same features (chic outdoor swimming pool, beach facilities, spa, restaurants) as its competitors in this price range. The suites have private swimming pools, two bedrooms, and telescopes for star gazing. Other guest rooms have minimal decor and outdoor balconies, though these are less than private. The small beach here is lovely, with loungers reserved for hotel guests only, but it's a bit pebbly.

Myconian Villa Collection is a luxury property on a quiet strip of Elia Beach (it can get crowded, but it's not the party scene found on the sand in Mykonos Town) with modern villas and loads of lavish features. Highlights include an infinity saltwater pool, private beach on the Aegean, and an on-site spa with saltwater therapy treatments. Stays can be updated with luxury yacht rentals or private chefs. There's a free shuttle to town and a breakfast buffet included in the cost of the room.

Hugging a cliff high above the Aegean, the five-pearl Cavo Tagoo offers one spectacular view after another from its multi-level terraces and windows. This 80-room boutique hotel whispers "barefoot luxury," the result of a 2007 renovation that combines whitewashed simplicity with sophisticated art and ultra-modern furnishings. The party scene in town is five minutes away via the hotel's free shuttle, but there's also plenty of action (some complain too much) at the pool bar for guests who want to mingle. Rooms -- with stone walls, wood floors, and beamed ceilings -- are gorgeous and sleek, and some have private pools that create a nice romantic ambience for a honeymoon or a couples retreat.

Boheme artfully combines the relaxed vibe of a luxury hotel, with a hip boutique aesthetic -- all within reach of Mykonos' vibrant nightlife scene, while still being a comfortable distance down the road from the center of it all. With only 20 suites, all of which have views of the sea, the property maintains an atmosphere of relaxation. In fact, everything has views of the sea from this elegant hillside, including the outdoor pool, spa, and open-air restaurant and bar. It stands out for its sophisticated bohemian-chic decor and gorgeous setting; the talented staff make delicious lemonade from the lemon trees growing on the grounds.

The 35-room upscale Kouros Hotel & Suites is a boutique property with gorgeous views of the Aegean Sea. It's a 10-minute walk to Mykonos town's dining and nightlife, and there's an artsy, contemporary vibe throughout. Rooms are modern and fresh, with sleek design-conscious furniture and stunning views from balconies or terraces. The outdoor pool is gorgeous, and the adjacent restaurant and bar offer even more of those views. There are also a fitness center and spa.

Royal Myconian Resort & Thalasso Spa Center is a luxury chain hotel with 148 stylish guest rooms, which includesuites, and villas, on a steep hill above beautiful Elia Beach, where hotel guests have access to a private section with daybeds. From the hotel’s restaurant and pool area are views of the Aegean Sea. In addition to the large pool, the hotel has a small children’s pool, and an outdoor hot tub. The indoor spa offers guests a free daily thalassotherapy session, and private in-room beauty treatments are available for a fee. Mykonos Town is a 25-minute ride via the hotel's shuttle.

Myconian Imperial Hotel & Thalasso Centre is a gorgeous luxury property on the island of Mykonos. It's the type of place where honeymooners can arrive via helicopter and dine on sushi with views of the sun setting over the Aegean Sea. The on-site spa includes thalossotherapy treatments and after-sun facials. There's a private section of beach as well as beautiful outdoor swimming pools -- one has a swim-up bar. Guest rooms are elegant and airy, if not quite up to five-star expectations; some have private hot tubs on the balconies, but the quality of the sea views varies. The hotel is located on a quiet part of the island, so a Land Rover is required to get to the action -- or guests can take the inconveniently timed free shuttle.

Petasos Beach Hotel & Spa is a luxury property built in the traditional Cycladic architecture style that prevails on Mykonos. It has many of the same features as its competitors (large spa, swimming pool, beach access, restaurants, and fitness center). Unlike competitors, however, the hotel doesn't own any of the beach facilities, so expect to pay extra for a chair and umbrella on the sand. Still, those looking for more activity may prefer this location -- the nearby beaches are among the island's most popular, and there are a number of restaurants and shops nearby (most competing properties tend to be more secluded). Be aware that the views shown on the hotel's website are mainly from private suites, and might not be available from many rooms. Mykonos Town is about two miles from the hotel, and a bus stops directly outside of the front doors.

Myconian Ambassador Hotel & Thalasso Spa Center is a luxury hotel (it's part of the Relais & Chateaux chain) with 70 rooms overlooking Platis Gialos. Guests seem to love the hotel's little extras, such as juice at check-in and ice pops by the pool. Guest rooms are chic, white, and airy, and offer ocean views. The hotel has an infinity-edge outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving Mediterranean, Greek, and Mykonos dishes. The indoor spa offers guests a free, daily thalassotherapy session, and the hotel has a fitness center with several weight and cardio machines. Free shuttle service to the airport is available. It's a short walk to the beautiful Platis Gialos Beach, and Mykonos Town is a 12-minute drive from the hotel.