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The clear, blue water of the Aegean sea is captivating for many, and particularly so around the party island of Mykonos, which is known as a destination for the LGBT community. Where then, are the best places to stay?
If a beach destination is the main item on your list in Mykonos, then we suggest heading to the south coast of Mykonos, where the beaches on the ‘windy island’ (hence all the windmills) are protected during the summer months. Grecotel Mykonos Blu atop Psarou beach is therefore ideally located, which we reviewed earlier this month. The hotel features a private section of Psarou beach, located next to the infamous Nammos beach club.
Grecotel Mykonos Blu
Set atop Psarou beach, Grecotel Mykonos Blu is an exclusive luxury resort with 103 rooms. The bungalows and private villas of Mykonos Blu are thoughtfully designed to reflect the cubist lines of the Cyclades, and an infinity seawater pool that’s waiting for an Instagram moment.
All the villas and bungalows are white, akin to a mini village within Mykonos, all spacious, airy and many with terraces to enjoy a tranquil moment overlooking the Aegean sea. Besides the aforementioned infinity pool, the resort has a private beach club for hotel guests only, a restaurant and bar with stunning views, an Elixir Wellness spa and gym, and of course personalised VIP service.
Vada rating for amenities 10 / 10
Accommodation
Choosing accommodation at Mykonos Blu is possibly the hardest part about the whole holiday, as there are 103 rooms (bungalows and villas) split across 23 categories, each one being unique in its own way. There are of course differences in size, and some come with private pools, and indoor or outdoor Jacuzzis.
For our stay, our accommodation was in an Exclusive Bungalow Suite (room 222), which costs from 576€ per night. This was a large open plan area, with defined living room and bedroom sections, a separate walk-in wardrobe, and large pastel-blue bathroom with separate shower and stone soaking tub. A large outdoor terrace added about a third more space again, accessible the width of the bungalow, south-facing overlooking the Aegean sea. This space would be perfect for a couple on a honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary, or simply taking an indulgent break for a few days. Not least because the welcome amenity includes a few cakes, and bottle of wine.
Vada rating for accommodation 10 / 10
Dining
Before arriving at Grecotel Mykonos Blu, we had already heard a rumour about an eyes-bigger-than-belly breakfast buffet, so had to try this out for ourselves. Of course, each morning we were welcomed by a friendly (and very handsome, but not available on the buffet) host. Coffee of your choice and fresh orange juice is brought over to the table, and rest is a help-yourself scenario. Different stations are available for hot food, cereals and dried fruit, breads and pasties – of which there is an abundance, fresh fruit, salad, and the cured meats, all neatly presented. The quality of all the items was excellent, and the staff paid attention to make sure everything was topped up but not overflowing – it is quality not quantity after all. Surprisingly, despite the number high number of guests, breakfast never felt over-crowded, with half the space being indoors and the over half spilling out onto a terrace basked in sunlight. Breakfast was always a relaxing start and definitely set us up for each day.
Dinner on the other hand was slightly underwhelming. The restaurant is the same space as breakfast, reconfigured for evening dining. Whilst the menu does boast a selection of mediterranean inspired dishes with some Greek twists, we found the presentation to be home cooked food rather than the haute cuisine anticipated. Not bad by any standards, just not what was expected. For dessert, the opposite happened. Small dessert portions were plated within vast amounts of empty space, with a few chef-y swirls. We did thoroughly enjoy the moist traditional Ravani (a Greek cake made with orange syrup), but please give us a portion twice the size and in a small bowl where the ice-cream can melt around it, and let us gorge.
Vada rating for dining 8 / 10
Service
At check-in we taken immediately to a balcony overlooking the view and and the pool, and offered a cold towel and drink, whilst our passports were taken for check-in to happen in the background whist we relaxed. The was no hint of effort or stress on the guests part. Check-out was equally hassle free, more a relaxed conversation with a momentary interlude to handover a credit card.
Throughout our stay all staff were friendly, and as five-star service dictates, remembered who we are, and our preferences (such as where we like to sit for breakfast etc.) Service was not pretentious, feeling more like you’re a guest in someone’s home, albeit a home with plenty of staff on hand!
Vada rating for service 10 / 10
Overall thoughts
If your holiday aim is to spend lazy mornings spent stretched out on a sunbed next to turquoise waters, or on a soft thick mattress beneath the shade of the wooden pergola, then Grecotel Mykonos Blu is a top location on the island to stay. With its own private part of Psarou beach, excellent service and plenty of privacy, the hotel has much to offer the discerning LGBT traveller. Mykonos old town is a short taxi ride away, and Scorpios club is just round the corner, so those looking for nightlife need not go far.
Vada overall rating 9.5 / 10
Grecotel Mykonos Blu is located in Psarou, Mykonos, GR 84600.
For more information on accommodation, facilities or to book, visit mykonosblu.com. For those readers who book accommodation with tour operators who are part of the Virtuoso network, it is worth noting that this hotel is available through Virtuoso, and amenities include a space-available room upgrade, complimentary transfers, a welcome amenity, and a 3-course lunch for 2 people.
