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The Best Mykonos Town Hotel that will enchant you.
A Cycladic chic hideout, where the welcome is genuine and the atmosphere laid back, this best 5* luxury Hotel in Mykonos Town is no wonder the stomping ground of globe trotters, foodies, party animals and art lovers: The place to be, to see and be seen and to mingle with the like-minded.
EXCLUSIVE SERVICES
Experience ultimate indulgence with our Best Mykonos Town Hotel 5* hotel services & facilities.
Indulge in sun-kissed exclusivity at our boutique hotel in Mykonos Town with sweeping sea and sunset views. Our 18 exceptional Mykonos suites, available with private pool or hot tub, blend chic minimalism with understated island luxury for a refined experience of Mykonos accommodation.
ESCAPE TO A LUXURIOUS HILLTOP SANCTUARY
EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCES, EXCLUSIVE SERVICE
Immerse yourself into a world of refined boutique hospitality at Naia, our 5-star Mykonos hotel with private pool suites and spellbinding views of the Aegean Sea and the iconic Mykonos windmills. Featuring fabulous design and décor throughout, the hotel offers 18 luxury Mykonos suites, some with private pool or hot tub, as well as an excellent range of amenities including an award-winning Mykonos restaurant, a main pool terrace with great views and a chic Mykonos bar, and a luxury Mykonos spa and wellness centre, while personalised world-class service ensures a truly memorable experience.
STAY AT NAIA, ENJOY EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES ACROSS THE MYCONIAN COLLECTION
As a guest at Naia, you’re a guest of the Myconian Collection, meaning you can enjoy a whole range of exclusive services and amenities – including superb restaurants and fabulous spa and wellness experiences – across the Collection’s properties: Avaton Design Hotel, the Imperial and the Royal Leading Hotels of the World, Utopia Relais & Châteaux, Villa Collection, a PHR Legend Hotel, and Panoptis Escape, an SLH Hotel in Elia Beach; Sunrise Relais & Châteaux at Agrari Beach; Ambassador Relais & Châteaux at Platis Gialos; Kove and O Design Hotels in Ornos Beach; and Deos, a part of The Set, Kyma Design Hotel, Korali Relais & Châteaux, and Naia, a Preferred LVX Hotel, in Mykonos Town.
For 31 years the editors of Condé Nast Traveler have been compiling this annual compendium of hotels and cruises we’ve discovered, or fallen in love with all over again. We highlight them not only for their beauty, comfort, or impeccable service, but also because we’ve developed deeply emotional relationships with them: These are the hotels and cruises we recommend to our friends, that we tell stories about later. And this year, for the first time, we’re telling those same stories in video form, too. Below are the best hotels and resorts in the world, according to our editors.
Africa and the Middle East
Ellerman House — Cape Town, South Africa
Built for the shipping magnate Sir John Ellerman in 1906, this is one of the most splendid Edwardian mansions on one of Cape Town’s most beautiful coastal sites, with prime views of the boulder-strewn swimming coves below and of sunsets. In the exclusive Bantry Bay area, Ellerman House has 11 rooms, two suites, two villas, and one-and-a-half-acre hillside gardens, all verdant lawns, waving palm trees, and aromatic Cape fynbos beds. The staff members treat everyone like a houseguest by pressing clothes, running bubble-baths, delivering antique silver pots of just-picked mint for tea, and advising on the perfect wine. Each individually decorated sea- or mountain-facing bedroom features art belonging to the house’s owner, Paul Harris. He has one of South Africa’s finest private collections, including 19th-century landscapes by Thomas Bowler and contemporary portraits by Gerard Sekoto, which decorates the house and its adjoining gallery. The service within its airy, light-filled spa, its amply stocked cellar, and its sunny restaurant is personalized; chefs happily whip up individual favorites, like rich Cape Malay curries and fresh lobster salads, as well as treats that are set out daily in a help-yourself pantry. For families, two more-contemporary villas enable children to splash about in their own pool without disturbing those indulging in a formal English tea on the shaded verandas or lazing on a pool lounger while watching seagulls wheel above the Atlantic. This feels like a gracious grande dame of a hotel—a clubby space that encourages you to slow down and be spoiled. —Lisa Grainger
Singita Ebony Lodge — Sabi Sand, South Africa
If there’s a brand that embodies the safari gold standard, it’s Singita, which runs 19 lodges and camps across South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Rwanda. Ebony Lodge, overlooking the Sand River in a private concession in the leopard-rich Sabi Sands Game Reserve, was the one that started it all, back in 1993. But in some ways Singita’s other lodges (we adore the nature-modernist Sweni lodge) had overtaken its traditional aesthetic—until a richly textured redesign led by Cape Town designers Cécile and Boyd was unveiled in spring 2024. The new Ebony Lodge—with the indoor-outdoor stepped central area that descends toward the river, and the glass and canvas that has replaced walls in the 12 richly textured suites—is more flowing, more immersed in nature. Singita’s game drives are always next-level, and for us, private sightings, like of a tree-bound leopard chillingly devouring an impala, were followed by blissful moments by our private plunge pool watching elephants loll in the riverbed. The new Ebony is smarter than ever but, happily, remains a classic. —Toby Skinner
Kasbah Tamadot — Asni, Morocco
All kasbahs are a kind of oasis of calm behind fortified walls, and Kasbah Tamadot is one of the very finest in Morocco. Its name means “soft breeze” in the local Berber language, evoking the reprieve it offers in the shadow of the Atlas Mountains. First built over a century ago as a home for a local governor, it became part of the Virgin Limited Edition Collection of lodges and resorts in 2005. Now reopening after substantial damage from the 2023 earthquake, Tamadot is a lavish yet quirky Amazigh castle with exquisite carved doors and intimate courtyards, secret passageways, and terraces of reflecting pools strewn with rose petals. It is furnished with the extraordinary collections of the previous owner, a Venetian antiquarian named Luciano Tempo, which were included when Richard Branson purchased the place. Huge bronze and wooden chests that might have carried Barbarossa’s loot stand in corners. In rambling gardens, pathways meander beneath trellises of jasmine while espaliered apple trees frame the cabanas around the swimming pool. In addition to atmospheric rooms in the old kasbah, new accommodations offer a step-up in luxury with 10 glamorous Berber tents in the gardens and six luxurious riads, which offer three-bedroom suites and private pools. —Stanley Stewart
andBeyond Mnemba Island — Zanzibar, Tanzania
The East African coast has some of the most unspoiled beaches on earth yet very few private-island resorts. Which is, in part, why AndBeyond’s Mnemba, a tiny blob of white sand almost two miles off the touristy hot spot of Zanzibar, has been adored for so long. Opened in 1997 and rebuilt in 2024 by the esteemed Fox Browne team, with architect Jack Alexander, the diminutive 12-banda resort is lovelier than ever. Designed to mimic the curves of a nautilus shell, and to bring nature indoors, the rooms are curvaceous, wood-and-reed-clad Robinson Crusoe–esque spaces in which sea air (and an occasional bird, crab, or bat) can waft in and where shower views are of shady forest and chirruping seabirds. It’s a place loved by both seclusionists and socialites. Those wanting privacy can stay put 24/7 and ask a butler to pop by with a basket of sushi or a cooling coconut. Others might slip on a silk caftan and stroll barefoot along the blinding white sand to the bar for a Dawa lime cocktail or a glass of fine South African wine, then a romantic lamplit dinner on the beach—lobster ravioli, perhaps, or rare Kenyan beef followed by a chocolate tart or mango sorbet. For design lovers, a boutique is stocked with colorful local jewelry, clothing, and crafts; for the active, a gang of smiley chaps is on hand who can help you explore the clear, turquoise waters on catamarans, kayaks, or paddleboards; or dive the area’s famous reefs. At the island’s new spa, yoga lessons are offered on a cool, breezy beach deck, and world-class Healing Earth–scented massages administered by the island’s talented, intuitive therapists. Huge numbers of guests are repeat visitors—from America, France, Switzerland, the UK. As one glam couple, on their eighth stay, explained: “We’ve explored the world and haven’t found anything to compare. So we just keep coming back. Yes, it’s a big treat. But there’s nothing like Mnemba.” —Lisa Grainger
Jack’s Camp — Botswana
Imagine a land so vast it could swallow the sky, so bone-dry for parts of the year that the cracks in the earth form an intricate network of veins that stretch for miles. It’s from this landscape of Botswana’s Makgadikgadi salt pans that Jack’s Camp, an anachronistic concoction filled with the all-out splendor of a 1940s camp, emerges, mirage-like. Founder Ralph Bousfield, a cultish figure in the safari world, opened Jack’s Camp in the ’90s in honor of his father, Jack, and it’s their combined vision that drives the camp’s personality with its colonial style and archaeological treasures in glass cases. Here romance exists in spades: Each of the nine canvas tents come with campaign desks and hand-carved beds and, on the outside, broad wood decks, swings, and plunge pools. You’ll be tempted to stay put, but just out the door are wide-open spaces filled with wildebeests, hyenas, and meerkats that are waiting to be explored in a 4×4, on a quad bike, or on horseback. At the end of long days, guests and guides gather at a 36-seater table to clink glasses and test their taste buds with pilipili-hoho, a Jack’s Camp mainstay of African chilies soaked in gin. But the real standout meal here is the decadent afternoon tea, served upon fraying rugs in a Persian tent. It’s exactly what you need to shore up your spirit and head out into the still afternoon heat for more desert adventures. —Arati Menon
Matetsi Victoria Falls — Zimbabwe
This lodge, set along a nine-mile stretch of the Zambezi and staffed almost entirely by Zimbabweans, is one of the best in southern Africa. All of the 18 suites and four-bedroomed villas face “the Great River,” in which hippo snort and crocodiles float. Within walls the hue and texture of elephant skin, graphic local art hangs amid midcentury-style nature-inspired furnishings, and you’ll find tubs as well as indoor and outdoor showers. Fridges have fabulous South African wines and edible treats to nibble while lounging beside the plunge pool. In the elegant open-sided main living space, delicious meals are served in the shade of giant trees or on shaded candlelit terraces. Alternatively, picnics can be packed for day trips—to go on game walks, kayaking excursions, visits to crocodile farms, bungee jumps, gorge swings, guided tours of Victoria Falls—or just enjoyed out in the wild, in the company of healthy herds of buffalo and elephant, big prides of lions, and varied bird life. Not many lodges offer such a diversity of activities, in such style and in such a wild, UNESCO-protected destination. Which makes this place pure gold. —Lisa Grainger
Six Senses Zighy Bay — Oman
As we approach Six Senses Zighy Bay, tarmac gives way to rock-peppered dust tracks lined with sidr trees, beneath which roaming mountain goats shelter from the harsh midday sun. We wind through the mountains until the horseshoe of Oman’s Zighy Bay comes into sight below. Before the resort opened in 2008, this stretch of sand lay all but untouched, a secret kept for the local families from tiny Zighy village, tucked into the far corner of the bay, and the fishermen who sailed these waters. The resort’s 82 charmingly rustic villas, built with thick stone walls and topped with roofs made from tightly strung palm fronds, are designed to mimic the homes in a traditional Omani village. Sustainability is at the core of what Six Senses Zighy Bay is about, and the infrastructure is truly impressive—from the onsite desalination plant to the nearby farm that provides fresh produce, cheese, and milk. Don’t miss a trip on one of the resort’s three private boats to explore the surrounding coves. It’s the best way to truly understand the remoteness of Zighy Bay and take in the dramatic landscapes. Don’t be surprised if you spot a pod of dolphins (when the season is right) or, in our case, a group of friendly eagle rays. —Sophie Prideaux
Jumeirah Burj Al Arab — Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The iconic image of the sail-inspired structure, which stands alone on its own purpose-built island just off Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach, can be found in souvenir shops, on postcards, and in the camera roll of just about any traveler who visits the city. Together with the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah, it is a symbol of Dubai’s unending ambition. This year Jumeirah’s flagship hotel is celebrating 25 years since opening its opulent doors. If quiet luxury is the current in-vogue hotel trend, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab is the antithesis of that. Each of the 198 suites is a duplex, and guests are greeted with a sweeping staircase and gold accents. Full-size toiletries are from Hermès (and include eaux de parfum for him and her). There are eight on-site restaurants, including the gold-laden Gilt Sky Bar. The Talise Spa, meanwhile, with its indoor pool flanked by colorful mosaic pillars, remains a destination within itself—the jewel in this hotel’s crown. —Sophie Prideaux
Asia
Gangtey Lodge — Bhutan
At Gangtey Lodge travel-weary guests are greeted with a welcome song so powerful it reduced our party to tears, a hot towel, sweet tea by the fire, and a five-minute massage. “We wanted to create something for the backpackers that now want a little more luxury,” says Khin Omar Win, who co-owns the lodge with husband Brett Melzer. Luxury here comes in the form of personalized meals but also silence, space, and a sense of being cocooned by the sweet-natured staff who anticipate your every need. —Anna Prendergast
Taj Falaknuma Palace — Hyderabad, India
With its dreamy frescoes, Corinthian columns, and Ostler chandeliers, Hyderabad’s storied Taj Falaknuma Palace had been a beloved residence of the ruling nizam—one of whom was famously depicted on a 1937 Time magazine cover as the “Richest Man in the World”—before falling into disrepair for decades. The hilltop aerie has been a fixture of my annual vacations in Hyderabad, from a childhood visit when it was still shuttered and shrouded in cobwebs to countless intimate dinner parties, afternoon teas, qawwali concerts on the gardens at sunset, and a memorable 75th-birthday celebration for my father last winter—complete with a flute serenade of “Happy Birthday” at breakfast under the stained-glass dome of the Gol Bungalow terrace. For the special way it brings Hyderabad’s rich history and traditions to life at every corner, Falaknuma will always have my heart. —Sarah Khan
The Dwarika’s Hotel — Kathmandu, Nepal
Ian Schrager may have made lobby socializing a thing when he sparked the boutique-hotel revolution back in the mid-80s, but at Dwarika’s it’s all about the courtyard. Soundtracked by birdsong, it feels like being inside a secret walled garden—a bubble of tranquility from the cacophony of Kathmandu. The hotel is both a marvel of conservation and a monument to historic Newari architecture because it was gradually assembled from eaves, windows, and pillars rescued by Dwarika Das Shrestha. Now grandson René is continuing the project, as CEO of Dwarika’s Group of Hotels and Resorts. But the property more than a museum piece with yoga lessons on the rooftop, a swimming pool surrounded by sculpted serpents, and some of the best momo dumplings in Nepal; this is an immersive, deeply atmospheric microcosm of the Kathmandu Valley. —Rick Jordan
Aman Kyoto
Serene. Timeless. Escapist. And deliciously crowd-free. Nature and its subtlest micro-shifts are the main protagonists at Aman Kyoto. The hotel is set against tumbling mountainside forests in a quiet northeastern corner of the ancient capital. At its heart lies an otherworldly “secret garden” that wavers between wild and cultured. Mindfulness is nonnegotiable while navigating the moss-covered stone pathways or relaxing within the peaceful minimalism of the 24 suites. Housed in clean-lined black timber pavilions designed by Kerry Hill, the accommodations feature tatami floors, hinoki bathtubs, ceramic abstractions, and haiku-inspiring views through walls of windows. Luxury lies in the property’s simplicity: Instead of a swimming pool, picture a small boulder-strewn onsen alongside spa treatments imbued with a sense of the sacred and the intuitive omotenashi warmth of the staff. Food is treated with no less reverence, from meticulous kaiseki craftsmanship at Taka-an to contemporary land-to-table cuisine in the Living Pavilion. All in all? The perfect place to recover from Kyoto temple fatigue—and reconnect with the present moment. —Danielle Demetriou
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Some hotels lose their luster after a while. Others, like the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, only get better with age. This Southeast Asian hidey-hole has been around since 1876 but doesn’t feel mired in the past. Frequent spruce-ups have kept it looking tip-top, while an ever-evolving lineup of a dozen or so restaurants (including the new Kinu by chef Takagi Kazuo and classic Thai restaurant Baan Phraya) keep a finger on the pulse of Bangkok’s dining scene. And then there’s the spa, with CBD-oil-infused massages, ice baths, and rubdowns using herbs from northeast Thailand’s Isan region, that still sits in a league of its own. They just don’t make them like this anymore. From $650.
