Mykonos for a lazy hazy summer vacation? Really? The beauty of Cali Mykonos lies in its location. Etched into a mountain just off the coastal village of Kalafati, life here is quiet, sleepy and reclusive. Picture slick bars, lonely tavernas and breezy restaurants set to the tune of old-school Greek living. Here, the madness of Mykonos’ Old Town is as distant as those old classical Cycladic myths. Rising from the depths of the Aegean, Cali’s aesthetic is best summed up as understated slow luxe. Simple white cubes dance their way down from a rocky precipice to the sea. In between, a network of snaking flower-flecked paths dazzle in between rooftop flora that cast warm shadows over Cali’s silvery stone walls. Yes, it’s that perfect.
By the curvaceous Olympics sized pool—the largest of its kind on the island—spritz sipping poster boys and girls chill, unbothered or restricted by time. It’s all about switching off here and enjoying the quintessential perks of a Greek summer: uninterrupted scorched bliss. All this superlative jargon was very much part of the hotel’s vision. Greek-American owner Kyriakos Mourkakos makes it clear from the offset that his first venture into the hotelier world was always “designed to make an impact.” This part of the island was always designed for jet set types looking to “escape the everyday” in an ultra-luxe and secluded environment that celebrates local Greek culture and design. SFTN Labs, an Athens-based studio helmed by Eric’s own cousin are responsible for the interiors sourcing everything from the country’s hottest artisans: the designers are Greek, as is the marble and everything planted in the flower beds.
As for the rooms, they are best summed up as muted Cycladic chic. There’s absolutely no stress on the trendy here. Instead, there’s a mish mash of natural Greek marble quarried from Volakas and Mikinonon, and all the raw materials, including the bed facing stone desks were hewn from rock hand-selected from the neighbouring mountain. On the walls, minimalism reigns supreme in between the sea and pool facing windows, but the odd sketch canvassed from across the country tells the story of a laid-back operation that spy over Myconian bric-a-brac vases and agate workspaces. There’s a smidge of wear and tear, especially watermarks on the bathroom surfaces and the odd scratch and scuff on the walls, but the view makes up for what I dub, “easy fixes”. Best room? Ask for 201 for its behemoth terrace complete with saltwater plunge pool and stylish pergola set to the sparkling blue hues of the sea.
Grub wise, there’s been a huge improvement since I last visited the hotel back when it first opened in 2022. The new menus have nothing pretentious or overcomplicated on them. Instead, think poolside style grub from the classic Greek salad to chicken gyros and catch of the days lathered in Mediterranean flavours. It’s seasonably tasty, as is everything served and caught from the sea. Breakfast is a medley of the usual suspects—fresh Greek yoghurt and granola etc—but skip the croissants and pastries (leave those to the French) for feta laced eggs and ultra rich smoothies.
As for fun, there’s oodles to do. Water sports, including diving, jet-skiing, parasailing and flyboarding, can all be arranged by the concierge, alongside helicopter tours (the hotel has a helipad), and excursions out to neighbouring islands Naxos and Paros on a private yacht charter. Elsewhere the new and slick spa adds to Cali’s relaxation mantra. While small, plunge pools and steam rooms are a good way to decompress post a long day of exploring, and massages (using natural products), curated and bespoke to your body’s needs, are especially excellent and to the point.
Fast Facts
Location: Kalafati, Mykonos, Greece
Address: Korfoxylia, Magouliana, Arcadia, 22010, Greece
The vibe: Aman’s little sister. Understated, sexy, and somewhere that let’s the local do the talking.
Room Count: 40
Starting Rate: From about 900 USD per night.
Dining: Casual Greek classics with Aegean flair.
Amenities: Bar, restaurant, spa, pool, activities centre.
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