Tharroe of Mykonos Hotel

White and green hotel flags atop poles mark the entrance to the hotel, which is set back from the busy road. Check-in takes place at a curved wooden front desk, and guests are welcomed with a glass of bubbly -- the vibe is immediately warm and inviting. The lobby is cozy and artsy, with a stone floor, life-sized Greek statues, cushioned wicker seating, ornate chandeliers, and original canvases on white walls. Walkways to guest rooms are interior and exterior, and there are views of the Aegean Sea and surrounding landscape from many vantages within the hotel. Children younger than 10 are not allowed, which adds to the hotel's peaceful, away-from-it-all vibe, and public areas like the restaurant and pool all have a stylish, contemporary atmosphere alongside traditional details like stone walls. The setting is quiet and relaxing, especially appealing to couples, but families with older children and groups of friends.

The hotel is located on top of a hill offering spectacular views of the town, the island's famous windmills, the Aegean Sea, and the islands of Tinos, Syros, Gyaros, Paros, and Naxos. The hotel is outside of Mykonos town -- walks take at least 20 minutes, and it's a steep uphill climb on the way back along a road with no sidewalk, so walking is only for the brave. Drives into town take five minutes, and there are plenty of restaurants, bars, boutiques, and galleries there (along with hordes of tourists in high season). Most guests get to the nearby beaches and town by public transportation, taxi, car, or motorbike, though the closest beach, Megali Ammos, is 15 minutes away on foot. A bus stops close to the entrance of the hotel, and there is a mini-market is opposite the hotel. Mykonos' airport is less than 10 minutes away by car. 

Rooms embrace classical Greek style with a modern twist and feature whitewashed walls, wood floors, and simple light or dark wood furniture. These details look breezy and attractive alongside contemporary accents like neutral-colored upholstered headboards and fancy chandeliers. Each room has an original piece of expressionistic art hanging on the wall, and a full-size standing mirror. While most rooms are spacious, some Standard Double rooms can be snug, with only 15 square meters of space (161 square feet). Amenities include high-end bedding, flat-screen TVs, CD/DVD players, electric kettles, safes, robes and slippers, free Wi-Fi, and soundproofed windows. Bathrooms are super clean and come with upscale toiletries, hairdryers, and jetted shower/tub combos or separate showers and tubs (tubs are in the main guest room in some rooms). Views from balconies or terraces on the sea-view side of the hotel are spectacular, though some rooms only have inland views. 

For a small boutique hotel, Tharroe of Mykonos packs in a good deal of features and plenty of quality. Barbarossa restaurant serves traditional Greek cuisine in a casual setting with dining indoors or out. Guests also can opt for private candlelit dinners by the pool or in their room, and the hotel serves a free breakfast with organic options. Colours of the Sunset bar offers drinks and light fare with gorgeous sunset views. The rectangular pool is a lovely space overlooking the Aegean Sea. A variety of cushioned seats on the wooden deck encourage relaxing by the pool, as does the small hot tub. A white life-size male sculpture ponders the scene, keeping with the hotel's artsy vibe. The Calypso Spa combines Indian and Western therapies for its massage and skin and body treatments, though it's not the most attractive on the island. An on-site fitness center is spacious and offers the requisite cardio and weight-training equipment as well as yoga mats and free weights. There is also a pleasant meeting room is suitable for meetings of up to 24 people. In addition to a long antique meeting table, it gets lots of natural light and a purple sofa and comfy chairs. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, as is on-site parking. The hotel offers a shuttle to the ferry terminal and airport for a fee.