Narendra Bhawan Bikaner — India
This hotel is much like a cabinet of curiosities and so the vibe is eclectic, hedonistic, and easy-going. Lazy breakfasts lead into lazier lunches and dinners that end when you retire. In between, you could go carpet shopping and visit local attractions, trusting that your G&Ts will be waiting upon your return. You could also view the city as you lounge by the hotel’s rooftop pool and get yourself a massage during which Bach Flower remedies are used. However you play it, you’ll probably leave humming that Edith Piaf number “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien.” You’ll find the lyrics painted across the red piano in the foyer. —Prasad Ramamurthy
The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko — Japan
A hotel for all seasons, the Ritz-Carlton Nikko occupies a prime spot on the skirts of Mount Nantai inside a UNESCO World Heritage site resplendent with ancient temples. The first luxury hotel in this part of the country, just a two-hour train ride from Tokyo, stays true to its bucolic surroundings: In the oblong glass-fronted lobby, there’s a harmonious interplay of light and space and cozy fabrics. The Library and Lakehouse restaurant are warmed by flickering fireplaces; the spa features unique-to-Nikko artworks, including exquisite floral Nikko-bori wood carvings. Subtly textured cedarwood rooms induce a sense of calm with silently sliding doors, fretwork inspired by local Tochigi latticework, puffy white (Western-style) beds, granite onsen, and balconies where you can wrap yourself in a cashmere blanket, sip green sencha, and watch cormorants and Black Kites flit around the lake. —Lee Cobaj
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi — Vietnam
A dazzling destination that flashes back beautifully to a bygone age, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has been a fixture in the heart of the Vietnamese capital since 1901. Behind its classical white façade, two buildings—the original and recently renovated Heritage Wing and the neoclassical Opera Wing, named for its proximity to the Hanoi Opera House—envelop a serene courtyard garden and sparkling pool flanked by a bar. The historic suites, named after famous former guests, including Charlie Chaplin and novelist Graham Greene, exude a sense of old-world grandeur, while its peaceful French Quarter locale makes it a no-brainer when planning a trip to Hanoi. —Keri Bridgwater
Suján Jawai — Rajasthan, India
At Suján Jawai, even the sleepiest of heads will find it hard to resist rising early and hopping into an open-top jeep to bounce over ancient granite rocks in search of Rajasthan’s wild leopards. Rewilding efforts have helped to protect a rare balance here, where humans and animals live in harmony and mutual respect without conflict. The camp has sleek, uncluttered tents and a pool for cooling post-safari dips. Hearty, healthy food is made with ingredients from local farms and the camp’s kitchen gardens, and tales of the day’s leopard sightings are recounted over G&Ts by the campfire. Hearing the low rumbling call of a leopard reverberating off the rocks in the darkness, you’ll realize there are fewer more magical settings than this. —Nicola Chilton
The Leela Palace Jaipur — India
Silver domes, hand-painted art on the walls, suites with courtyards and plunge pools, marble fountains, and intricately carved statues of pachyderms play their part in the overall scheme of this palace hotel. Spread across eight acres, the 200-key property is nestled in the foothills of the lush Aravalli hills with rooms, restaurants, and villas laid out in a beautifully planned amalgam of indoor and outdoor spaces. The terrace, with its domes and chhatris (named after the famous Hawa Mahal in Jaipur’s old city), is perfect for private meals under the stars. What makes The Leela stand out in a city of palace hotels is its integration with Jaipur by way of its art and culture and a curation of experiences including private access for guests to Jaigarh Fort and the City Palace as well as its glamorous soirees like the Writer’s Ball during the Jaipur Literature Festival and the much-feted Leela Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Polo Cup during the season. —Diya Kohli
The Peninsula Hong Kong
The Peninsula Hong Kong is one of those very special hotels whose name causes former guests to go a bit misty-eyed at its mere mention. Since opening on the Kowloon waterfront in 1928, The Pen (as it is affectionately known) has been beloved by both visitors and the people of Hong Kong. And it’s still the place to be—ot just for the sense of history, but because it is simply fabulous. Pull into the driveway in one of the hotel’s 14 Rolls-Royce Phantoms. Take your pick from nine superb bars and restaurants. Have a Margy’s Monte-Carlo facial at the spa, then retire to calming dark veneer and champagne-toned rooms with dazzling harbor views and be attended to by some of the most thoughtful staff in the business. Hong Kong and The Peninsula: It’s impossible to imagine one without the other. —Lee Cobaj
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
A ring of a gong and an army of smiles signals your arrival at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. Reef villas are cathedral-vast and designed with smooth marble floors, taupe sofas, a minibar stocked with ready-made cocktails, and an outdoor space with a pool large enough for laps at dusk when fruit bats swoop overhead. The culinary choices are staggering and may well offer the most diverse choice in the Maldives. For wellness seekers, the spa excels in its roster of visiting practitioners likeChinese acupuncturists and tarot card readers. Children are in Technicolor heaven here, for here is a sand-dusted, turquoise playground paradise for all generations. —Jemima Sissons
Bvlgari Resort Bali — Indonesia
Although Bali isn’t short on sprawling, sumptuous resorts, not everywhere has its own open landing space or butlers who can arrange a spiritual cleansing with a local priest under a magnificent statue of Ganesh. The Bvlgari Resort Bali isn’t just any hotel, however. The resort faces a vast expanse of Indian Ocean, with all 59 pool villas sharing the same glorious sea views. Ranging from spacious one-bedrooms with outdoor living rooms to gargantuan five-bedroom mansions with multiple swimming pools, all are sultry cocoons with oversized beds and either showpiece black basalt bathrooms or mosaic marble bathtubs. At night, guests dress up for tasting menus at Il Ristorante by Luca Fantin: tagliolini with Kintamani vanilla butter and caviar, wild snapper with potato spaghetti, Bedugul raspberry crème brûlée. Other sweet spots include the crag-top infinity pool and the beautiful spa, the perfect spot to lie back and count your many blessings. —Lee Cobaj
Capella Bangkok — Thailand
The Thai capital has no shortage of swanky beds to book, but it’s only once in a blue moon that a hotel with such star power as the Capella Bangkok comes around. Opened in 2020 on a garden-clad estate along the Chao Phraya River, this low-rise pile of blonde woods and creamy marble entered the scene with such Bangkok firsts as travertine Jacuzzi tubs on suites’ balconies and villas pitched up right on the waterfront. Côte, the hotel’s Mediterranean-tinged fine dining spot by Argentine chef Mauro Colagreco, earned a Michelin star within a year after opening, while those in the know flock to the boudoir-like Stella Bar after dark to sip on drinks inspired by some of Bangkok’s most storied districts. —Chris Schalkx
The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra — India
Two years ago, my wife and I arrived in Agra on a rainy weekend, and the Amarvilas was closed for a refurb. The hotel we stayed at promised a view of the Taj Mahal; from one particular corner of the roof, up a staircase, you could get a slight glimpse of the dome—if the skies were clear. This time, though, the property was open, and when I walked into the lobby of the renovated Amarvilas, I was unprepared and stunned. Beyond the atrium, rising above a lush green treeline, was the beauty. I spent the next two days doing just what the designers of this grand property intended: gaze at the Taj. Standing less than 2,000 feet from the Taj Mahal, the Amarvilas has the best and most exclusive view of the mausoleum. The architects maximized this by giving each of the 95 rooms and seven suites an unhindered view. The suites take it up a few notches—the daybeds, the shower, and the tub all look over the marbled wonder. What’s more sensuous than a soak on a moonlit night with a view of the Taj? —Salil Deshpande
Trisara — Phuket, Thailand
Slapdash developments have made it increasingly difficult to find Phuket’s postcard fantasy, but even two decades after opening, Trisara still feels blissfully cut off from the fray. Strewn throughout a jungle-cloaked cape in the island’s quiet northwest, its villas offer wide-screen sea views and heaps of privacy, while down at the private beach, regulars (many of them of A-list caliber) laze along the 147-foot-long saltwater pool. The resort is also home to Phuket’s most ambitious restaurant, Pru, where Dutch chef Jimmy Ophorst earned Thailand’s first Michelin Green Star for its zero-waste tasting menus made with homegrown and locally sourced ingredients such as black crab from Phang Nga and caviar from Hua Hin. —Chris Schalkx
Bullo River Station — Northern Territory, Australia
In the middle of red-dirt nowhere, on 400,000 acres in the Northern Territory, Bullo River Station is a snapshot of Australia’s hard yakka life: a sepia-toned outback fantasy where guests, dressed in boots and wide-brim hats, swoop in on helicopters. Dating back to 1959, this deeply rooted homestead has changed hands a few times but is now in its latest incarnation, having joined the stable of Luxury Lodges of Australia. Australian interior stylist Sibella Court has distilled her well-known bush-tucker style in the sandstone space and its 12 bedrooms. Smart and rugged, the accommodations feature oodles of handmade touches: forged hardware by local blacksmiths, towel holders braided by whip makers, and artwork by Indigenous artists. Simple cast-iron beds with nubby linens keep things simple. Days are spent getting dusty by visiting waterholes, angling for barramundi, and saying hello to the 2,000 or so floppy-eared Brahman cows. Up above, kookaburras and cockatoos flock, and beady-eyed crocodiles float through the muddy rivers. Ancient aboriginal rock art depicting a land before time is etched into rugged red cliffs and ridge lines. The landscape of waterfalls, craggy escarpments, and gushing rivers swallows you whole. But it’s the communal dinners that provide a peek into everyday outback life. The station staff, from the stockmen and station managers to the guides, pile plates with farm-fresh steaks, just-made salads, and homemade sausages, while fast-flowing ice-cold beers and salty plum gin cocktails fuel the rowdy conversation. —Chloe Sachdev
Lizard Island Resort — Queensland, Australia
Located 200 kilometers north of Cairns, secluded on 1,000 hectares of tawny bush, and ringed by sugar-white beaches, Lizard Island is no hard sell. It’s one of the few luxury resorts in Australia with the bragging rights to being located directly on the Great Barrier Reef. An easy 10-minute snorkel from shore will reveal the alternate, neon-tinged universe of the fringing reef. Silvery slivers of fish reflect the bright Queensland light, and slo-mo turtles glide above gardens of giant purple clams and coral that’s shaped like uncooked spaghetti. There is as much to do underwater—diving, fishing, swimming—as above. Unfussy white-weatherboard villas, with still-wet swimsuits dripping upon timber decks, dot the island. Inside, the rooms are bright and airy and boast high ceilings. Some have with wide-frame views out onto the lapping blue sea, while others are wrapped in a garden that vibrates with scuttling critters. Out of sight, on its own jagged outcrop of granite rocks, is The House, a brutalist concrete and copper three-bedroom private villa, which is surrounded by lonely swaths of white-sand beach. But beyond the island’s obvious charms, it’s the Lizard Island Research Station—headed by a husband and wife duo—that really sets this place apart. Opened in 1973, the station is one of the world’s leading reef-research facilities on a luxury resort, which guests can tour (even though it’s not part of the resort)—and they do, quizzing the marine scientists and even rolling up their sleeves to take part in hands-on citizen science initiatives across the endangered reef. It’s an insight into Australia’s changing relationship with tourism and proves that a remote paradise can be both beauty and brains. —Chloe Sachdev
The Brando — French Polynesia
Marlon Brando first came across the 18-isle atoll of Tetiaroa while scouting locations for his 1962 movie Mutiny on the Bounty. Now, more than 60 years later, the late actor’s beloved island hideaway is maintained by his family as a singularly unique resort, where stays feel like they’re once-in-a-lifetime. The wild South Pacific feel is intact, with just 35 luxe thatch-roof villas scattered across the main island—each has a private plunge pool and access to the sea. As you hike past ancient open-air temples or snorkel among schools of colorful fish, you’ll be able to appreciate wildlife conservation efforts so remarkable that researchers regularly fly in to study. —Megan Spurrell
Europe and the United Kingdom
Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris — France
On a limestone avenue in the 8th arrondissement, a stone’s throw from the Arc de Triomphe, the red glass lanterns and Art Deco–style awning at the entrance of Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris catch your eyes. Inside, the lobby leads to smaller, cozier spaces like the wood-paneled concierge and an art-focused bookshop, three restaurants, a 99-seat cinema, and a smoking lounge. A contemporary art gallery run by the hotel, Art District, has its own entrance next door. There’s a noticeable churn of locals on the round floor—shoppers having coffee in Le Bar Long, friends holding a baby shower over brunch—which makes the property feel like a neighborhood hangout. Le Royal Monceau was founded in 1928 by Pierre Bremond and André Junot, and Raffles assumed the management of the property in 2008. After overhauling the interiors with Phillippe Starck at the helm, it reopened as Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris in October 2010. The 149 bedrooms and suites, from the smallest “artist rooms” to the apartment-like presidential suites, are appointed with Starck’s energetic panache: Murano-glass chandeliers hang over midcentury-modern leather sofas, writing desks made by Philippe Hurel have illustrated maps of Paris on their top, and acoustic guitars stand upright in corners, ready to be strummed. The bathrooms are jaw-droppers, decked with mirrors and stainless steel on all sides. It feels, memorably, like you are having a bath inside of a disco ball. In addition to a morning-to-night, seven-days-a-week café, Le Bar Long (club sandwiches; thick hot chocolate served in its own special pot), this Paris hotel has two destination restaurants: Matsuhisa Paris, a Peruvian-Japanese restaurant run by chef Nobu Matsuhisa (his only outpost in France), and Il Carpaccio, a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant opened in partnership with the three-Michelin-starred restaurant, Da Vittorio, based in Brusaporto, Italy (do not miss Da Vittorio’s signature dish, which is served at Il Carpaccio: paccheri with three types of tomatoes and Parmesan). In the mornings only, the Matsuhisa Paris space becomes a restaurant called La Cuisine, which serves a Parisian buffet breakfast. For high-wattage contemporary glamour and a meaty collection of artwork (pieces by Lucien Hervé, Harry Gruyaert, and Thierry Dreyfus are on site for perusing), this is a playful, modern alternative to the many traditional Parisian hotels. —Jo Rodgers
Palazzo Margherita — Bernalda, Italy
Simple yet refined, tiny but with big intentions to showcase Basilicata in an unpretentious way, Palazzo Margherita became the fifth hotel in the Family Coppola Hideaways’ dynamic portfolio in 2012. Francis Ford Coppola’s grandfather Agostino Coppola spent his childhood in this quiet town, which he referred to as Bernalda Bella. His stories stuck in his grandchild’s mind, and Francis visited in his 20s. When it came on the market in 2004, he took action. Palazzo Margherita is clearly a passion project, six years in the making. It feels like a home, not a product, entwined with the history, mythology, and affections of the family. Sofia Coppola married her French musician beau Thomas Mars under the Heritage Garden gazebo in 2011, and the Palazzo opened as a hotel the following year. The two main suites (by French designer Jacques Grange) have new, hand-painted frescoes on vaulted ceilings and handcrafted furniture. Some have working fireplaces; others checkerboard floors, suntrap balconies, and sylvan murals. The food is traditional and regional, made with local organic products and by local chefs. For breakfast, try the tangy marmalades and the zucchini frittata with a fig salad. For later, some standouts are the dried pepperoni and breadcrumb pasta, the pasta al branzino, the hyacinth bulb sides, and the grilled porchetta. This is the place to imbibe a genuine, familial version of southern Italy, unsullied by mass tourism and through the storyteller eyes of Francis Ford Coppola. —Lydia Bell
Severin’s Resort & Spa, Sylt — Germany
The best thing about Severin’s is its orchard, filled with lots of old apple trees and, among them, tables that are set for meals. Traditional Strandkorb wicker chairs and chaise longues invite guests to relax and admire the white and pink blossoms in the spring and enjoy the shade that the trees and parasols provide in the summer. In the winter, when the temperatures drop, the trees look like they are frosted with sugar. Yes, there are many reasons to visit the northernmost of Germany’s islands even in the cold season. Another one of them is Severin’s spa, with its saunas, hammam, and swimming pool complete with a fireplace. The interior in pleasant neutral colors is bathed in warm light. You won’t find anywhere on Sylt more relaxing after a long walk on the beach. If you are looking for absolute privacy, Severin’s is a perfect choice with 23 studios and apartments as well as five houses and villas measuring up to 4,300 square feet. The emphasis is on spaciousness, not mere excess. The two-story thatchroof resort blends in harmoniously with the charming village of Keitum on the edge of the Wadden Sea. —Dennis Braatz
The Connaught — London
The Connaught curves around Carlos Place in Mayfair Village, but it’s not just the address that makes this one of the smartest hotels in London. It started life in 1815 as the Prince of Saxe-Coburg Hotel, and since then has had facelifts as well as the additions of a wing, an Aman spa, and a 1930s-style ballroom—all without losing its original spirit. A gilded mahogany staircase twists heavenward in the reception area, where the energy crackles with a permanent sense of occasion. The private art collection bedazzles: a Graham Sutherland landscape here, a Barbara Hepworth lithograph there. Despite the grandeur, everyone is treated with trademark down-to-earth service. Blending heritage and creature comforts, rooms and suites by Guy Oliver promise style and a soft landing. Minibars are disguised as chinoiserie cabinets; bed heads are hand-embroidered. The 2024-renovated gray-green or storm-cloud-blue Coburg Suites, with painted paneling, delft-encrusted chimneypieces, and heavy draped curtains, are the newest. Megawatt options include The Apartment, designed by David Collins Studio, on the rooftop; The Mews, a light-filled private townhouse; and the King’s Lodge, inspired by Kabul’s 19th-century Peacock Palace. The Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Hélène Darroze flagship restaurants are the focus of a stay, but the watering holes are the most fun. If you start an affair at the Connaught Bar, with its jolly martini trolley and candlelight, you can cut a bon vivant’s business deal at The Coburg. And, for quiet loungers, the Red Room is a modern bar that has an after- or preparty feel. Part of the Maybourne Group, this landmark grande dame still feels utterly relevant. —Lydia Bell
Fairmont Vier Jahreszeiten Hamburg — Germany
I grew up on a farm in a small village near Hamburg, and the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, which sits on the Binnenalster Inner Alster Lake, long had a mythical aura for me. The cream of society in this northern German city—indeed, from all over the world— were known to dine and sleep at the hotel. I finally checked in for the first time last year. From the moment I stepped through the door, the service was of the highest standard, always courteous and sincere. The food and drinks are superb (its Jahreszeiten Bar also boasts that it’s the smallest in Hamburg), and you’ll soon notice that, from the Grill to Restaurant Haerlin, most diners are locals. Many of them don’t get to experience that an overnight stay is also wonderfully satisfying. A few fifth-floor rooms overlooking the Binnenalster have such generous balconies that you can sunbathe comfortably in the summer. Though I have now seen it up close, the Vier Jahreszeiten still remains mythical for me. Only now, I get to be a small part of the life of this legend from time to time. —Dennis Braatz
Hotel Adlon Kempinski — Berlin
