Santa Marina
Hotel Name: Santa Marina Mykonos
Number of Rooms: 101 guest rooms and suites, along with 13 villas featuring two to seven bedrooms.
Location: Perched on a cliff overlooking Ornos Bay, two and half miles due south of Mykonos town.
By far the most polished retreat on Mykonos, Santa Marina is located just outside the main town on a pristinely secluded peninsula. Dazzling sea views can be seen from every room, and another major plus is the private beach, which is protected from the notoriously strong Meltemi winds. The hotel is ideal for couples and families in search of top-notch accommodations and amenities, and the spa, pool, and beach restaurant are all fabulously executed.
What We Loved: On crowded Mykonos, the space and privacy afforded by the Santa Marina are more than worth the price of entry; plus, the restaurants here (including Buddha Bar) are so scene-y, the party will come to you!
What We Didn’t Love: The hotel isn’t exactly small, so if you’re looking for a cozy hole-in-the-wall where a yiayia will cook you breakfast while you sleep off all the ouzo, look elsewhere. But what the Santa Marina lacks in island charm, it more than makes up for in polish.
Right For: The Luxury Suite with Private Pool is a honeymooners’ slam-dunk; families will be thrilled with villas decked out in creamy neutrals that stairstep up the hill behind the resort and offer increasingly stunning views.
Wrong For: Charm chasers may prefer something smaller, like Bill & Coo Coast Suites.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-May to mid-October; July and August have the highest winds and the highest tourist density, which may or may not be appealing, depending on how many tables you’re hoping to dance upon.
TLF Tip: The tawny crescent out front is Mykonos’s only private sand beach - lucky you!