A Sophisticated Setting and Boutique Experience on Mykonos

Mykonos has a reputation as of being a party island dotted with hotels with a bohemian flair. But if you’re looking for a luxurious, romantic things to do in Mykonos, you’ll adore the new Katikies Resorts & Club.

This one is not technically one of the hotels in Mykonos, but it is only 10 minutes outside of Mykonos Town Centre. Plus, its charming restaurants, cafés, and lively party scene, Katikies feels like it’s a world apart. Perched on a hillside on the Agios Ioannis Peninsula, the setting and whitewashed façade of the property makes it feel more like Santorini than Mykonos. That feeling continues inside when you’re met with a very minimalistic design done in whites and blues. It’s uncluttered and quite chic.

With just 35 rooms and suites scattered amongst several villa-style buildings, the boutique hotel at times feels like your own private Greek sanctuary. Several of the larger suites come with private pools and open-air dining areas. This area of the island is so quiet it makes one wonder where all those famous parties are taking place! It’s also one of the hotels in Mykonos where intense blowing wind isn’t an issue.

As the first Mamma Mia showed us, the draw of the Greek islands is a siren’s call to slow down, relax, linger over three-hour al fresco meals, and reconnect with people. The two pools on the property are the perfect way to slide into island life. The most impressive is the infinity pool at the peak of the property; It’s the standout feature of the hotel, boasting a terrific view of the Aegean Sea. What makes one of the more unique things to do in Mykonos is that the pool area and adjacent Mikrasia restaurant are surrounded by white sand, turning a typical resort pool into an unexpected beach. A lazy day enjoying an easy summer read alternating with dips in the pool can’t be beat. And, when you get hungry, it’s a simple saunter to the toes-in-the-sand restaurant to enjoy Greek Anatolian food, which brings together dishes inspired by the royal court with those hawked by street vendors. (Don’t miss the seafood dolmas.)

If natural beaches are more your speed, you’re in luck because there is a “secret” beach just steps from the resort. The spit of white sand is so far off the tourist radar that the only people you’ll share this spot with are locals.

Continue the Zen of living on island time with a trip to the onsite A.Spa, considered one of the best spa brands in Greece. The spa has three treatment suites where you can receive a host of body and facial services. The best choice is the Iris Spa Suite which features twin massage tables, a rain shower, steam room, and a heated indoor pool. Select the Apivita Signature Massage which incorporates local products into the treatment.

Katikies also keeps a fleet of Riva boats; a variety of tours are available, including a trip to nearby Delos, an island with strong mythological, historical, and archaeological significance.

In Mykonos Town Centre, be sure to check out Elle Amber and the shop’s cool Greek jewelry collection, or the island’s most famous beach clubs, Nammos and Scorpios.

The resort is the only one on the island to offer on-the-fly concierge service via the cellphone every guest receives at check-in. This turns out to be a Godsend when you realize that local taxis give you pick-up windows of five to 45 minutes!

After a few days of soaking up the Greek lifestyle, you’ll no doubt be having romantic notions of buying a villa like Donna and Sophie, and living out your own real-life Mamma Mia adventure.