Today there’s that sense that Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin—having withstood the vicissitudes of a tumultuous century—is armor-plated, unassailable as the bullet-proofed floor-to-ceiling windows of the presidential suites. Under the Kempinski aegis since the 1990s, it bottles that sense of timelessness and offers a feeling of security and tradition as something that is as precious as it is soothing. The past is present here, exuding patrician-style grandeur and elegance: the Art Deco floor gauges in the elevators, an old-fashioned bicycle that the bellboys use, the panels of walnut wood in the Michelin-starred Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer restaurant, acres of marble for a grand staircase, and gold flakes even on the lobby lounge’s currywurst. Old-school perfectionism calls for the three types of caviar and Champagne at breakfast, as well as butler-ironed newspapers brought to the table. It all contributes to that illusion that you are in a cocoon, away from the travails of the world. —Catherine Fairweather
Adare Manor — Ireland
Few country escapes can beat this 19th-century neo-Gothic castle in Ireland’s County Limerick. First built for the Second Earl of Dunraven on an 842-acre estate, it features stained-glass windows, gold-leaf ceilings, and towering fireplaces, all restored to their original glory. The signature suite’s classic-contemporary bedroom and bathroom overlook the boundless sprawl of gardens and the Ryder Cup golf course. Guests can lord it in horse-and-buggy rides, go on clay-shooting and archery sessions, take padel tennis classes, eat Michelin-star suppers at the Oak Room, and afterward descend to the Tack Room cellar-lounge to sample its rare Irish whiskey collection. Rural breaks have never felt so ennobling. —Noo Saro-Wiwa
Canaves Ena — Santorini, Greece
The Chaidemenos family caves were formed in the 17th century by a volcanic eruption, and they were turned into wine cellars in the 1980s. In 1985, Ioannis Chaidemenos and his wife, Anna, began to have other ideas. From there, Canaves Ena was born, and, 40 years on, in 2024, a dramatic renovation was unveiled. A Cycladic path now winds around 18 blistering white suites, a mirror-shiny pool, and an excellent Greek restaurant. It’s bijou and pin-drop quiet, all Santorinian marble and pale woods, with flashes of pink bougainvillea flowers creeping up stucco walls. Most rooms have glassy infinity pools or bubbling jacuzzis—and, from every angle, utterly glorious views over the glittering caldera below. —Charley Ward
Cap Rocat — Mallorca, Spain
This, in my opinion, is the jewel of Marugal, the Spanish hotel collection. It’s enormous in size—taking up 74 acres over a mile of protected coastline—but exclusive thanks to its mere 30 rooms and suites. The intimacy here is absolute; nothing stands between you and the immense sea. As a whole, the property is a celebration of its environment: The Sea Club, situated on the edge of Caló de la Reina, is a restaurant that serves rice dishes, a fish of the day, grilled meats, and vegetables. La Fortaleza, the hotel’s haute cuisine proposal, sings an ode to Mallorcan gastronomy in a magical space. And the hotel boutique includes its own collection of Mediterranean-inspired garments in linen and cashmere as well as a carefully selected range of handicrafts, candles, and cosmetics. But if you need total seclusion, the spa is dug 39 feet underground and capable of transmitting peace few places in the world can. Be warned: The saltwater pool will make you forget everything else outside Cap Rocat. There are so many details at this hotel that you won’t see them all the first time. And that’s why you’ll come back. —David Moralejo
Ett Hem — Stockholm, Sweden
Since taking over two neighboring townhouses in 2022, the world’s most intimate luxury hotel, in my opinion, has grown up without sacrificing its philosophy of making guests feel truly at home. With the expansion, owner Jeanette Mix’s vision now feels complete. A former parking lot has been transformed into a lush English garden that connects the buildings. An eat-in kitchen serves top-class tasting menus. Plus there’s an in-house sourdough bakery, a wood paneled gym, and more social spaces packed with modern art and Scandinavian design classics. The upgraded Ett Hem is not just a great starting point for experiencing Stockholm. It’s a destination in its own right. —Viola Gad
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze — Florence
Housed in a pair of historic properties slathered in Renaissance sculptural friezes and Baroque frescoes, the Four Seasons would probably be open for guided tours today if it were not a hotel. But this 115-room grande dame, located a short walk from the Duomo in Florence’s quiet University district, wears its opulence lightly. The 11-acre landscaped park, whose current design dates back to the 19th century, separates the main Palazzo della Gherardesca building from the hotel’s Palazzo del Nero annex and is a leafy joy. An autumn 2024 makeover of Palazzo del Nero has raised the 36-room outlier from Cinderella to sassy princess, thanks also to Bar Berni, its cool new vermouth bar, and Onde seafood restaurant. —Lee Marshall
Gran Hotel Inglés — Madrid
One of the city’s icons and a pioneer in luxury hospitality when it opened in 1886, the Gran Hotel Inglés was the first hotel in Madrid to have a restaurant and electric lighting, as well as telephones and toilets with running water on each of its floors, an extravagance for the time. Its 48 rooms and suites, designed with a nod to the Art Deco style, have bathtubs that were flown in from Canada and are custom-made for each room, as well as showers; the beds, meanwhile, come with 500-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and an extensive pillow menu. In addition to its signature cocktail and gastronomic offerings at Lobbyto, which serves Madrid cuisine with an avant-garde twist (don’t miss the cocido madrileño!), the hotel has a brunch show with live music, an English tea service, and swing and rock-and-roll nights for the more lively. Le Max Club, the hotel’s spa, includes a high-tech gym, spa cabins set up in collaboration with French brand Sisley (its botanical treatment menu is a delight, I promise), and a jacuzzi. —Clara Laguna
Gstaad Palace — Switzerland
Glamour is built into the Gstaad Palace’s DNA: Liz Taylor and Richard Burton were regulars, and Michael Jackson wanted to buy it. But for all that, this hotel is more about quiet elegance than the flash-your-cash glitz on show in St. Moritz. For more than a century, Europe’s aristocracy has made a beeline for the palace, which towers over the impossibly pretty village where the likes of Prada and Louis Vuitton have quaint chalet shops. With its turrets backed by the majestic mountain scenery, it looks like something conjured up by Disney. The real magic, though, is inside. Since the 1930s, the Scherz family, which owns the hotel, has created less a grand institution and more a relaxed second home in the mountains, albeit one with a dress code. Generations of the same family visit year after year, greeting the staff like long-lost friends and congregating in the capacious lobby bar after time on the slopes or by the pool. Bedrooms have the feel of a Swiss chalet about them, with nothing too startling to detract from the Alpine panoramas. In the restaurant, often visited by English singer Robbie Williams, chef Franz Faeh’s food is served with theatrical flair. You don’t even have to open your menu before ordering—it’s that kind of place. It’s the kind of place, too, where you can imagine a guest turning up with 150 suitcases, demanding liters of Evian water to wash with, or insisting their cat be fed 50 grams of caviar a day. This is a hotel where the extraordinary feels like an everyday affair. —Jane Knight
Hotel Castello di Reschio — Lisciano Niccone, Italy
Reschio, an estate in Umbria not far from Perugia, comprises 3,700 quite outrageously beautiful acres of rolling hills, olive groves, vineyards, forest, farm buildings and, looming darkly over it all, a curtain-walled 11th-century castle. The most radical of the many changes Castello di Reschio has undergone in its long history is the most recent: its transformation from a place designed to keep people out to one redesigned to welcome them in. After a thousand or so years as a fortress, the castle opened, in 2021, as a 36-room hotel. The success of its reinvention has to do entirely with its owner-proprietors, Count Benedikt Bolza, an architect and designer, and his wife, Donna Nencia Corsini, an artist and environmentalist. The hotel is a lucid expression in three dimensions—in wood and stone and bronze, in silk and velvet and linen, in wildflowers and works of art and kooky knickknacks—of the couple’s shared enthusiasms, their style, their outlook on life. Castello di Reschio works brilliantly as a hotel and does all the things that a top hotel must do. (Is there a chicer palm-court bar, a more astonishing spa, or a lovelier swimming pool in rural Italy? Or anywhere?) More than that, the castle hotel is just one part of the much larger Reschio story, the point of entry into what has often—predictably, though not without reason—been characterized as a modern-day fairy tale. —Steve King
Hotel Grande Bretagne — Athens
Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2024, the GB (as locals fondly call it) is almost as much of an Athenian landmark as the Parthenon. The 5th-century-BC monument itself floats like a mirage just beyond the hotel’s lofty rooftop bar and restaurant, which overlooks the Parliament piazza where statuesque Evzones, members of the Presidential Guard, strut their stuff. If the location feels “only in Athens,” the interiors have all the glitzy trappings of a grand European hotel: gleaming marble inlay floors, flamboyant flower arrangements, giant gilded mirrors. Liveried doormen usher you through the revolving doors into what feels like a parallel universe, where the hubbub of downtown Athens gives way to the tinkling piano in the stained-glass-ceilinged winter garden, where afternoon tea is served by slinky waitresses who glide between the fluted columns. The lesser-known draw is not the fine dining or even the secret seventh-floor swimming pool but the subterranean spa. A profoundly therapeutic massage and plumping 111 Skin facial with one of the brilliantly intuitive therapists will leave you feeling at least 150 years younger. —Rachel Howard
Hotel Santa Caterina — Amalfi, Italy
I vividly recall my first visit twelve years ago to Hotel Santa Caterina: dips in the sea and in the saltwater pool at the edge of the cliff, accessed by the most beautiful lift in the world. We had fresh mozzarella for breakfast, lemonade, and all the sfogliatelle we could eat. I was enamored with the ceramic floors, the breeze swaying the vaporous curtains, the ever-smiling staff serving delicious fresh pasta and fish. In short, I fell in love. On a recent return visit to Portofino, I saw how the hotel has grown. Two new villas have popped up, hidden among the terraced gardens that dot the cliffs. The hotel is now a sort of albergo diffuso, with an increased number of rooms and ever more privacy for guests who want it. Everything else remains perfect. The pool is still as salty and relaxing, the curtains dance the same waltz with the breeze, the floors still sparkle. Santa Caterina is—and always will be—a dream. —David Moralejo
Kalesma Mykonos — Greece
Since the 1960s, Mykonos has been known for a very singular brand of hedonism. One that revolves around dance-until-sunrise parties fueled by cocktails and thumping DJ beats. Kalesma is a pulse-slowing alternative that taps into the zeitgeist with yoga sessions, mocktails, a cold plunge, and views so spectacular that even device-addicted guests abandon their screens. Perched on a bougainvillea-draped hilltop overlooking Ornos Bay, this discreet retreat has no shortage of pleasures, from a sensational farm-to-fire restaurant to a dazzling new spa. Twenty-five one-bedroom suites and villas all have plunge pools as well as sunrise and sunset views. They’ve become so in demand the owners are adding 19 for next season. —Jen Murphy
La Posta Vecchia Hotel — Ladispoli, Italy
In an era when more and more international brands are staking their claim on the generic sale of la dolce vita, Pellicano hotel’s La Posta Vecchia has always offered its own authentic universe. The imposing Renaissance palace with Italianate gardens is only a 30-minute train ride from Rome’s Trastevere. Reinforced only by the echo of waves and footsteps on stairs, a silence reigns in its 21 grand rooms and suites that have the feel of a friend’s private castle. The former customs house for the Papal States was built in 1640 as a hunting lodge by the five-pope-strong Orsini family, once owners of the adjacent castle. In 1960, American oil tycoon Paul Getty purchased the place. He also hired art historian Federico Zeri to furnish his home with papal velvets and ecclesiastical antiques like church prie-dieux and sacristy furniture. Marble busts, regal beds, and thronelike chairs speak to Getty’s deep respect for history—a respect shared by the Sciò family, who bought and preserved the place first as a home in the 1980s. Last year saw painstaking renovations of both the Roman mosaics and the exterior, and this year there’s been the addition of a gym and a new focus on ancient Roman recipes. What’s more, next year the hotel will unveil a second private beach. Meanwhile, tastemaker Marie-Louise Sciò’s spry touches can be seen in the chalice vases by Ettore Sotsass, bathroom products sold on Issimo, the Frette sheets collaboration, and the Villeroy & Boch crockery on which breakfast is served on the glorious sea-facing terrace dotted with umbrellas the hue of Italian custard. La Posta Vecchia is also a gateway to the lesser known Lazio Alto region with its Etruscan necropolises far from the crowds. —Stephanie Rafanelli
Le Bristol Paris
In a city that inspires millions, what makes a hotel stand out? For me it’s a property that will transport me into a new world, to live out a fantasy of a different life in a different location—a “main character moment”, as the TikTok generation might say. Le Bristol sets the scene for a stay that’s a world away from daily monotony and embraces what most hope and dream a trip to Paris will be: grand, storied, and luxurious, with Michelin-starred restaurants, top-class service, and a courtyard garden so peaceful you’ll forget you’re in one of the world’s busiest cities. Next year Le Bristol will celebrate its 100th anniversary with parties, but there’s no doubt its Parisian allure is timeless. —Abigail Malbon
Les Roches Rouges — Saint-Raphaël, France
When Les Roches Rouges opened back in 2017, on a sleepy stretch of the French Riviera in Saint-Raphaël, it succeeded where so many have failed. It’s an instant classic without being stuffy and zhuzh-y without trying too hard. Attracting a steady stream of well-dressed guests looking to disconnect from the high jinks of the Côte d’Azur scene, this bright-white 1950s modernist building is tickled by the raw blue ripples of the ocean. The interiors are perfectly balanced with polished concrete floors, white walls, and simple but striking furniture and art—a chunky chair here, a vintage lamp there—compiled by the hotel’s creative partners of antiques dealers, painters, and sculptors. The large stone-paved terrace contains a bar, a restaurant, and a sun deck, and is dotted with canvas butterfly chairs, tables, and plenty of neatly lined white sun beds. Many guests spend the days flitting between the lap pool and the spectacular 30-meter saltwater pool carved out of the rocks, while some meander over to a ladder that goes directly into the sea for paddleboarding. A steady stream of waiters in white polos deliver pale pink rosé and cocktails spiked with lavender and thyme. By evening, swimsuits are replaced with slinky dresses as guests dine in either of two restaurants: the book-ahead Michelin-starred Récif, which has a tasting menu, or La Plage, a more relaxed spot with perfectly plated Provençal dishes. As the bright-hot days trickle into soft-focus nights, it’s hard to imagine a lovelier spot. —Chloe Sachdev
Lime Wood — Lyndhurst, United Kingdom
This country house hotel in the heart of the New Forest National Park is a byword for holistic excellence, utilizing its surroundings to put nature, relaxation, and nourishment front and center. The 33 keys include 16 rooms in the main house, a gorgeous lakeside cabin, and woodland-chic forest cottages, while the award-winning Herb House spa offers bespoke Ayurvedic treatments, a hydropool overlooking the forest, and a log-lined sauna. At its destination restaurant, Hartnett Holder & Co, chefs Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder oversee an Italian-inspired menu. But the real star of the show is the New Forest, the venue for bike rides and guided forages among trees, heathland, and wild horses. This is the definition of well-being. —Noo Saro-Wiwa
Marbella Club — Spain
In the 1950s, Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe acquired a small fishing village nestled between the sea and the mountains and decided to transform it into an estate. Since it opened in 1954, the Marbella Club has become a sanctuary for aristocrats, actors, musicians, artists, heads of state, athletes, and celebrities seeking something more than just a vacation destination. Over the years the Marbella Club has managed to keep its original spirit alive as it has gracefully expanded to become one of the most iconic luxury resorts in the Mediterranean. Today it boasts 115 rooms and suites as well as 15 villas, where traditional Andalusian architecture blends with splendid gardens and pathways leading to the sea. Two heated outdoor pools, a beach club, a Thalasso wellness center, a golf course, 10 tennis courts, an equestrian center, a kids club, and eight dining concepts complete this paradise, located just five minutes from Marbella’s old town and Puerto Banús. —María Casbas
Splendido, a Belmond Hotel — Portofino, Italy
It takes a hotel of a particularly high caliber to salve the sting of a lifelong travel dream’s finale. For me, that sting was the gutting experience of disembarking from the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Portofino, Italy, this past summer. But my goodness, does Splendido offer such reprieve. This princely albergo on the Ligurian coast was built as a Benedictine monastery and is now adorned with pink azaleas on almost every balcony from which guests can take in postcard views of Portofino Bay, glimmering and viridian. The landscape looks just as it did in the 1960s, when the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Ava Gardner first checked in to this seaside hideaway. But the hotel has been updated since then; for the 2025 season, Splendido will reopen with the main building completely renovated, after a multi-year floor-by-floor update led by designer Martin Brudnizki, whose signature maximalism takes on a gentler, subtler play—more perfume than syrup—by using lavenders, celadons, and Alice blues to paint the interiors with a pleasingly soft handsomeness. Outside, the redone saltwater pool shimmers with new tiles color-matched to the sea, and the open-air restaurant La Terazza is as perfect a spot as ever, serving trofie al pesto and spritzes on its perch high on the hill. All told, Splendido’s sensibility is elegantly understated, allowing its people and environment to shine. The staff is composed of charismatic good-time ragazzi, and nature seeps so easily into the rooms that sunrise and birdsong became my morning alarms. To catch the local scene, walk 15 minutes downhill to Portofino’s piazzetta (or take the hotel’s complimentary shuttle), where nonnos invite any and all challengers to a game of backgammon. I did one evening and felt yet again the sting of loss. Then I hiked up the hill to Splendido, my beloved balm, with its windows aglow after sundown and music floating through its gardens. It’s not Olympus, but it’s close enough. —Matt Ortile
The Fife Arms — Braemar, United Kingdom
Reasons to love the Fife Arms? Yes, the 16,000-odd works of art—including a pair of Picassos, Richard Jackson’s neon chandelier, a taxidermy haggis, and watercolors by Queen Victoria and King Charles III. Add in the fact that no one in Braemar seems to have a bad word to say about the Swiss art dealers Ivan and Manuela Wirth, relative outsiders when they took over this tired Victorian coaching inn in Cairngorms National Park. But the real joy of the Fife Arms is that it’s great fun: You’ll find everyone here, from out-of-towners to locals with their dogs—not to mention a team of wry, wise-cracking staff ready to make an event out of everything from whisky tastings at Bertie’s Bar to bracing wild-river swims followed by horse box sauna sessions. —Toby Skinner
Mexico, Central, and South America
Tierra Patagonia — Chile
Tinged red at dawn, the granite towers of Torres del Paine are a blazing centerpiece in Chile’s premier national park. But no view compares with the scene greeting guests from their bed at this exquisitely crafted lodge. Barely visible along the skyline, the lakeside building sinks comfortably into the landscape, giving all rooms a vista onto the soaring peaks. Light pours through walls of glass to illuminate a panoramic restaurant and spa with an indoor infinity pool, perfect spots to watch clouds dance across big skies. Far from the crowd-clogged trails, the coolly unassuming property invites endless possibilities at the bottom of the world. —Sarah Marshall
Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection — Costa Rica
Upon my landing at Hacienda AltaGracia’s airstrip, my compa, or personal butler, is waiting with a sea-bean necklace and a refreshing drink—the first hint at the exceptional attention I would receive throughout. The 180-acre jungle resort has 50 casitas featuring a safari-meets-boho design accented by locally made pottery and patterned textiles. Outside is where the real beauty is, though: stunning jungle views, a private plunge pool, and a swinging daybed. Strolling the property, I spot colorful birds, frogs, and, one night, an armadillo. I sign up for a tree climb, which brings me to the top of the rainforest canopy for endless views. But mainly I just want to sip coffee at the excellent Mercado café and spend time at the excellent 20,000-square-foot spa. —Devorah Lev-Tov
