WORDS��KATHERINE�LEVY��PHOTOGRAPHY��GETTY�IMAGES��*RATES�INCLUDE�CHAMPAGNE�BREAKFAST�AND�TRANSFERS
T R A V E L
ESCAPE Routes
Sip champagne on the idyllic island of Mykonos
With the style of the Côte d’Azur, the
vibe (and waters) of the Caribbean and
the hedonism of Ibiza, it’s easy to see
why Mykonos is now the Greek island
to sport a kaftan on. Already a firm
favourite with the fashion crowd – from
Jackie Onassis in the Sixties to
Matthew Williamson today – the island
has witnessed a fabulous facelift
recently, and plentiful boutique hotels
and exclusive hangouts mean Mykonos
is now a super-stylish destination.
One such hangout is the Mykonos
Grace, an intimate hotel designed to
offer the most serene of stays, with its
whitewashed walls and minimalist
comfort. Etched into the hillside and
overlooking the island’s port, the hotel
offered Stylist the same VIP treatment
as every guest: a chilled glass
of champagne was
exchanged for our
passport on arrival, and
a bottle of wine and some
sweet grapes awaited in
our suite.
Later it was on with the
bikini and up to the hotel’s
oasis of a rooftop terrace
and pool where white sun
‘futons’ overlook the sparkling Aegean
and guests politely fight over the giant
chaise longue. Also poolside is the chic
restaurant and bar where Stylist
soaked up the Grace’s signature
cocktail of pear vodka muddled with
apple juice and lemongrass.
Just an eight-minute drive away
(hire a car – it’s hard to get a taxi) are
the cobbled labyrinthine streets of
gorgeous Mykonos Town, aka Chora, an
absolute must-visit. A picture-postcard
port, wander at leisure around its
high-end boutiques and hand-crafted
jewellery shops, and feast on
traditional Greek mezze into the night.
Back at Grace, relaxation awaits;
Stylist enjoyed olive oil and Swedish
massages worthy of Greek goddesses
in the spa – these can be
MYKONOS HARBOUR:
WOE BETIDE THE
RESIDENT WHO JUST ‘DOESN’T
DO’ BRILLIANT WHITE
arranged poolside too – and before
bed, we placed our order from the
pillow menu; aromatherapy and goose
down were top of our list.
Why it’s hot Hospitality at the
Mykonos Grace is second to none;
from free SUV-style airport transfers,
to the sunset cocktails delivered to
your suite. And while Mykonos boasts
many stunning (and windswept)
beaches, just below Grace lie the
crystal waters of Agios Stefanos beach,
with candy-coloured sun loungers
attached to a traditional taverna.
Eating and drinking Champagne
breakfast at the hotel includes eggs
any way you like, croissants
LITTLE VENICE:
JUST GO EASY ON THE OUZO
AT SUNSET, OR YOU MAY WAKE
UP HERE IN 12 HOURS’ TIME
SWELTERING�DAILY�COMMUTE�
OR�BEACH-SIDE�BREAK?�HMMM…
AMAZING GRACE: REVEL IN
THE VIEWS AND VIP
STANDARDS OF THE ROOFTOP
POOL AT MYKONOS GRACE
dipped in melted chocolate and Greek
yoghurt so cool and creamy it would
make a fantastic face mask. By night
dine poolside – either on lobster tail
at the hotel, scallop sashimi at the
Belvedere’s Nobu or monkfish at the
Petasos Beach Resort and Spa. The
latter is nestled next to Platis Yialos
beach, from which you can take a taxi
boat to Paradise beach. Nammos
restaurant on Psarou beach is perfect
for people watching (we even spotted
the odd bikini-wearing pooch) and they
serve seriously impressive food by
candlelight on the sand.
Photo opportunity Book a superior
suite with a private terrace and plunge
pool, and snap away like Mario Testino
while the sun sets over the island of
Delos. Alternatively, catch the sunset
at the waterfront Caprice Bar in Little
Venice before hitting Nammos to disco
with the beautiful people till dawn.
Double rooms at the Mykonos Grace start
at £158 per night. The Grace Suite starts at
£395 per night* (mykonosgrace.com).
EasyJet flies Gatwick to Mykonos from
£92 return (easyjet.com)
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