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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 sunset-view and being close to the old town is what you want from your Mykonos accommodation, then we suggest heading to Kouros Hotel & Suites, just north of the old town and the windmills – a reminder that Mykonos is the ‘windy island’. Built into the cliff on the westerly side of the island, the hotel is ideally located to watch sunset (from your room, or the poolside restaurant).
Kouros Hotel & Suites
5-star property, Kouros Hotel and Suites, was completely renovated in 2018 by French designer Fabienne Spahn to create a space that feels exclusive, elegant and relaxing, blended into the Cycladic architecture. Location about 15 minutes’ walk from the heart of Mykonos town, Kouros offers the best of both worlds: easy access to the scene, in a tranquil setting.
Regardless of which of the 39 rooms or suites guests stay in, all have access to a range of facilities including an outdoor pool – for lounging and relaxing, free wifi, transfer service between airport/port, and wet area in the spa and gym. For the latter two note the size of the spa and gym areas are not huge so there are only a handful of facilities. Kouros counters this by offering services to clients e.g. they can arrange specific treatments, yoga, or other fitness programmes on request.
Vada rating for amenities 9 / 10
Accommodation
We stayed in the room category “Suite with outdoor jacuzzi”, which are at least 45sqm in size. As with all the rooms, the private terrace and living room area provided westerly views over the Aegean perfect for an inspiring sunset view. The large room was set in a L-shape for bedroom and living space with the terrace completing the L and making it a full square.
The bed passed the Vada comfort test and we loved the interior design of the room from the statement wall behind the bed reflecting the turquoise and blue colours in the soft furnishings.
The room does have air conditioning, if needed, and there are the usual expected amenities provided like free wi-fi, and a Nespresso coffee machine. Kouros also have a mobile handset in the room which provides all the hotel information, and can be taken with guests on a trip into town if they desire.
The bathroom thankfully has double sinks (definitely needed for two people), and surprising amenities including a jacuzzi-style bath and shower with lots of jets; however the latter was a plastic unit which didn’t seem to match the considered design aesthetic of the rest of the room.
The terrace is the biggest unique selling point, which affords 180 degree views from the windmills in Mykonos old town to the port of Mykonos. A couple of sun-loungers without onlookers and a jacuzzi in a pure white space (contrasting only with the blue of the sky and Aegean) make for a romantic setting.
Vada rating for accommodation 10 / 10
Dining
Both breakfast room and Narcissus restaurant (for lunch and dinner) and located around the edge of the pool area, the communal focus of Kouros. For a small, boutique hotel we were surprised by the food offering at the hotel. Initially the breakfast buffet does not seem vast (if you’re used to staying in larger properties) – it does include pastries, fruits and some cold cuts, but there is an a la carte menu for more substantial options. As the focus at Kouros is always on service, if there’s something you want to eat, ask and the staff are always willing to try to make it for you.
Lunch at Narcissus is quite a relaxed affair, as one would expect being poolside. There are of course plenty of salad options (Greek salad), light bites of grilled octopus and calamari, and sandwiches. Dinner is where service is turned up several notches, which includes a cocktail menu with the drinks prepared at your table. Those who enjoy a twist on a Martini will be particularly won over. We recommend reserving a table about half an hour before sunset to get settled and enjoy the best view from Mykonos whilst dining. All the plates we ate were delicious and well presented, deep fried feta balls being a particular highlight.
Vada rating for dining 10 / 10
Service
Kouros Hotel & Suites focusses on exceptional service, and given its relatively small number of rooms means that it manages to provide personalised service to each guest. The resulting feeling is more of staying with family, rather than a hotel. Staff remembered our names and (food) preferences easily making the experience more relaxed the longer we were there. The guest relations staff at reception provide a tour of the property to all guests at check-in, giving a chance for orientation. They were also able to arrange transfers to/from the old town, and can arrange any other outside services requested.
The spa team were also friendly, and offer a variety of treatments, though we didn’t try these out. Where guests want to do something (e.g. a yoga class), this can easily be arranged.
Vada rating for service 10 / 10
Overall thoughts
Kouros’ location means guests enjoy the best sunset views from the island from a cocooned paradise, whilst remaining within walking distance of Jackie O’s and the other bars and clubs of Mykonos old town. The personalised service, the feeling of staying with family, and comfort from the amenities in our suite meant we really could relax and switch off. Highlights included the Martini experience at sunset, and the freedom to indulge in a private jacuzzi before breakfast. We noted another LGBT couple staying at the same time as us, and as expected on the island (as it should be worldwide) the handsome team of staff treated this entirely normally.
Room rates (towards the end of the season) start at £259 per night (and the room category we stayed in, Suite with outdoor Jacuzzi, from £483 per night), inclusive of breakfast and airport transfers. Therefore for a luxury, boutique experience in Mykonos, Kouros can offer good value.
Vada overall rating 9.8 / 10
For more information on Kouros Hotel & Suites, and to book, visit kouroshotelmykonos.gr.