Caiman, Pantanal — Miranda, Brazil
More than 35 years ago, when conservationist and entrepreneur Roberto Klabin transformed part of his family’s farm into a high-end lodge, the Pantanal was widely dismissed for being full of flies—but that’s no longer the case. Things are changing in the world’s largest tropical wetland. By habituating jaguars to the sound of vehicle engines, NGO Onçafari has increased sightings of the threatened predators on the property. Go on a game drive, shadow conservation teams, and horse-ride through gallery forests in the (largely) fence-free grounds, while experiencing life on a working cattle ranch. South America’s answer to the Okavango Delta without any of the hype or the crowds. —Sarah Marshall
Turtle Inn — Placencia, Belize
Turtle Inn, much like Blancaneaux Lodge, its older sibling in the Belizean jungle, bears the cinematic imprint of owner Francis Ford Coppola. From the tropical exuberance of its entryway and its thatch-roof cottages with hand-carved doors and Japanese baths to the garden pizzeria with its twinkling lights, this is one part Gilligan’s Island, one part barefoot-chic Bali beach club. You wouldn’t be blamed for not wanting to leave this idyllic refuge, but Turtle Inn’s location makes it the perfect jumping off point for riverine adventures and treks into jaguar territory. You’ll always be glad to return, though, to its pools, beachside bar, and lobster feasts best enjoyed with toes in the sand. But perhaps there is no luxury greater than the warmhearted service extended by staff who treat you just as they would the Coppolas—like returning family. —Arati Menon
Chable Yúcatan — Chocholá, Mexico
Because it’s located in the jungle between the colonial city of Mérida and the Maya site of Uxmal, Chablé Yucatán has two distinct personalities, making it unique among luxury resorts in Mexico. The buildings that form the historic two-centuries-old hacienda now house common areas and the gourmet Ixi’im restaurant, and guests sleep in 38 contemporary glass boxes masterfully situated throughout the lush grounds so that each feels remarkably private—your views are of the jungle foliage, not your neighbor. Each casita has its own pool, but there’s also a larger common one for when you’re feeling social. The resort is home to countless iguanas and diminutive Yucatecan deer, and an astounding variety of birdlife. You’ll feel like you have escaped to a unique Eden, only with gracious service. —John Newton
Mashpi Lodge — Pichincha, Ecuador
This glass-walled building is a bubble of understated luxury in Ecuador’s Chocó-Andean Cloud Forest, the densest spot of biodiversity on Earth. Your own personal guide will take you on hikes through the forest to find butterflies the size of your hand and hummingbirds that will feed from your fingers. In your downtime you can wallow in hot tubs that look over the valley or listen to the sounds of the forest from your room, which has floor-to-ceiling windows that make you feel as if you’re in a tree house. Mashpi leads the world in inspirational conservation, leaving you full of passion and wonder. —Ash Bhardwaj
One&Only Mandarina — Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Just when you think all beach resorts are made alike, One&Only Mandarina begs to differ. Nestled in the lush hills of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit—where jaguars skulk in the shadows, colorful birds fly overhead, and the gentle sound of the Pacific urges bone-deep relaxation—One & Only makes it easy to find the big red reset button you’ve been looking for. There’s a traditional temazcal sweat lodge experience at the spa, surfing on a private beach, and even a restaurant that has an Enrique Olvera–designed menu that would draw major crowds in a big city: Carao. Ultimately, though, it’s forgetting about the outside world that is the draw—and promise—of spending a few days here. —Megan Spurrell
United States, Canada, and the Caribbean
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Nomad
When the Ritz-Carlton flung open the doors of its new Manhattan flagship at West 28th Street and Broadway two years ago, the classic brand was making a bit of a daring declaration as to its direction. Moody and modish, the property is a far cry from the (splendidly) prim and proper Central Park location some 30 blocks north. There’s glass everywhere, for one thing, with the 50-story sleek slice of skyscraper designed in part to make the most of that killer location’s downtown views and light. The sun-soaked interiors are dramatic and textured—concierge desks in the grayscale lobby are made of almost zebra-print granite. A leafy, book-lined bar just off it leads to the excellent Spanish-Japanese fusion restaurant The Bazaar from José Andrés upstairs with its plush upholstery, coffee-and-plum palette, and scenery-chewing jamón Ibéerico centerpiece (Andrés’s group also designed the complimentary menu in the very worth-it club level). Rooftop bar Nubeluz is a jewel-toned wonderland of wallpaper; highlights include the pleated emerald fabric of the elevator vestibule and the feathered Schumacher number that hugs each booth. Wrapped from floor to ceiling in blond wood, my suite on the 36th floor, with its deep, deep sofa of chocolatey crushed velvet, offers grand views of Manhattan; I could even see all the way down to the World Trade Center. All of this style would matter little, however, were the service anything less than superlative. It absolutely is. Despite bookings being full to the brim most nights, there’s no indication that the staff have eyes for anybody but you from check-in to checkout. —Charlie Hobbs
Zero George — Charleston, South Carolina
To the naked eye, the five beautifully restored 1804 residences and carriage homes at the corner of George Street and East Bay constitute just another pretty block in Charleston: warm brick, statuesque façades, breezy column-studded verandas, and flickering lanterns. But veteran hospitality duo Dean Porter Andrews and Lynn Easton knew better when they selected this spot to launch their bespoke brand of Lowcountry luxury in 2013. The hotel’s magic lies in the exclusivity and privacy of its interior: a hidden labyrinth of meticulously manicured gardens, crushed oystershell pathways, and calming fountains connecting five distinct historic dwellings into a retreat guests love to call their home in the Holy City. —Allston McCrady
Colony Palm Beach — Florida
Stepping inside the Colony Hotel is like entering a scene from a storybook or a Wes Anderson film, a whimsical balance of the vintage and in vogue. Within its pink stucco walls, reality transforms into the glamorous yet laid-back Palm Beach of days gone by. Since Andrew and Sarah Wetenhall purchased the hotel in 2016, the guest rooms and villas have undergone a multiyear restoration, reviving the landmark institution while still maintaining its iconic tropical eclecticism. Located right between the beach and the shops of Worth Avenue, it’s the perfect home base for exploring the island—if you can ever pull yourself away from its fanciful charms. —Hannah Towey
San Ysidro Ranch — Santa Barbara, California
It might seem like a miss to go to Santa Barbara and not stay close to the shore, but the moment you make the turn inland onto San Ysidro Road, you realize that being here isn’t about visiting Santa Barbara; it’s about visiting the ranch. Just 38 cottages, each with their own unique layout, decor, and view, are spread out over 550 acres, but rather than being scattered, they form a ring within the property. At the resort’s center is a collection of gardens as well as a rectangular- pool that overlooks the canyon. Some of the curated finds you’ll see throughout are museum-quality art, antiques sourced from billionaire owner Ty Warner’s world travels, and handmade wallpapers (even on the ceilings of the showers). But San Ysidro Ranch isn’t your typical hotel—as its history of having legendary guests like Jacqueline and John F. Kennedy, who honeymooned here, or John Huston, who finished writing the screenplay for The African Queen on the property, can attest. And the ranch continues its legacy as a celebrity refuge, as modern-day A-listers use this tucked-away spot to truly hide out and escape—which is what you should do too. —Samantha Brooks
Blackberry Farm — Walland, Tennessee
The stories are all true—the ones you’ve heard about the fleecy Italian truffle dogs, the perfect timber-frame barn imported from Pennsylvania, the well-groomed hiking trails and bridle paths that give you access to the quiet forests of the Great Smoky Mountains. The place is a bit of paradise in eastern Tennessee, full of little details that feel plucked from a storybook: the dollhouse-like white church, the covered bridge, the generous cottages with porches ideal for putting your feet up while drinking a whiskey and snacking on pimento cheese. But what really takes Blackberry to the next level is the Southern hospitality. From the servers to the adventure guides, everyone brings their passion to work every day, and by the time you leave, you’ll find you’re feeling pretty passionate too. —Jesse Ashlock
Fogo Island Inn — Newfoundland, Canada
For anyone who has bemoaned the flattening of cultures everywhere, Fogo Island offers a beacon of hope. On this remote island off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador that’s slammed by wind and waves, cod-fishing communities hold on to their distinctive settler history—and accents—despite mounting pressures. But a dwindling community, no matter how beautiful or historic, offers little financial value. Armed with this belief, local-born entrepreneur Zita Cobb dreamed up Fogo Island Inn as a community-owned hospitality business that could improve the island’s economic resilience by plugging it into a wider world. Since it flung open its doors in 2013, those utopian founding principles have lured purpose-driven luxury travelers to the 29-room inn—as have its dramatic views, daily changing menus, and wilderness excursions featuring geological hikes and forest boil-ups (a traditional meal warmed over a fire in the great outdoors). But its greatest distinction remains the islanders themselves, whose wellsprings of warmth define your stay. These boat builders, quilters, and storytellers welcome you into their sheds for singalongs and salted cod, allowing you to really understand this place—and how everything knits together. —Arati Menon
Four Seasons Resort Hualālai — Big Island, Hawaii
There are few resorts as suited to different types of travelers as this celebrated hotel on the Kona coast of the Big Island. Composed of low-slung Hawaiian-style buildings set into a series of crescents, each area has its own vibe and distinct clientele, from lively family-friendly sections to serene pockets ideal for honeymooners. Regardless of where you stay, however, you’ll be treated to postcard-perfect views of the Pacific Ocean, the property’s verdant golf course, and the sense that this place somehow exists in a permanent state of tranquility. New for this year—and not to miss—is chef Tyler Florence’s Miller & Lux steakhouse. —Juliet Izon
Mandarin Oriental, New York
As a longtime Upper West Sider, I’ve strolled through Central Park dozens of times; that didn’t make the sweeping views from the Premier Central Park View Suite any less awe-inspiring. The accommodations were just as spectacular, with a massive U-shaped couch, a fluffy king-size bed, and heavy blackout shades that close at the touch of a button. Because of its top-tier service, sumptuous amenities, and fantastic central location, the Mandarin Oriental is both an excellent special-occasion staycation for New Yorkers and a prime landing spot for out-of-towners seeking easy access to Broadway, Central and Bryant Parks, and Fifth Avenue. Guests have easy access to two Michelin-starred restaurants, Per Se and Masa; a flex even by New York standards. —Madison Flager
Post Ranch Inn — Big Sur, California
The Post Ranch Inn is nothing so much as a total immersion in the singular landscape of Big Sur, in environs defined by a sense of understated luxury. The Ranch’s 40 rooms have all been designed to both blend in with and have a light touch upon the land, and range from treehouses to clifftop suites with expansive views of the mountains to the east or, better yet, the ocean’s expanse to the west. Engage with the environment some more by exploring the property’s hiking trails, taking a tour of the chef’s garden, or signing up for a falconry lesson. —Lauren Sloss
The Woodstock Inn — Woodstock, Vermont
Grand, but not fussy. Of another era, but far from old-fashioned. The Woodstock Inn & Resort is the Goldilocks property that’s managed to evolve with the times while maintaining its quintessential New England charm. Situated across from the town green, the Federal-style mansion feels like a Norman Rockwell reverie. Inside, the cozy lobby serves as a communal living room where guests read newspapers. Outside, families toast s’mores around fire pits and play lawn games. Regular updates to the 200-plus-year-old hotel, including a glow-up of all 142 rooms and the addition of a Scandi-chic spa, ensure that loyal East Coasters keep returning for generations. —Jen Murphy
Wynn Las Vegas
When my mother and I first moved from the Philippines to the United States in 2003, we came to settle in Las Vegas. Among the entertainment capital’s flashy and over-the-top hotel offerings, my mother—and her preference for refined elegance—most often led us to the Wynn, which opened in 2005 as, in my childhood memory, the first nonthemed resort on the iconic Strip, where facsimiles of Venice, Paris, and Caesar’s Rome dominated the landscape. At the roughly 4,700-key property (which includes the original building and its sibling, the Encore, added in 2008), the theme, if I must name one, seemed to be luxury itself. To return to it now, as it gears up for its 20th anniversary in 2025, feels like a homecoming: Its casinos, high-end shops, and myriad dining and drinking outlets (29 of them, not including the three nightclubs) are better than ever, entertaining guests who’d rather indulge in high thread counts than days—or nights—of Sin City debauchery. As such, the rooms have gotten a significant upgrade in the last few years. My Tower Suite on the 40-something-th floor was tastefully designed, recently renovated in 2022, dressed in warm neutral tones, and equipped with easy-to-use tech like window shades that can open at a specified time and bring in the desert sun as I rose in the morning. The drapery, the bed, the small section of carpet in the bathroom—they all offer the body a rest after a day of taking in the sensory explosion that is the city far below. This place is in a league of its own, unbothered by the gimmicks and stunts of its peers. It is not without its light shows (this is still Vegas, after all), but sheer quality was, is, and always will be the Wynn’s calling card. —Matt Ortile
Jade Mountain — St. Lucia
Luxury can mean different things to different people. For me it’s about privacy, freedom, and an exquisite sense of space, combined with subtle hospitality that makes you feel effortlessly at home. Jade Mountain embodies this and more. Perched high on St. Lucia’s rugged cliffs, this architectural marvel, crafted from local stone and rough concrete, rises organically from the lush forest. Designed by Canadian architect Nick Troubetzkoy, Jade Mountain frames the breathtaking views of the Pitons from each of its 24 open-air residences (known as sanctuaries). The pinnacle of luxury, Galaxy Sanctuary JE1, features uninterrupted 270-degree views and a 900-square-foot infinity pool with jewel-toned tiles. Here serenity reigns supreme. —Karin Mueller
Rockhouse Hotel & Spa — Negril, Jamaica
Images of the Rockhouse’s thatch-roof stone villas and bright red ladders dropping into the sea have come to represent a certain brand of Jamaican cool. The property, currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, isn’t shy about honoring its place in pop culture history: Bob Marley and the Rolling Stones once jumped off its iconic cliffs, and reggae and dancehall ephemera line the walls. Rooms are simple but still retain an essence of the sleepy 1970s Negril that originally defined the property: Four-poster beds are draped with mosquito nets and decorated with locally sourced quilts; in the villa rooms, palm-fringed outdoor showers mean morning routines are accompanied by birdsong; and the cool, simple stone floors keep you feeling in tune with island life. Meanwhile, food here is a primer in Jamaican classics, especially at jerk spot Pushcart, where DJs take over the sound systems for regular dance parties. The Rockhouse crowd knows how to have a good time. —Lale Arikoglu
Rosewood Little Dix — Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
There are Caribbean beach resorts, and then there is Little Dix Bay, which was completely rebuilt after being decimated by hurricanes in 2017, and this year, celebrating its 60th anniversary feels more significant than ever. It’s undoubtedly got the bells and whistles—a truly transcendent spa, one of the best rum collections in the Caribbean, enviable rooms, and so forth—but what sets Little Dix Bay apart is its staff, some of whom have worked here for over 30 years. It’s the kind of place where guests at checkout will turn to their butler and ask, “Same time next year?”. —Todd Plummer
Bill&Coo Is A True Mykonos Original. Intimate In Scale, Laidback In Spirit, Timeless Yet Always Current.
Overlooking the Aegean Sea, Bill&Coo redefines intimate luxury with exquisite sunsets, culinary delights and refined stays.
“The shimmer of oil on skin, warm and glistening. The horizon, dissolving into dusk’s soft embrace. The lingering heat of touch, like a whisper beneath the surface. And the dizzy, breathless pull of passion for life, awakening every sense.”
MOODBOARD
The world outside fades into a dream. Here, barefoot luxury is not a concept but a way of being. Time softens. Relaxation abounds, like a whisper upon the golden shores.
Dreamy destinations where summer memories are made passionately
As one of the best Mykonos beach hotels, Saint John, combines the elegance and luxury amenities you would come to expect from a 5 star, Mykonos hotel of this high caliber.
Talented chefs that weave magic with every ingredient bring out a symphony of tastes in a unique ambiance of island opulence.
Celebrations of life’s milestones & corporate achievements are adorned with dazzle and magnificence.
You’re invited to a gastronomical celebration of high aesthetics
Andronikos is a luxury 4* adults-only hotel in Mykonos with splendid views of the Aegean sea and the sunset. Andronikos Hotel Mykonos is the ultimate choice when you look for a luxury Mykonos hotel. Our hotel combines easy access to the beaches and to Mykonos Town, design accommodation that inspires the senses, exquisite dining at the Lady Finger restaurant, soothing spa treatments at the Earth Spa and a hip, relaxed atmosphere at the Skybar.
Andronikos’ cool Aegean Environment brings people together where socializing comes naturally, creating a lifetime of friendships. Clean your mind, inspire your soul and rejuvenate your body at the Andronikos Hotel in Mykonos.
Live the total hotel experience.
Lady Finger Restaurant modern greek cuisine
Four Times Awarded with the prize of excellence in New Greek Cuisine
The Sky Bar at the Andronikos is the new spot which has recently been added to the overall facilities of the hotel. Nestled at the outskirts of Mykonos town, the Sky Bar is the perfect spot to enjoy breathtaking views of Mykonos sunset and indulge in culinary delights such as exotic drinks and signature dishes, along with Greek gourmet specialties. Watch the sun sink over the Aegean Sea with a signature cocktail in hand: Every evening from 6 – 9pm we celebrate our show stopping sunsets with cocktail specials, unique live jazz or pop music events, DJ sets and poolside entertainment.
TUI has opened bookings from Växjö Småland Airport for next summer, offering its Swedish customers, as in this year’s summer season, charter flights to their favorite Greek destinations, Crete and Rhodes, with Cyprus being a new addition.
In the meantime, the tour operator is giving Swedish customers the option to book hotels for summer 2026 already, with two Greek properties standing out in the early bookings.
Specifically, the first charter flight to Crete for summer 2026 will depart from Småland Airport in Sweden on August 6, with the last departure scheduled for October 8.
For Rhodes, the first departure is set for August 9 and the last for October 11.
As for the newly added destination of Cyprus, charter flights will operate from Växjö Småland between April 24 and June 19, 2026.
“We know that many people prefer to start their trip close to home, which is why we are investing in more departures and a new destination from Växjö Småland Airport next summer. We hope this will make travel easier and more relaxing,” said TUI’s Commercial Director, Tommy Serban.
“It is very gratifying that TUI wants to invest in Växjö. We have had a very good cooperation for a long time, and the fact that they continue to invest in our region is strong proof that there is demand,” added Malin Miléus, Business and Marketing Director of Växjö Småland Airport.
At the same time, the tour operator is offering Swedish travelers the chance to make bookings now for the following summer, highlighting the most popular hotels based on pre-bookings for the 2026 holiday season.
Among them are two Greek properties: Blue Star Caldera Village in Agia Marina, Chania — a modern complex with 5 pools (including a 290 m² freshwater pool and a large 234 m² children’s pool), two restaurants, a pool bar, and a wide range of facilities, offering an all-inclusive vacation experience. Also, TUI Blue Village Atlantica Aegean Park in Rhodes — a family-friendly resort by Kolymbia beach, with spacious rooms offering sea, pool, or garden views, some with pool and jacuzzi options.
In Cyprus, the tour operator recommends TUI Blue Village Nausicaa Beach, located at Fig Tree Bay, the most famous beach in Protaras. In 2025, it was recognized by Tripadvisor as one of the 25 best family hotels in the world.
Strong momentum for further increase in arrivals from abroad is recorded by the data of the INSETE airdata tracker for September and October.
Overall, airlines have scheduled 4.7% more seats on inbound flights to Greece than last year, a development that reinforces the expectation of a new record in arrivals and revenue in 2025.
Thessaloniki is emerging as the fastest-growing destination, with a 11.8% increase in scheduled seats for the two-month period, while in the seven-month period it has already recorded a 9.3% increase in international arrivals. Athens follows with a 6% increase in available airline seats, after a 9.5% increase in the first seven months, according to the airdata tracker.
Strong performance is also expected in Heraklion (+5.1%), Corfu (+8.9%), Chania (+4.9%), Kos (+3.8%), and Kalamata (+10.6%). At the same time, smaller airports, such as Aktio (+15.2%) and Samos (+8.1%), reinforce the image of a more extensive geographic dispersion of the tourist flow.
In contrast, Santorini remains a negative exception, with a 16.3% decrease in scheduled seats for the two-month period, following a 14.5% drop in the first seven months. In Mykonos, the available positions are marginally reduced (-0.3%), with a trend of stabilization.
Overall, the airdata tracker estimates that nearly 13 million travelers will visit Greece in September and October. This translates to an annual forecast of 37–37.5 million arrivals, up from 36 million last year. Per capita spending, which increased to 622.7 euros (+10.1%) in the first half, supports the prospect of steady or even increased revenue.
The message is clear: the Greek summer is no longer limited to three months, but extends to a “fourth and fifth month” of high season, with the airdata tracker confirming the acceleration of the tourist wave.
As European vacationers return to their cities and the large family flows of August subside, the Mediterranean wears its most attractive face. Autumn is the time when the most popular hotels lower their prices, the beaches calm down, and travelers enjoy “quiet luxury” without the summer crowds.
The Times features 24 standout hotels, from France and Italy to Croatia and Cyprus. In the middle of this list, Greece has a special place, with destinations that prove why the country can be a leader in extending the tourist season.
Angsana Corfu, Corfu – A resort with a private beach, infinity pools, and a kitchen that combines Ionian flavors with Asian influences.
Phaea Cretan Malia, Crete – Ideal for families, with kids’ club and musical events; Crete maintains warm weather late into the season.
Poseidonion Grand Hotel, Spetses – Belle époque aristocracy in the Saronic Gulf, with easy access to island-hopping in Hydra.
Katouna Suites, Lefkada – Adults-only luxury, a few suites with panoramic views and a relaxing atmosphere.
Aristide, Syros – Neoclassical architecture, art gallery, and rooftop terrace; an island that stays “alive” even in the winter.
Oku, Kos – Adults-only aesthetics, villas and wooden platforms around the pool and private beach.
Amyth, Mykonos – New hotel on the hills above Super Paradise; quiet but with easy access to Mykonian energy.
The Greek presence on the list is not coincidental. With traditional and new destinations investing in luxury, wellness, and gastronomy, the country has all the guarantees to win over travelers who avoid the peaks of summer.
France
Hotel les Mouettes, Ajaccio, Corsica – 19th century style, heated pool, direct beach access; bikes and kayaks for exploration.
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Juan-les-Pins, Provence – Iconic cape, rock-hewn pool, pine and rose gardens.
Hotel Lou Pinet, Saint-Tropez, Provence – Low-slung 60s architecture, bamboo shade, fun pool atmosphere; focus on early fall events.
Château de la Chèvre d’Or, Èze, Provence – Medieval village above Monaco; rooms in old houses, panoramic views of the Côte d’Azur.
Italy
Monaci delle Terre Nere, Zafferana Etnea, Sicily – Farm-wine estate on the slopes of Mount Etna; gardens, pool, cuisine based on products from volcanic soil.
JK Place Capri, Capri – Superyacht services, 22 rooms with attention to detail; ideal for peaceful autumn strolls.
Su Gologone, Sardinia – Sardinian mountains with local cuisine; handicraft workshops, hiking, and meeting with producers.
La Serena, Forte dei Marmi, Tuscany – Italian design aesthetics, art-filled spaces; access to local beach clubs.
Le Sirenuse, Positano, Campania – Classic Amalfi mood, mosaic pool, lemon trees on rooftops; restaurant with local character.
Santa Caterina Hotel, Amalfi, Campania – Family tradition, glass elevator to private beach; fine dining with emphasis on local products.
La Roqqa, Porto Ercole, Tuscany – Modern Italian design, beach club access; renewed resort profile.
Spain
Pikes Hotel, Ibiza – A cultural “landmark” of the island’s scene; small pool, social energy, legendary autumn closing events.
Gecko, Formentera – Beach-first philosophy, daily yoga, simple Mediterranean aesthetics; close to routes to/from Ibiza.
Menorca Experimental, Minorca – Farm with agritourism character, minimalist design; access to wild coasts for hiking.
Son Bunyola, Mallorca – Virgin Group estate, large heated pool, vineyard, tennis; active concept and off-the-beaten-path “perfect weather”.
Croatia
Hotel More, Dubrovnik – On Lapad Bay, a rock platform for diving, Cave Bar in a natural cave; easy access to the historic center.
Cyprus
Anassa Hotel, Paphos – A “village” resort with a private beach, a spacious spa, and an indoor pool; an ideal base for exploring Akamas.
Dolphin Navigation has been specializing in luxury cruises in the Cyclades since 2004. With experienced skippers and crew, the company invites guests to embark on memorable boat tours around Mykonos, combining relaxation and adventure on the azure waters of the Aegean.
Each cruise enriches the holiday experience, offering the chance to immerse in the diverse and magical landscapes of the Aegean. Guests sail in comfort aboard state-of-the-art vessels, discovering the hidden mysteries of the Cyclades while basking in the revitalizing sun.
Dolphin Navigation takes pride in offering some of the finest Mykonos cruises and alternative sailing routes throughout the Cyclades. With personalized consultation and guidance, the company designs itineraries tailored to individual preferences and provides exclusive services on the Aegean Sea.
What began as a passion for the sea has evolved into a profession dedicated to delivering high-quality cruising experiences in Mykonos. Looking ahead, Dolphin Navigation aims to expand its fleet and enhance its offerings with customized, private, and semi-private cruises, introducing new itineraries to nearby islands and further enriching the Cycladic sailing experience.
CBS Yachts specializes in luxury yacht sales, charter, and management, offering unparalleled expertise in superyacht investments, acquisitions, and owner representation. With a team of expert brokers and charter specialists, we provide bespoke yachting solutions, from high-end superyacht sales to tailor-made luxury yacht charters. Our services extend to cutting-edge explorer yachts, ensuring adventure and elegance on the high seas.
As a proud member of MMC Holding (est. 1949) and supported by GMZ Ship Management, CBS Yachts delivers world-class maritime services with a +40m fleet management and 24/7 concierge support.
CBS Yachts proudly brings its expertise to the superyacht industry, offering luxury yacht sales and brokerage services tailored for discerning buyers and lifestyle investors.
Headquartered in Piraeus, our team of specialist yacht brokers provides exclusive access to an elite selection of superyachts for sale, including new builds, pre-owned yachts, motor yachts, and sailing yachts.
Experience the ultimate in ocean luxury, elegance, and craftsmanship. Our global fleet of CBS Yachts is ready for you, and our experts are dedicated to finding the perfect yacht to match your vision.
Destinations & Itineraries
Embark on an unforgettable journey with CBS Yachts’ exclusive yacht charters. Whether you seek pristine beaches, hidden coves, or vibrant coastal cities, our tailored destinations and itineraries offer the ultimate luxury escape
Luxury Superyacht Charter
Indulge in unparalleled opulence with CBS Yachts’ Lux Charter – offering world-class superyacht experiences tailored to your desires.
Charter anywhere in the world with meticulously designed itineraries crafted by our superyacht specialists. From the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, our bespoke yacht charters deliver exclusivity, elegance, and adventure.
Looking for a sleek motor yacht or a timeless sailing yacht? Our global superyacht fleet ensures every preference is met with excellence. Enjoy proactive service, personalized luxury, and unforgettable experiences at sea.
Sailing Yachts, Catamarans & Weekenders
Set sail with CBS Yachts’ premier selection of sailing yachts, catamarans, and weekenders, where elegance meets performance on the open sea. Whether you seek coastal tranquility on a sleek weekender or a thrilling adventure aboard a luxurious sailing yacht, we have the perfect vessel for you.
Explore the world’s most breathtaking yachting destinations – cruise the glamorous Mediterranean, from Porto Cervo and Saint-Tropez to Ibiza, or set course for the Caribbean’s exotic paradise. Immerse yourself in vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, and ultimate luxury at sea.
Alpha Marine R Group Inc. offers a comprehensive suite of luxury marine services, founded in 2000 by a former captain who transitioned from cruising to establishing a fully integrated yachting solution provider.
A Full-Service Yacht Agency at Your Command
The company’s yacht agency services span every conceivable need while at sea. From port and marina bookings to charter operations, crewing, and technical support like underwater inspections, customs clearance, and telecommunications, Alpha Marine ensures smooth sailing for super and mega yachts alike.
They even handle finer details like insurance claims, laundry, provisions, flowers, and specialized maintenance
Provisioning and Fuel Supply
Whatever is required, Alpha Marine can supply it. Guests need only inquire, and their needs are met promptly. Their fuel supply services cater to diverse requirements with a full range of marine fuel options.
Daily Charters: Sail Greece in Style
For those seeking private, unforgettable cruises, Alpha Marine offers daily charter services. They provide various yacht sizes and types—including RIBs—for bespoke experiences around Mykonos and Delos. The emphasis is on creating “once in a lifetime” voyages in the Aegean’s iconic waters.
Special Services: Celebrations at Sea and Beyond
Elevating the charter experience, Alpha Marine arranges VIP-level extras such as beach parties, private barbecues, villa bookings, and reservations at top restaurants or beach clubs. Additional security—from discreet to armed—is also available to ensure peace of mind during any stay..
Luxury Transportation on Land
Alpha Marine’s exceptional service extends ashore through Alpha Luxury Cars—a fleet of high-end vehicles, driven by English-speaking chauffeurs, for airport transfers, port access, tours, or city travel in comfort and elegance. The fleet includes models such as the Mercedes-Benz S 400 Hybrid, spacious 8- and 9-seat Mercedes vans with ambient lighting, mini-bars, and electric seats, as well as the rugged Mercedes GLK Bluetec.
Exclusive Adventures: Turkey Flotilla Sailing
Alpha Marine also offers unique flotilla sailing adventures along the Turkish coastline—an ideal combination of self-driven yacht freedom with expert crew support. Packages include transfers, yacht charter (7 or 14 days), fuel, cleaning, linen, technical support, navigation gear, and social events like welcome or beach parties. Routes follow the scenic Gokova itinerary with flexible scheduling options depending on weather and conditions.
Whether it is a Yacht Charter, Yacht Brokerage, or Yacht Management, Nilina Management has the expertise, attention to detail, and luxury that count.
Experienced and highly motivated professionals are considered the company’s most important asset. Whether Central Agents or Brokers, they have the passion and motivation to gratify even the most demanding VIP clients, offering full services of premium quality. Nilina Management guarantees privacy, promptness, security, reliability, and discretion in all aspects of yachting, including Chartering, Brokerage, Management, Maintenance, and Construction.
Luxury Yachting Vacations Worldwide
For dream yachting vacations, Nilina Management takes care of the rest, organizing yacht charters in the Mediterranean, Caribbean Islands, cosmopolitan Dubai waters, or the colorful waters of the Red Sea. Clients may plan their luxury vacations and select from a wide range of yachts—catamarans, motor yachts, motor sailers, and all types of luxury vessels.
Explore. Discover. Enjoy.
Nilina Management invites clients to uncover the myths hidden behind the historic glory of every Greek island. They arrange opportunities to enjoy cosmopolitan life, archaeological sites, and picturesque surroundings, as well as yacht charters in Greece, the lush coasts of Croatia, the waters of Turkey, the crystal-clear seas of Italy and Sicily, the renowned Amalfi Coast, and the unique French Riviera.
Nilina Management
Nilina Management paves the way for elite progress in luxury yacht charters, successfully meeting all standards and needs of VIP clientele. Alongside luxury chartering, the company also provides complete and professional owner services. Nilina Management ensures that even the most demanding clients enjoy the most memorable, comfortable, safe, and enjoyable holidays across the Mediterranean.
Tourism, Destination Management Company & Real Estate
The Royal’s has experiences since the year of 1990 with very demanding Life style.
Based in Mykonos all year round, we thrive on discovering new places before anyone and we’re always out and about getting the real scoop – we’ll never just recommend the flavour of the month.
Our covetable list of contacts, an Agenda built up over the last 25 years throughout the evolution of our experience at the Island , means we also have direct access to the island’s premium suppliers, services and settings.
Also the unique know-how of the company’s members make the difference with their specific taste.
On The Royal’s you can find a luxury collection of Villas and Yachts with the ultimate destination inspiration and insider tips for your Island trip or dream holiday.
The Royal’s provides complete bespoke lifestyle management for the individual, corporate or group visitors on Mykonos Island.
We offer a global clientele a full range of services using our extensive knowledge of the island, trusted and established contacts along with a pinch of creativity and exclusivity.
We roam the world for the most stylish places such as luxury Yachts, Villas, exclusive lodges, hip restaurants, wellness retreats, cool bars, beach clubs and other places that you as a style seeker simply must visit.
Our comprehensive yet stylish service can meet your needs whatever they might be, allowing you to relax and make the most of your time on the Island hassle free.
The Elixir TEAM are a closely-knit team of cruise aficionados and they love what they do.
Sensing the overwhelming need for a different approach to cruising, they created Elixir Cruises in the midst of a world pandemic and against all odds. They passionately believed in their vision.
Genuinely boutique, combining elegant ambiance, personalised service, authentic experiences and soothing wellness activities, their cruises are unique.
Every member of their team, both onboard and onshore, genuinely cares and will always strive to provide guests with the highest level of service. They truly care about making people happy.
Inspired by their guests, as well as their own travels around the world, they constantly aim to improve and elevate the Elixir experience.
Their Mission
To put it simply, they believe that everyone deserves to see the world not only as a tourist but as a true traveller. There is no doubt in their minds that meaningful travel is the ELIXIR of life. They are committed to creating immersive cultural journeys, which combined with their wellness approach, food for the soul, comfort and personalised service, guarantee an unmatched experience.
Green ethics & Sustainability
By definition, a smaller ship means a smaller carbon footprint. They are proud that at the same time as offering their guests an intimate and beautiful experience at sea, they also offer them a choice that is gentler on the environment. As a company, they make every effort to keep their environmental impact to the bare minimum.
Their green ethics and commitment to sustainability are expressed in various ways onboard the Elysium and they kindly ask their guests to join them in their efforts whenever possible.
All guests are provided with smart, refillable water bottles to use throughout their stay
Hotel amenities are eco-friendly in equally eco-friendly packaging
They utilize environmentally friendly cleaning products
They use locally sourced and, when possible, organic produce for their farm-to-table cuisine
In collaboration with local organizations, they plan voluntary beach clean-ups and educational seminars
Giving back
They believe in giving back. Their leadership team has a long history of active personal involvement in charity and everyone at Elixir Cruises aspires to help local communities. They are committed to donating part of their profits to select non-profit organizations.
The Nikolaou family has over 30 years of experience and three generations in the maritime industry as well as a great passion for the sea.
Grandfather Stellios was an Admiral for the Greek Navy and sailed the seas the world over.
Father Dimitris is a former Navy Seal (OYK) and shipyard owner who is now a sought after boating mechanical engineer in Greece and Europe. He shares his talents with his son Andreas designing and building custom motor yachts and fishing boats.
Andreas, who served as a member of the Special Forces in the Marines in the maritime division, is a licensed captain and the founder of Lions Bay Yachting. With all of their vast knowledge and experience the Nikolaou family remains a proud and active pillar in the Greek maritime community.
Lions Bay Yachting is a Greek-owned and operated family business established in 2016, with offices in both Greece and the United States. Based in Athens and Mykonos, the company’s vessels service Athens and its neighboring islands, as well as Mykonos and the Cyclades.
The company offers a fleet of brand-new bespoke tenders and yachts, providing luxury VIP transfers, cruising experiences, and fishing charters. With the support of a professional bilingual staff, Lions Bay Yachting curates individualized yachting experiences designed to complement each guest’s lifestyle and needs.
Safety is a top priority at Lions Bay Yachting. All tenders and yachts are overseen by licensed captains and skippers, while every vessel is seaworthy, properly maintained, and CE certified.
Dedicated to excellence, Lions Bay Yachting strives to create unforgettable experiences and lasting memories for every journey.
September is often considered the best month to visit Mykonos, offering an ideal combination of warm weather, fewer tourists, and vibrant local culture. As the summer crowds thin out, the island’s true charm shines through, allowing for a more relaxed and authentic experience, making this the perfect time to explore Mykonos.
A Very Different Side of Greece’s “Party Island”
When we think of Mykonos, many people automatically envision an island swarming with people with non-stop, round-the-clock partying and no place or time to rest. For better or worse, Mykonos has pretty much become symbolic with the word “party.”
We think of a frenzied island, with hordes of beautiful people — and those who want to be among the beautiful people — amounting to so many visitors that just walking through the lovely alleyways of Mykonos Town at times becomes impossible.
The thing is, these preconceptions actually reflect a great deal of truth, since Mykonos is well known for its its popularity among tourists, its glitzy beaches, and its never-ending parties.
Everything we just described does indeed take place during the high tourist season, which begins in early June and continues until late August. These are the times during which the peak summer crowds indeed do take over this spectacularly beautiful island.
However, the main tourist season on Mykonos, or any other Greek island, only really lasts from late May to mid-October at the most. It is definitely worth experiencing the island during autumn, and particularly in September, right after the hectic summer period comes to an end.
The “Little Venice” area of Mykonos. Credit: Dimitra Damian / Greek Reporter
Glorious September Mykonos Weather
If you were worried about how the weather would be in Mykonos in September, we are here to tell you that there is no reason to be. We can state unequivocally that swimsuit season very much remains a thing on Mykonos during the first month of autumn.
Mykonos temperatures in September typically range from 20 degrees (68 degrees Fahrenheit) to 28 (82 F), while the sea reaches its ideal temperature of approximately 25 degrees (77 degrees F), which create simply sublime conditions for taking a dip in the relaxing waters of the Aegean.
Another bonus given to us by this lovely island is that rain during this month is highly unlikely; as such, the overall weather conditions make the idea of visiting Mykonos in autumn even more appealing.
Get Ready for Some Bonuses
Visiting such a glamorous island when the peak summer season is over offers a great range of advantages.
You can enjoy best-quality services when it comes to accommodations then, and you will find some great offers and even some real deals, if you search long enough. You will also enjoy fine dining at more reasonable prices, which will not leave you strapped for cash.
Another reason why you should visit Mykonos during the month of September is the opportunity to shop high-end products, whether they be jewelry, accessories, clothes, or other fashion items, at surprisingly affordable prices. There are even some great deals and discounts, since all the boutiques are preparing to clear their merchandise at the end of the season.
And yes, the shops on Mykonos do stay open until late at night. What a life, right?
Mykonos Island, Greece. Credit: Greek Reporter
The Festive Atmosphere of Summer Lingers on Mykonos during September
Just in case you have not yet been convinced to spend your vacation on Mykonos during the month of September, let us try to describe the atmosphere that you will miss if you don’t experience this stellar destination during the autumn.
The parties are actually still not over, and the bars and restaurants still serve tasty cocktails and dishes; so in these ways, the island has not transitioned from summer to autumn.
The beach parties at the famous beaches called “Paradise” and “Super Paradise” still go on, and what makes them even more enjoyable is the fact that they won’t be as ridiculously crowded as they are during the summer season.
These parties start around 4-5 PM, which will allow you plenty of time to enjoy what the island’s beaches have to offer, with the option of leaving before the serious action begins. The overall atmosphere of the island provides the ultimate luxury vacationing experience that you may ever get to have in your life.
Additionally, another great aspect of autumn on Mykonos is that you will be able to enjoy your privacy and personal space even on the beach, which is simply not possible on the island at the height of the summer season.
If you decide to visit Mykonos during the autumn you will get the chance to truly explore its Cycladic beauty in peace, without being annoyed by excesses, whether that be of temperatures — or of people.
What more can any traveler ask for, than to enjoy a beautiful and enchanting Greek island at one’s own terms, and at one’s own pace?
The famous Psarou beach of Mykonos, Greece. Credit: Greek Reporter
You will see that the madding crowds have left, the waters are still warm and the hotel rates have descended back into the realm of reality. Mykonos is a stunningly lovely island by anyone’s measure, and it has so much more to offer than its party life.
It is actually one of the most traditional-looking islands in Greece, with mazes of tiny, narrow alleys to explore and the dazzling white-and-blue architecture which is so quintessentially Greek.
The American market is evolving into one of the main pillars of Greek tourism outside Europe, with air connections steadily on the rise. In recent years, Greece has succeeded in building a particularly dense network of direct flights with the United States, which not only responds to ever-growing demand but also strengthens the country’s strategic positioning on the global tourism map.
Today, Athens is directly connected to nine major U.S. airports, allowing travelers from different states to reach Greece without stopovers. This network, which expands year by year, has proven decisive in attracting American tourists, who are known both for their high spending and for longer stays compared to European visitors.
Rapid Growth in Seats and Flights
Official data from INSETE highlight the scale of growth: for 2025, 726,087 airline seats from the U.S. to Greece are scheduled, an increase of 21.4% compared to 2024. For the summer season, the rise is even greater, reaching 22.7%. Equally impressive is the increase in the number of weekly direct flights, now totaling 103, compared to just 67 in 2023.
These figures clearly show that the American market has not only overcome the pandemic crisis but is emerging as a driving force for the further development of Greek tourism. In contrast with traditional European markets, which show only modest growth (Germany +2.5%, United Kingdom +2.8%), the United States records much higher growth rates, making it the most promising market for Greece.
The Role of Major Airlines
Rising demand has led leading U.S. airlines to systematically invest in the Greek market. Delta Airlines, for example, has increased to 13 its weekly flights from Atlanta, strengthening one of its most important hubs. United Airlines, based in Newark, New York, has further expanded its route to Athens, responding to increasing demand.
Meanwhile, Norse Atlantic has entered the market by launching the first direct route from Athens to Los Angeles, while also increasing capacity on the JFK line. Similarly, American Airlines continues to expand its network: beyond its existing routes to New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Charlotte, it has already announced that from May 2026 it will add Dallas/Fort Worth, its largest hub in the U.S., offering access to more than 225 destinations.
The strategic significance of these moves is twofold: they provide greater flexibility for American travelers while also enhancing Athens’ international connectivity, turning it into a key entry hub for the wider Southeast Europe region.
Tourism Revenues and Outlook
The market’s dynamism is also reflected in financial figures. According to the Bank of Greece, during January–June 2025, travel receipts from the U.S. rose by 15.9%, reaching €457 million. In the same period, travel flows increased by 18.1%, with arrivals reaching 463,400.
The importance of these numbers becomes clearer when compared to other markets: the United States has now become Greece’s strongest non-European market, surpassing even traditional tourist sources. At the same time, Americans’ high average spending, often exceeding the European average, makes this market strategically significant for Greek tourism.
Another key element is the trend for travel beyond the classic summer season. Many Americans visit Greece in spring and autumn, supporting efforts to extend the tourism season. This factor is especially important for the Greek economy, as it helps reduce seasonality and ensures a more stable flow of revenue.
A Strategic Choice
The steadily rising demand from the United States is no coincidence. Greece is promoted internationally as a destination that combines culture, history, gastronomy, and unique natural landscapes, while improved infrastructure and enhanced air connectivity act as multipliers of this dynamic.
For Greece, the American market is a strategic choice: it is a market characterized by high average spending, longer stays, and visitors who often return for multiple trips. The ongoing expansion of direct flights ensures that this positive trend will endure, creating new opportunities both for tourism and for Greece’s overall image in the United States.
Mykonos is undoubtedly one of the most famous Greek islands. Known for its lively parties and beautiful beaches, the island also has an incredibly fascinating ancient history.
Somewhat surprisingly, the party paradise was also an international hub in ancient times because of its close location to the island of Delos, which was the birthplace of the god Apollo and home to many temples and religious sites.
It was basically considered the spiritual center of the ancient Mediterranean, as it even had temples to Egyptian gods, so pilgrims from all across the region visited the island, particularly when large feasts and festivals to Apollo were held there throughout the year.
Delos is still considered one of the most important mythological, historical, and archaeological sites in all of Greece to this day. The entire island is uninhabited and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The island, referred to as “the sacred island of Delos,” is where, as Greek mythology tells it, Leto gave birth to Zeus’ twins, Artemis and Apollo.
Nearby island of Delos was the birthplace of Apollo
The story goes that because of Hera’s jealousy of Zeus and Leto, she ordered all lands to shun Leto, making it difficult for her to find a place to give birth.
However, Zeus asked Poseidon to find a secret, safe place for Leto to give birth. She ended up on the island of Delos, and, since the island is not connected to the land, she was able to safely give birth to her twins, Artemis and Apollo.
From that moment onward, the small, rocky island was declared “the most sacred of all islands” by Callimachus in the third century BC in all of Ancient Greece and was devoted to Apollo. It was said to be “bathed in the unique light” of Zeus’ son.
Of course, visitors to Delos would stop in Mykonos, as well, as the island was only a mile away from the religious hub.
According to ancient historian Herodotus, the island was first inhabited by the Carians, a group of ancient people from Anatolia. Yet, by the eleventh century BC, Mykonos was mainly populated by Ionians from Athens.
The stunning island was named after its first ruler in Greek mythology, Mykonos. He was said to be the son of the god Apollo, who was born nearby on Delos.
Mykonos also plays a role in one of the most famous stories in Greek mythology, as it was said to be the site of the Gigantomachy. The story recounts the battle between the Olympian gods, led by Zeus, against the giants.
The Twelve Olympians killed countless giants in the battle, and myth has it that the large boulders found across Mykonos are actually the bodies of slain giants.
After the Hellenistic era, Mykonos fell under the control of a series of empires and states. First, the Romans took power on the island, but then it became part of the Byzantine Empire.
This was until the Fourth Crusade in 1204, when Venetian lord Andrea Ghisi claimed the island. Just decades later, the Catalans claimed the island. They were then cast out by the Venetians yet again in 1390.
The island, along with nearby Tinos, remained under Venetian control for centuries until the Ottomans took power on the islands—Mykonos in 1537 and Tinos much later in 1718.
During the Ottoman period, the island became a maritime center and accumulated wealth through trade. Immigrants from across the Ottoman empire made their way to the island with the hopes of making their fortune.
This wealth and excess also attracted the attention of pirates in the Mediterranean, who frequently targeted the island’s residents and nearby sailors in raids.
Mykonos has been a tourist destination since the 1800s
Along with much of Greece, the island was freed from the Ottomans in the early 19th century after the Greek War of Independence. Wartime hero Manto Mavrogenous was from Mykonos, and she is honored there and across Greece for her contributions to the war effort.
Although Mykonos is currently a top vacation spot, tourism actually started on the island many years ago. Waves of eager travelers visited the island in the late nineteenth century after excavations by the French uncovered ancient treasures on the nearby island Delos.
From then on, tourism became one of the most dominant industries on the island.
This archaeology-based tourism began to shift in the mid 20th century, when hip jet setters began to “island hop” across the Greek islands and rediscovered Mykonos.
In the 1960s and 70s, tourists from across Europe and the US flocked to the island to frolic on the nude beaches and admire the distinctive blue-and-white Cycladic architecture the island is famous for.
The island is now known as an LGBT-friendly, luxury tourist destination full of fine dining, designer boutiques, and popular clubs.
An amazing summer evening at Kato Myloi in Mykonos, Greece. As the sun set over the island, the Manto dance group performed to the enchanting sounds of the sabouna and toumbaki, reviving the age-old custom of Klidonas in a magical celebration of Greek tradition. Full story: https://tinyurl.com/yknv6fmr
Despite recent geopolitical shifts and a mixed start to the season, Mykonos, a titan of global tourism, is asserting its enduring appeal.
Insights from Mayor Christos Veronis, Professionals and Entrepreneurs’ Union President Iraklis Zisimopoulos, and hotelier Maria Kousathana reveal an island leveraging its deep history in tourism, adapting its services, and increasingly welcoming back a crucial demographic: Greek visitors.
Mykonos Mayor: “Stabilization after May dip, cruise sector a stronghold”
Mykonos Mayor Christos Veronis acknowledges that global and national events inevitably impact the island, though less severely due to its established reputation and high-quality services. While May saw a downturn, the situation has now stabilized, leading to an optimistic outlook for the rest of the season.
“It is a fact that in May it did not go very well, while now the situation seems to have stabilized,” Veronis said in speaking to Greek Reporter. He projects a positive close to the season, citing strong interest from cruise ship passengers and villa residents.
“July and August will go very well,” he affirmed. The Mayor emphasized that Mykonos’ distinct advantage lies in its robust cruise ship tourism, with projections of one to one and a half million cruise passengers this year.
These visitors, who typically arrive in the morning and depart at night, contribute significantly to the local economy through dining and shopping. Veronis also pointed to the island’s consistent public services—cleanliness, reliable water supply, and overall infrastructure—as key factors in maintaining visitor satisfaction, even amidst broader regional shortages.
He stressed the importance of competitive pricing, noting that while Mykonos is an “expensive island because it provides high-quality services,” adaptability is crucial.
The mayor of Mykonos, Christos Veronis. Credit: Greek Reporter
Regarding the slight dip in May, Veronis clarified, “It’s difficult to ascertain whether the slight decline observed in May stemmed from a reduction in high-end visitors or those in the middle-income bracket.” He underscored that high-end visitors continue to frequent the island’s luxury accommodations without issues.
He also referred to the matter of profiteering that has been highlighted in several media reports. “The issue of profiteering stands as a notable exception. These instances, amplified by Mykonos’ high profile, inevitably garner excessive publicity and undeniably harm the island’s esteemed reputation. As a municipality, we have zero tolerance for such practices. Within the scope of our regulatory authority, we are making every effort to mitigate these phenomena,” he told Greek Reporter.
“We’re actively working to enrich and diversify Mykonos’ tourism appeal. We’re not just relying on our well-known strengths—our stunning natural landscapes, beautiful sea, and legendary entertainment. We’re also showcasing new, less-explored facets like our vibrant culture, incredible gastronomy, and diverse water sports,” the Mayor explained.
“Our aim is to forge a new tourism identity for Mykonos, ensuring it captivates both international and local audiences. This means presenting Mykonos as a quality, safe, inviting, accessible, and distinctive destination,” he added. “This rebranding is a core mission for our municipality, complementing the private sector’s already exceptional performance in hospitality, dining, and entertainment.”
Tourists on Mykonos. Credit: Greek Reporter
“Mykonos is now a golden opportunity for Greeks”
Iraklis Zisimopoulos, the president of the Professionals and Entrepreneurs’ Union of Mykonos, echoed the Mayor’s sentiments on external challenges, including geopolitical events and recent earthquakes on Santorini that had a ripple effect. However, Zisimopoulos highlighted Mykonos’ unique and “timeless” status as a high-end tourist destination, distinguishing it from other Greek locations.
“Mykonos has a distinct tourist product, which is at a very high level,” Zisimopoulos stated, expressing confidence in a successful season for most businesses despite difficulties. He emphasized the professional responsibility of local entrepreneurs in ensuring visitors have an excellent experience, regardless of volume.
Crucially, Zisimopoulos clarified the perception of Mykonos’ cost: “Mykonos is not an expensive necessity, it is an expensive choice.” He highlighted the wide range of options available for visitors, catering to various budgets for accommodation, dining, and leisure activities. “If you want to spend a fortune, there is a possibility, but if you want to spend it economically, there is also a possibility,” he explained to Greek Reporter.
Zisimopoulos also noted a significant increase in Greek visitors this year, partly due to some previously inhabited houses now becoming available, and partly due to relatively adjusted prices.
He refuted the often-negative portrayal of Mykonos in Greek media, asserting that those familiar with the island know it offers excellent value for money across its diverse offerings. “Mykonos has existed for many years, and it is the destination of visitors from all over the world,” he concluded, emphasizing the island’s long-term resilience.
An aerial view of Mykonos. Credit: Greek Reporter
Hoteliers optimistic: “Mykonos’ tourism know-how ensures a strong season”
Maria Kousathana, a local hotelier, reinforced the notion of Mykonos as a “global tourist destination with high-quality tourism services.” She highlighted the island’s “tourism know-how for over 50 years,” underscoring its long-standing expertise in the industry.
Kousathana acknowledged that the current tourism movement presents unique challenges, linking them to “all that happened in the winter on the other islands of our region” and the broader tourist season. Despite these factors, she expressed strong optimism: “We are very happy…And we believe that it will go very well.”
Echoing Zisimopoulos, Kousathana confirmed the growing trend of Greek visitors. “We have already seen it,” she stated, indicating that Mykonos is once again attracting a significant number of domestic tourists, a positive shift from previous years. Mykonos’ tourism sector, while acknowledging the headwinds of geopolitical instability and a slightly slower start to the season, remains confident in its ability to do well in terms of tourism this year.
Such confidence is rooted in the island’s established reputation for high-quality services, its burgeoning cruise ship sector, robust public infrastructure, and a conscious effort by local professionals to offer diverse pricing options. The increasing return of Greek visitors further strengthens the island’s resilient tourism model.
Vangelis Daktylides, Co-Owner & Managing Director of the Myconian Collection Hotels, says Mykonos is a place you can’t fully describe without feeling it. Even if you tried to hide its beauty, you couldn’t. It’s in the crystal-clear waters, the whitewashed villages where time seems to stand still, the traditions that keep the island’s soul alive, and the warmth of its people.
“For our family, running 15 five-star hotels here has always been about more than hospitality. Every year, we invest in quality, in new experiences, and in sharing what makes Mykonos truly unique. Our vision is simple: a destination where sophistication meets soul, and luxury lives side by side with simplicity,” he told Greek Reporter.
Myconian Collection Hotels. Photo provided
Beyond the parties and the glamour, there’s another Mykonos worth discovering. You can visit a traditional farm, light a candle in a tiny chapel, enjoy a home-cooked meal in a family-run taverna, or take a boat trip to sacred Delos, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. These are the moments that stay with you, he added.
“Our guests return year after year because they know we care about the details. We raise the bar every season, always aiming to give a little more, and always with genuine respect for the people who choose to spend their time with us. Mykonos remains one of the most magical places on earth—not because of trends or headlines, but because of its heart. And with each passing year, that heart only grows stronger,” Daktylides stressed.
Paradise beach • Left side on the hill, Mykonos 84600 GR www.cavoparadiso.gr
WORLD PREMIERE
SCREENING OF THE DOCUMENTARY
“CAVO PARADISO – 30 YEARS OF HISTORY” Friday, August 22, 20:30
Open-Air Cinema Cine Manto, Mykonos
Cavo Paradiso is delighted to announce the world premiere of the documentary CAVO PARADISO – 30 YEARS OF HISTORY, celebrating its 30+ years of operation. The screening will take place on Friday, August 22 at 20:30, at the open-air cinema Cine Manto, in the heart of Mykonos town.
The documentary delves into the rich history of the club, from its humble beginnings to its current worldwide recognition as a super club—an achievement made possible thanks to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with the club over the past three decades.
The production of this unique documentary took 2 years to complete, offering us a journey of discovery and countless memories, as recounted by the owners, organizers, collaborators, and international superstar DJs.
We look forward to welcoming you to this event. For all those who will not be in Mykonos for the world premiere, stay tuned to soon learn the date of the digital release!
Στην ταινία εμφανίζονται οι: Nikos Daktylides , Margarita Antonini,
οι Djs:
David Morales • Steve Angello • Benny Benassi • Alesso • Adam Beyer • Nina Kraviz • Deborah De Luca • Dj Snake Snake • Timmy Trumpet • Claptone • Camelphat • Mathame • Afrojack • Nicky Romero • Richie Hawtin • Steve Aoki • Gioli & Assia • Meduza • Sebastian Ingrosso • Ilario Alicante • Dubfire • Joseph Capriati • Armin Van Buuren • John Digweed • Eric Morillo • George Siras • Dj Freespirit • Agent Greg • Heavy G • Fused • Konstantin John (Dino Mfu) • Antonis Dimitriadis (Ad • 10) • Cj Jeff • Mikee • Mark Code • Mapet • Junior Pappa
οι Promoters
Stathis Lazarides • Coolis Kalopetris
Crew
Camera: Konstantinos Arvanitakis • Konstantinos Nikolopoulos • Christos Megarchiotis • Filippos Molfetas • Michael Howard Filmtank (Steve Aoki) • John Moschovakis • Jasmine Orozco • Andreas Sochos • George Kanatoulas • JohnyPanopoulos
Underwater Camera: Christos Megarchiotis
Interview crew: Jasmine Orozco • Andreas Sochos • Giorgos Kanatoulas
Vintage footage: Dimitris Stantidis (STAD)
Production: Qkas production
Color: Digimojo studio • Konstantinos Arvanitakis
Sound Studio: Basemant studio
Video from Youtube: Steve Aoki • Armin Van Buuren – Armada • John Digweed
Poster Graphic Designer: Stelios Livanos
Boat by Set Sail Mykonos Gerasimos Salpadimas
Special Thanks to:
We would like to extend our warmest, most heartfelt thanks to our entire team who has stood by our side over so many years, creating, curating and sustaining our artist programming.
A special shout out goes to our technical crew, creative contributors, reservations department, onsite staff, and every member of our team across sales, transfers and promotions. We offer special thanks to all the DJs, performers, and their crews, as well as their managers and artist agencies. We are also grateful to our sponsors, the media, and all the professionals that have contributed to our success.
To the architect of Cavo Paradiso Mr. Dimitris Mantikas
Finally, we thank our families for their unwavering support.
Of all the pleasures Mykonos has to offer, fashion is by far the most exciting. At NAMMOS Village, immerse yourself in a world of opulence with prestigious boutiques and exclusive amenities that define the essence of luxury. A world of unparalleled elegance awaits you.
Discover the boundless allure of luxury shopping.
NAMMOS Village in Mykonos is a harmonious blend of high fashion and natural beauty. Here, prestigious brands converge with vibrant energy in an oasis of sophistication. Allow the essence of style and elegance to captivate your senses.
At the pristine beach of Panormos, Mykonos, Principote is a club beyond the ordinary: It is a place where luxury rises to a whole new realm, amidst comfortable elegance and discreet service. It is a space to escape mundane opulence and feel uniquely appreciated, relaxed in supreme leisure among tactile and intangible treasures.
Breathe. Exist. Truly. Essentially. This is the spirit of Principote.
Principote is an enchanting call to luxurious Mykonos summer living, through indulgent seaside dining experiences, discreet private VIP lounging, joyful celebrations, mesmerizing bespoke parties, events and weddings, flooding all senses through unparalleled personalized services that blend seamlessly.
At Principote absolutely nothing is out of reach. Ensuring the highest standards of excellence in leisure and lifestyle, Principote provides its cherished guests with the serenity and security they are after, while creating a unique heaven full of delights with exquisite surprises and distinguished services, a cut above the rest.
Experience the Essence of Mykonos at Petrablu Mykonos Suites
Nestled between the vibrant Mykonos Town and the village of Ano Mera, just a stone’s throw from the golden sands of Ftelia beach, Petrablu Mykonos Suites invites you to discover a new standard of luxury living on the island.
THE HOTEL
Choose between our thoughtfully designed Superior and Premium Suites, each blending simplicity with modern elegance, privacy and refined comfort. Step onto your private veranda and soak in the stunning landscape views—perfect for relaxing in your own slice of paradise! At Petrablu Mykonos Suites, every detail is designed to elevate your stay: unwind by the heated infinity pool, enjoy exceptional service, and immerse yourself in the carefully curated amenities that make every moment feel effortless. This is more than a stay; this is Mykonos, reimagined.
A new video with enchanting landscapes of #Greece and historic landmarks from #Athens and #Delphi to #Spetses and #Paxos is released by the Greek National Tourism Organisation (G.N.T.O.), aiming at the international promotion of the country as a leading tourism destination.
The new video is created in cooperation with Netflix, leveraging the power of storytelling and featuring popular shows and series from the world’s leading streaming service.
Through the video, viewers from all over the globe will have the opportunity to discover and familiarise themselves with unique images of Greece, which are featured in Netflix series, films and documentaries, such as “Maestro in Blue”, “A perfect story”, “Beckett”, “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”, and “Lighthouse Lesvos”, among others. Overall, the video is an “ode” to the country’s cultural heritage, natural beauty and lifestyle.
Although there are many factors that we take into account when planning our holidays, it is clear that one of them prevails: money. However, finding cheap places to travel doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the value of your trip. In fact, you can and should visit destinations like Madagascar, where you can experience the full Indian Ocean retreat experience without the Maldives prices, or Albania, where you can experience your European mountain dreams for half the price according to Conde Nast Traveler.
The magazine’s editors have compiled the countries you can visit in 2025 where your money will go furthest, based on current exchange rates, airfares and hotel deals.
Belize
The easy two-to-one conversion between the Belize dollar (BZD) and the US dollar means you don’t have to pull out your mobile calculator when you’re budgeting for your holiday in the Central American country. With world-renowned archaeological sites, rainforests and a gastronomy that’s worth the trip alone, it’s easy to see why this Caribbean country so fascinated Francis Ford Coppola that he established three beachfront retreats on its remote shores.
Cambodia
From 1 January 2025, the fees for tourist visas have been reduced from $36 to $30. First-time visitors can make no mistake if they land in Siem Reap, where the famed UNESCO World Heritage site, Angkor Wat, sits amid festive bars, vibrant cultural experiences and French-style colonial streets. Travel to the city is easier than ever thanks to the recently opened Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI).
Mexico
Mexico is consistently one of the favourite destinations for travellers on a budget. In Mexico City, with a street food culture rivaled only by cutting-edge dining, you’ll spend most of your money on food. But be sure to leave a few dollars to visit all the cultural wonders the city has to offer, starting with the iconic Museo Jumex. If you want to go a little further afield, head to Jalisco to see how tequila is produced at its source, or to Isla Holbox for a quiet beach.
Mongolia
The country is expanding initiatives launched in 2024 to make it easier for travellers, including more direct flights from the US and visa-free travel for dozens of nationalities. You can also expect even more unusual cultural experiences next year: local travel agent Breanna Wilson is expanding her travel plans for 2025, including a trip to the Gobi Desert to see snow leopards, a women-only retreat in the Orkhon Valley and a three-day archery seminar.
Vietnam
Many countries in Southeast Asia offer excellent opportunities for those travelling with dollars, but we recommend a trip to Vietnam, partly because of the steadily rising exchange rate, but mostly because of the country’s stunning beauty. Hanoi is arguably the most romantic city in the region, but don’t be afraid to stray off the beaten path on your next visit: Places like Ninh Van Bay and Phú Quốc Island have pristine beaches and intimate resorts that you won’t find in the more touristy areas.
Brazil
Like much of South America, Brazil is a good place to visit if you don’t want to spend a lot of money. But the fact that a dollar gets you almost five Brazilian reals means you can enjoy even better value for money than usual. Rio de Janeiro is the most obvious place to spend your time and money, with incredible restaurants like Lasai, a Hot List 2023 winner, just steps away from some of the world’s best beaches. But don’t forget to visit São Paulo, where the younger generation has brought trendy galleries, museums and bars to many neglected neighborhoods.
South Africa
The value of the South African rand has fluctuated a lot in recent years, but we are quite happy with the current price. (For comparison, 10 years ago, one US dollar was equivalent to ZAR 8.57.) Get your money’s worth at Test Kitchen’s 21-course tasting menu in Cape Town and then explore the wildlife at Singita Castleton Lodge in the Sabi Sand Wildlife Sanctuary.
Madagascar
For your next tropical holiday, skip the expensive, popular places like the Maldives and Bora Bora and opt for cheap Madagascar, an Indian Ocean treasure trove filled with stunning rainforests and national parks teeming with lemurs. Plan your stay at Namoroka Tsingy Exploration Camp, which features seven luxury safari tents within the virtually unexplored Namoroka National Park. Alternatively, visit the island nation as part of a cruise: luxury cruise lines such as Silversea, Lindblad, Swan Hellenic and Seabourne have added the country as a port of call on their new itineraries.
Egypt
Following in the footsteps of the Pharaohs in Egypt seems like it should be expensive, but the Egyptian pound has skyrocketed this year, meaning that touring the Pyramids, cruising the Nile and exploring Cairo has never been more affordable.
Malaysia
Your money will go a long way in Malaysia, especially if you eat on the road and explore cities like Kuala Lumpur on foot. It’s also cheap (or in some cases free) to visit the country’s pristine beaches, limestone caves and some of the most beautiful tea plantations. But if you’re ready and willing to spend a lot of money, we highly recommend staying at The Datai Langkawi – it’s definitely expensive, but well worth it.
India
India has always been a cheap travel destination, but now that you can get 86 rupees for every dollar, the country is more affordable than ever. Hotels range from $60-a-night bungalows to the expensive Oberoi and Six Senses, and hundreds of options in between. But if you don’t stay cooped up in your hotel all the time, you can visit many attractions and dine at local restaurants on an extremely limited budget.
Serbia
Belgrade continues to emerge as one of Europe’s most exciting cultural centres, but it’s a lot cheaper than, say, Paris or Berlin (at least for now). It’s relatively easy to find hotels for under $100, although accommodation isn’t that important when you spend all night dancing in the city’s clubs. However, you’ll want to take time off to explore Belgrade’s rich museums and contemporary art installations, many of which have only opened in the last few years.
North Macedonia
Perhaps because all attention is focused on the coastal countries, North Macedonia remains one of the most undervalued (and therefore affordable) countries in Europe. The country has all the cobbled streets and picturesque churches you’d expect from a European city, with the added bonus of being located right on the shores of the incredibly beautiful and biodiverse Lake Ohrid.
Nepal
Nepal is one of the cheapest countries for all travellers, but the US dollar is particularly strong there at the moment. Most people immediately associate Nepal with Mount Everest, but this small country has a lot more to offer than climbing. Kathmandu is overwhelming at first glance, but it hides some wonderful hotels and museums once you start exploring it. Bhaktapur and Patan, located near the Kathmandu Valley, are a little quieter, but full of culture.
Gambia
This highly accessible country has long been a coveted destination for wildlife lovers, but is starting to climb the rankings as both a gastronomic destination and a cruise port.
Indonesia
Despite the influx of tourists following the success of the book “Eat, Pray, Love”, Indonesia remains an affordable holiday destination. While millions flock to Bali (where resort prices are correspondingly high), you can enjoy a much cheaper and quieter trip to the islands of Suba and Lombok. And don’t forget Jakarta, where a full day includes greasy noodles and nasi goreng gila from makeshift street shops, all for a few dollars.
Albania
Albania is much cheaper than other European countries and is not particularly popular as a tourist destination, which means there is still a chance to visit before it becomes famous and overrun with tourists. In Tirana, book at Agroturizëm Gjepali, a restaurant-turned-hotel with river views and double rooms from $70. If you’re planning a summer trip, take a look at our picks for Albania’s best beaches.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is still on the rise in terms of overseas travel, making it one of the most exciting and affordable destinations in Central Asia. The major cities are filled with ornate mosques and monuments of Brutalist architecture, which you can explore for free, and you’ll be hard-pressed to spend more than $5 per meal in restaurants. There aren’t many well-known chain hotels yet, but even hotels like the Hyatt Regency Tashkent have nightly rates under $170.
Tourism is an important economic booster for many countries, creating jobs, infrastructure and global connections. To mark the occasion, the website Visual Capitalist presents the top 10 countries as tourism industries, including everything from hotel stays and flights to attractions and services.
The data for this illustration comes from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). They show the total economic contribution of each country’s tourism sector in 2024, measured in US dollars.
The United States retains the title of the world’s most dominant tourism economy, with an economic contribution of $2.36 trillion in 2024. The US benefits from strong domestic tourism, developed infrastructure and iconic global destinations such as New York (the eighth most visited city in the world), Las Vegas and vast national parks.
At the same time, China’s tourism sector contributed $1.3 trillion, underlining its role as an important hub for both international and domestic travel. Although currently in second place, WTTC predicts that China will take the top spot within the next decade. Rising middle-class incomes and an emphasis on tourism development continue to drive its growth. This includes various policies such as easing visa restrictions and introducing new tax refund policies for purchases.
Finally, Europe remains an important factor, with Germany, the UK, France, Italy, France and Spain all ranking in the top 10. All of these countries benefit from their rich cultural past, as well as strong rail and air links.
Dallas will join the US cities with a direct connection to Athens next year, American Airlines announced recently.
Los Angeles was the latest city with a direct connection in 2025, via Norse Airways.
The trend shows the rising potential of the market, with significant rises in the number of US visitors already happening and expected to continue at least in the near future.
In 2024, fully two-thirds of flights between US cities and Athens were via connections; now, travel sector professionals expect more direct flights and more airlines offering them.
US visitors stay in Greece an average of 11 days, of which three are in Athens.
They are also early bookers, booking their tickets three to four months ahead of their flights on average, indirectly helping the tourism professionals with their planning for the coming peak season.
Right now, there are nine US airports: two in the New York area (JFK and Newark) and one each in Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Washington.
Five airlines fly direct: America, Delta, Emirates, Norse and United.
The peak week will involve 103 flights to the US, compared with 82 in 2024 and 67 in 2023.
The capacity of the flights from the US that have arrived in Greece so far is 726,087, up 22% from the same period in 2024, while 302,288 are expected within the rest of the tourist period.
Despite global uncertainty and economic pressures, Americans remain committed to leisure travel, but are adjusting their choices and habits. That’s the key finding of the new “Summer Edition” of MMGY’s Portrait of American Travelers® survey, which has been examining the trends and behaviors of American travelers for decades.
The survey, based on a sample of 4,500 American travelers, shows that while there is a decrease in the number of trips and spending compared to the beginning of the year, the overall picture remains positive: travelers are adapting, but not abandoning travel.
“Travel remains a top priority for consumers, but the way they travel is changing significantly,” said Simon Moriarty, Vice President of Research at MMGY Travel Intelligence. “We’re seeing a more agile and conscious traveler who is using tools like artificial intelligence, opting for road trips, and seeking experiences that offer personalization, flexibility, and meaning.”
Moriarty stressed that tourism marketers should be prepared for continued fluctuations in traveler intent and spending throughout 2025, but the fact that Americans are adapting and remaining experience-oriented is encouraging. For example, 76% of respondents agreed that travel memories are more valuable than any material good they purchased in the past year, highlighting the emotional and financial value of leisure travel in modern culture.
Key Trends for Summer 2025:
Road Trips Are Booming:
64% of American travelers have taken a road trip in the past year, a record high in the past decade. Millennials and Gen Xers with children are leading the trend, drawn to the flexibility, affordability, and nostalgia of the open road. The Pacific Coast Highway emerged as the most popular route.
Artificial Intelligence in Travelers’ Lives:
42% of travelers now use AI tools like ChatGPT to plan their trip – a 14% increase in one year. Gen Zers and Millennials are leading the way in using AI, although human recommendations remain twice as reliable. AI is seen as a support tool, not a replacement for the human factor.
The Rise of Cannabis Tourism:
Nearly 4 in 10 Americans (39%) are interested in a cannabis-related vacation, with the younger generation (Gen Z and Millennials) showing the greatest interest. Notably, 25% of these are not regular cannabis users, which highlights curiosity and the search for alternative experiences. Visits to stores, product testing, or tours of cannabis farms are the highlights of this new form of tourism, which currently concerns a limited number of US states.
The new perception of luxury:
The demand for luxury travel is expanding, with 34% of travelers now identifying themselves as luxury consumers. However, spending is changing direction: demand for luxury hotels and restaurants has decreased significantly since 2024, while premium airfare remains a non-negotiable for these travelers. Luxury is now more about experience and less about display.
Experiences in Focus
This year’s MMGY study confirms that Americans are seeking travel experiences that offer meaning, connection, and personal value, even in times of uncertainty. The role of travel consultants, tailor-made services, and technology is expected to increase as travelers demand personalized recommendations, convenience, and flexibility.
Recently, Stephen Joseph Scalise, a prominent American politician currently serving as the Majority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, visited the enchanting island of Mykonos. During his stay, he had the pleasure of meeting Father Georgios Stalimeros, a doctoral candidate at the University of Athens. Father Georgios offered him his blessing, extending his warmest wishes for Mr. Scalise’s journey in politics and beyond.
Their meeting served as a bridge between two worlds: the American political sphere and the Greek spiritual tradition. Mr. Scalise expressed a genuine interest in Greece’s profound heritage and in Father Georgios’ academic work, recognizing the importance of such moments of cultural and spiritual connection.
This visit was not only an opportunity for relaxation on the island, but also a unique experience that deepened mutual appreciation and respect between the two nations.
According to Eurostat data for 2023, the islands of the southern Aegean, such as Santorini and Mykonos, recorded 117 tourist nights per inhabitant. In Corfu, the corresponding number was 98 nights per inhabitant. As the tagesschau reports, these proportions make the Aegean and Ionian islands the places that received the most visitors among 237 different regions in the EU.
However, tourism has two faces, as FOCUS Online observes. Some experts “warn that the lucrative production of honey, wine and potatoes on Greek holiday islands is being dramatically reduced for the sake of tourism, while at the same time cheap labour from abroad is replacing domestic labour, potentially leading to local emigration”.
However, although the Greek tourism model is also not based on the principles of sustainability and environmental protection, and although the massive influx of tourists is causing housing problems for residents of many areas and leading to skyrocketing rents, “the government regularly celebrates the increase in the number of tourists as the greatest success of its policy”.
The South Aegean has emerged as the most saturated tourist destination in Europe in a study presented by the German Federal Statistical Office Destatis.
The study, which is based on Eurostat data from 2023, shows that in this region, which includes flagships of Greek tourism such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes, an average of 117 tourist nights is recorded per inhabitant.
It is noted that the number of nights per inhabitant is a widespread indicator of the tourist density of a region.
The Ionian Islands follow immediately after in the ranking, where the number of tourist nights amounts to 98 per inhabitant. In addition, Crete emerges as the 6th most “saturated” tourist destination in the country, with the number of tourist overnight stays reaching 55 per inhabitant.
In third place is the Italian region of Bolzano-South Tyrol (68), in fourth the Croatian Adriatic coast (67), and in fifth the Balearic Islands (57).
In absolute numbers, however, the Canary Islands emerge as the most sought-after destination in the EU. The Spanish islands are ranked 10th in terms of tourist density for 2023, with 43 overnight stays per inhabitant. Since 2023, 95.6 million have been recorded in the destination. visitor nights on average, around 262,000 people spent the night each day on one of the Canary Islands in 2023. This is followed by the Croatian Adriatic coast with 87.3 million nights, Catalonia with 85.6 million nights, Île-de-France and the greater Paris region with 85.2 million nights, and Andalusia with 73.9 million nights. Upper Bavaria, including Munich, Germany’s most popular tourist region, ranks 14th in the EU with 41.6 million nights.
The lowest concentration of tourism in 2023 is recorded in the Polish regions of Mazovia – excluding Warsaw – and Opole, as well as in Southern Romania Mutenia – excluding Bucharest – and southeastern Romania. In these regions, only 1 overnight stay per inhabitant was recorded.
Regarding the contribution of the hospitality sector to the national economies of European countries, the research showed that in Greece, the sector represented the largest share of Gross Added Value in 2023 in the EU (7.1%). It is followed by Spain (6.7%), Croatia (6.4%), Portugal (6.1%), Italy (4.2%), Austria (3.9%), and the Netherlands (2%).
The prices of holiday packages are… rising this year in almost all popular destinations in the Mediterranean basin for British tourists, with Greece following this trend and being more expensive than Spain, Turkey, and Portugal.
These are the results of data from Travelsupermarket published by the BBC regarding the prices of all-inclusive family holiday packages offered in the UK. United Kingdom to popular summer destinations and are based on searches from April 18 to June 17 for holidays in August 2025, compared to August 2024.
Specifically, the research showed that the average cost, per person, for a week-long all-inclusive family holiday in August 2025 to Greece – the second-largest destination in the ranking for British travellers based on searches – is up by more than £100 compared to last year, or 12.1%, from £926 last year to £1,038 this year.
The number one destination in searches by Britons, Spain, offers family holiday packages more expensive by 79 pounds (from 835 pounds in August 2024 to 914 pounds this year), while in Turkey, the third largest destination in searches, prices have increased by 129 pounds (from 874 to 1,003 this year). In addition, prices for Portugal have also increased (from 936 to 972 pounds).
The largest price increases, per person, are shown by the UAE (+26%, from 1,210 to 1,525 pounds this year), Egypt (from 981 to 1,176 pounds), and Cyprus (+23%, from 950 to 1,166 pounds).
Exceptions to the price increase are Italy (-11%) and Tunisia (-4%), with Italy offering cheaper packages by 137 pounds (from 1,266 to 1,129 pounds) and Tunisia by 31 pounds (from 794 to 763 pounds).
From July 14 to August 30, shoppers in Greece can take advantage of major discounts—but knowing your rights and reading the fine print is key to making the most of the season
The summer sales season in Greece is set to officially begin on Monday, July 14, and will run through August 30, offering consumers an extended opportunity to make purchases at significantly reduced prices.
This annual period is considered one of the most advantageous times for shoppers to find deals, and the Hellenic Consumers’ Workers Union has issued a comprehensive guide to help consumers navigate the summer discounts responsibly and within legal safeguards.
Price Reductions: What the Law Requires
According to Greek legislation (Law 5111/2024), any announcement of a price reduction must clearly indicate the previous price applied by the retailer for a specified period before the new, discounted price takes effect. Specifically:
The previous price is defined as the lowest price applied during the 30 days prior to the start of the discount.
If the product has been on the market for less than 30 days, the previous price refers to the lowest price since it became available.
If a product’s price has been gradually reduced within a 60-day window, the previous price is the one before the first discount.
For example, if the original price of a product was €150 on June 10, and it was then offered at €120, then dropped further to €115 on July 11, the actual discount is calculated as €5 (i.e., €120 – €115).
Retailers are also permitted to display percentage discounts, but any representation of pricing must be accurate and truthful.
Transparency in Discount Displays
If more than 60% of a store’s products are on sale, the discount percentage must be visibly stated in the shop window and any commercial communication. If different categories have varying discounts, the range of the percentages (e.g., “from 20% to 50%”) must be clearly displayed. Otherwise, the signage should clarify that discounts apply only to selected items, indicating the applicable percentage.
Oversight and Compliance
The responsibility for enforcing pricing transparency and monitoring compliance during the sales period lies with:
The Head of the Interagency Market Control Unit (DIMEA), under the Ministry of Development, for checks conducted by DIMEA inspection teams.
The Consumer Protection Directorate, also under the Ministry of Development, for inspections they perform independently.
These authorities are empowered to impose penalties for violations related to misleading price reduction announcements or illegal commercial practices.
Consumer Tips for Smart Shopping
The Hellenic Consumers’ Workers Union also issued practical advice to help shoppers make the most of the summer sales while avoiding common pitfalls:
Prioritize needs and make purchases based on a clear budget.
Research the market before settling on a specific product.
Avoid being swayed by unusually large discount percentages.
Assess product quality and authenticity, and weigh it against the cost.
Check return and warranty policies in case of defective items.
Superyachts Sales Charter and Management CBS Yachts specializes in luxury yacht sales, charter, and management, offering unparalleled expertise in superyacht investments, acquisitions, and owner representation. With a team of expert brokers and charter specialists, we provide bespoke yachting solutions, from high-end superyacht sales to tailor-made luxury yacht charters. Our services extend to cutting-edge explorer yachts, ensuring adventure and elegance on the high seas.
As a proud member of MMC Holding (est. 1949) and supported by GMZ Ship Management, CBS Yachts delivers world-class maritime services with a +40m fleet management and 24/7 concierge support.
CBS Yachts proudly brings its expertise to the superyacht industry, offering luxury yacht sales and brokerage services tailored for discerning buyers and lifestyle investors. Headquartered in Piraeus, our team of specialist yacht brokers provides exclusive access to an elite selection of superyachts for sale, including new builds, pre-owned yachts, motor yachts, and sailing yachts.
Experience the ultimate in ocean luxury, elegance, and craftsmanship. Our global fleet of CBS Yachts is ready for you, and our experts are dedicated to finding the perfect yacht to match your vision.
The GEMAYA at a glance Proudly introducing “GEMAYA”, the new addition to the Elixir family. Seamelessly blending her military heritage with elegant decor, the Gemaya is one-of-a-kind. So is our unique proposition: No need to charter an entire yacht, book your individual cabin and enjoy a genuine yachting experience without the hefty price tag.
Measuring 33 meters, M/Y Gemaya offers ONLY 5 sumptuous cabins, ample indoor and outdoor areas, a Lounge & Splash deck complete with jacuzzi, swim platform, as well as various water toys including sea bob, sea scooter, kayaks, SuP, tubes and water sports including water ski and wakeboard. The yacht configuration is perfect for socialising or retreating to privacy. Guests experience personal service, fine dining and attention to detail while discovering the Greek islands in impeccable style and comfort. Ensuring enjoyment for all ages, M/Y Gemaya is perfect for friends, families and couples alike and offers one of the best value for money propositions in the market.
CABINS At a glance AURA Owner’s Suite 27 sqm
ALMA Master Suite 20 sqm
BLISS Executive Cabin A 17 sqm
PURE Executive Cabin B 16 sqm
LUNA Executive Cabin C 14sqm
Modern, spacious bathrooms with shower and lavish bath amenities
All cabins come with portholes
Lounge & Splash An oasis for relaxation, the bow deck is equipped with a jacuzzi and comfy sun-loungers, making it the perfect spot to bask in the sun, savour a cocktail or read a book.
SEASALT Enjoy a meal or simply unwind and socialise, right next to the water. The welcoming aft deck is the perfect spot for taking refreshing dips in the sea and enjoying the water toys from the swim platform.
AL FRESCO The upper deck is ideal for taking in the view, dining al fresco or simply doing nothing. Stylishly decorated, equipped with large sofas, built-in grill and bar, it is also perfect for entertaining guests.
STARSTRUCK A unique space, destined to be a favourite with younger guests, this deck is as special as its name. Retreat up to the very top of the yacht and sleep under the stars or have the most peaceful stargazing experience.
ALMYRA LOUNGE Escape the summer heat in style at the refreshing Almyra & Harmony lounges. With chic decor and comfortable seating, they are the perfect place to unwind, socialise or have dinner. Watch your favorite movies on the large screen TV, play on the gaming console, or sink into the plush sofas for a cozy retreat.
The ELYSIUM at a glance At 64 meters length and featuring only 25 spacious and elegantly decorated cabins, the Elysium is a genuinely boutique cruise ship. A journey with the Elysium is nothing short of unique, a balanced fusion of relaxation, wellness, exploration and fun that feels like an “elixir of life”.
The Elysium boasts large interior and exterior areas, a Wellness & Sun Deck equipped with jacuzzi, a spa suite, a mini gym and many water toys like glass bottom kayaks, SuPs and snorkeling equipment. Deliciously healthy Mediterranean cuisine, personalized service with a guest to crew ratio of 2:1 and an array of activities, including cultural tours and daily group wellness sessions guarantee an unforgettable experience.
Discover ancient civilisations, learn a new craft, have a massage, meditate at sunset, enjoy a chilled drink, hike a volcano, fish with locals, snorkel, stargaze, read a book. You decide. The Elysium awaits to soothe your soul and excite your senses. There is never a dull moment onboard, as the Elysium offers the best of both worlds: the many choices of a larger ship and the magic of a yacht-style cruise, where you get to discover pristine coves only accessible by small boat and jump straight into the crystal clear waters.
Join us solo, as a couple, with friends or with family. Be as active or relaxed, as sociable or as private as you wish. Whichever way you choose, the Elysium will pamper you, spoil you and captivate you forever.
Whether it is a Yacht Charter, Yacht Brokerage, Yacht Management, Nilina Management has the expertise and attention to detail and luxury that counts. Experienced and highly motivated people are our most important asset. Whether Central Agents or Brokers, we have the passion and the motivation to gratify even the most demanding VIP clients, offering them full services of premium quality. We can guarantee privacy, prompt, secure, reliable & discreet services with regards to Yachting (Chartering & Brokerage, Management, Maintenance & Construction).
Luxury yachting vacation worldwide If you plan dreamful yachting vacations, let us do the rest and organize your yacht charter in Mediterranean, Caribbean Islands, in cosmopolitan Dubai waters or Red Sea colorful waters. You may plan your luxury vacations and rent yachts of your desire – catamarans, motor yachts, motor sailers, all types of luxury yachts.
Explore. Discover. Enjoy. Discover with us the myth that is hidden behind the historic glory of every Greek island. Enjoy cosmopolitan life, archaeological sites and picturesque surroundings, enjoy yacht charter in Greece, full of green Croatia, yacht charter in Turkey, crystal clear waters of Italy & Sicily, famous Amalfi Coast, unique French Riviera just by contacting Nilina Management.
Nilina Management will pave the way for elite progress of luxury yacht charter, successfully meeting all standards and needs of VIP cliental of luxury chartering as well as providing full and professional owner service. Nilina Management ensures that even the most demanding clients will have the most memorable, enjoyable, comfortable and safe holidays in whole Mediterranean.
Florios Group is a prestigious conglomerate of luxury companies, each excelling in its domain. From high-end accommodation to fashion and philanthropy, we are committed to delivering exceptional experiences.
Fashion & Accessories Lunettes
Our diverse range of eyewear combines the latest trends with top-quality materials to provide our customers with stylish and comfortable options for every occasion. Explore our collection and discover the perfect pair to enhance your look and vision.
Marine & Boating F-Sea Mykonos
Providing top-of-the-line luxury speedboats by F-Sea Mykonos. Navigate the waters of Mykonos in style and luxury.
Philanthropy & Community Florios Mykonos Foundation
We believe in giving back and making a positive impact on the world around us. Through our philanthropic initiatives, we support various local and global causes, from promoting eye health and providing vision care to underserved communities, to contributing to educational programs and environmental sustainability efforts.
Dolphin Navigation has been specializing in offering luxury Mykonos Cruises in the Cyclades since 2004.
Unforgettable Cruises in Mykonos
Dolphin Navigation has been specializing in offering luxury Mykonos cruises in the Cyclades since 2004. Our experienced skippers and crew welcome you to join a variety of memorable Mykonos boat tours, guaranteeing moments of relaxation and adventure on the azure Aegean waters.
Enrich your holiday with a relaxing sailing tour and get the chance to immerse yourself in a diverse and magical Aegean landscape. Sail comfortably on one of our selected state-of-the-art boats and unravel the Cyclades’ mysteries while soaking in the revitalizing sun.
At Dolphin Navigation, we take pride in catering to our customers with the best Mykonos cruises and alternative sailing routes around the Cyclades. Offering consultation and guidance, we craft sailing itineraries to your liking and provide you with exclusive services on the Aegean Sea.
Having turned our passion for the sea into a profession, we aim to deliver high-quality cruises in Mykonos, ensuring an exceptional sailing venture in the Cyclades. Aiming higher, we plan to increase our fleet of vessels and provide you with further, customized, private, and semi-private Mykonos cruises enhanced with new itineraries in the nearby islands.
Choose Us for the Best Mykonos Cruises
Value For Money Hop on the best Mykonos sailing tours with luxury boats for a budget. Make sure you get your money’s worth out of your experience.
Leading Expertise Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. Let us take care of every detail and craft the perfect sailing tour for you.
Free Transfer Have a hassle-free sailing experience from the beginning. Find out about our personalized hotel pick-ups and drop-offs.
Safety & Privacy Luxuriate in a stress-free cruise far from the crowds safely and securely. Prioritize your privacy and entrust our confidentiality.
Premium Services Fulfill your sailing needs with the utmost professionalism, respect, and care. Enjoy exceptional amenities and services for a perfect sailing experience.
Satisfied Customers Have a look at our reviews section to see what our customers say about their experience with us.
We look forward to creating everlasting memories with you on your next adventure
Mission Statement Lions Bay Yachting is a Greek-owned and operated family business established in 2016 with offices in Greece and the United States of America. Based in Athens and Mykonos, our vessels service Athens and its neighboring islands as well as Mykonos and the Cyclades.
Lions Bay Yachting offers a fleet of brand new bespoken tenders and yachts. We can provide you with luxury VIP tenders, transfers, cruising and fishing charters. Our professional bilingual staff can also create the ultimate individualized yachting experience to complement your lifestyle and needs.
Your safety is of the utmost importance to us. Our fleet of tenders and yachts are overseen by licensed captains and skippers. Our vessels are seaworthy, properly maintained and CE certified.
Lions Bay Yachting is committed to excellence. We look forward to creating everlasting memories with you on your next adventure.
Discover the hidden gems of the Cyclades & the Athenian Riviera
Say Yaloou to an exclusive way of exploring the magnificent beauty of Greece. We are a specialised yachting and hospitality service, open to all travellers and free spirits who appreciate privacy and want to experience a rare, inspired, world class and highly rewarding time in their own terms.
Starting out from the famous island of Mykonos, we offer a one of a kind yachting, private jetting and hospitality service that makes the extraordinary, an everyday, every minute of the hour habit. Let us take you on journey of discovery and rediscovery and be spoilt by the unspoiled beauty of Greece.
From virgin turquoise coastlines and secluded inviting coves via crimson sunsets you may enjoy from the privacy of your villa or hotel suite and way up high into the sky. Say Yaloou to the ultimate yachting and hospitality experience and discover the unforgettable.
Francesco Lemonis, is the fourth generation of a luxury high end fashion family business. Raised in Greece, he moved to the USA at the age of 14 to attend Choate Rosemary Hall Boarding school in Wallingford Connecticut USA. He graduated from New York University where he also taught for a year. He speaks fluently 5 languages. Having travelled extensively around the world, he has gained valuable experience in the sector of luxury products and services. Upon his return to Greece in 1991, he took over the family fashion business with 9 stores and a factory designing and manufacturing high end women’s shoes. By 2008, the company he led numbered 120 stores and occupied 1.300 employees
He went on to launch Premier Aviation Services, one of the most prominent VIP airline chartering companies in Greece.
His love for yachting has led him to create Yaloou, an exclusive yacht chartering service and more based out of Mykonos. Once again, he turned his passion into a business venture. His expertise in creating an exclusive, sophisticated and personalized experience for a discerning, international clientele is the essence of Yaloou. His personal mission is to make every Yaloou guest discover the unforgettable.
Our commitment is to place you at the heart of everything we do. From hidden gems to iconic experiences, every moment with us is crafted to perfection. With services that touch all your senses, we offer unforgettable moments. Discover all the magical manifestations of the island and immerse yourself in an experience that will stay with you forever. We are dedicated in transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Travelers
“Looking for the ultimate Mykonos experience? Look no further, we are the answer.”
At Priveon, we don’t just offer services; we create unforgettable moments, designed to make your Mykonos dreams a reality. From the moment you choose us, you’ll step into a world where your desires lead the way, and every detail is tailored to deliver an exceptional journey.
We are the masters of transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, offering experiences that engage all five senses:
Taste the exquisite flavors of Mykonos in exclusive settings.
Feel the touch of luxury through unmatched comfort and personalized care.
See the island’s hidden gems, uncovering its breathtaking beauty.
Hear the soothing rhythm of waves paired with the vibrant island energy.
Smell the refreshing sea breeze and the essence of Cycladic charm. With Priveon, you won’t just visit Mykonos – you’ll truly experience it.Let us guide you to the hidden treasures of the island and craft a journey that goes beyond the ordinary. Our mission is simple: to place you at the heart of everything we do and deliver memories that last a lifetime.
The Mykonos you’ve been searching for begins with us. Let’s make it extraordinary. Our commitment is to place you at the heart of everything we do. From hidden gems to iconic experiences, every moment with us is crafted to perfection. Choosing us means stepping into a world of luxury, comfort, and unparalleled care. Your unforgettable Mykonos experience starts here.
Travel Agencies
“Every partnership begins with a deep understanding”
We are not here to facilitate just another financial transaction. You are a professional who has worked hard to build your business, who values attention to detail, and who wants every client to experience the ultimate journey. Our relationship is not based on money but on our commitment to delivering tailor-made solutions that highlight the uniqueness of your tourism promise. Think of us as an extension of your brand in Mykonos.
Our years of experience have shown us that true success comes from understanding and prioritizing our clients’ needs. From the moment a guest sets foot at the airport until the moment they leave the island with a smile, every moment is an opportunity for us to create memories. We respond to every desire or even unforeseen challenge with creativity and a positive attitude. We bring both enthusiasm and expertise, treating every part of the journey as significant. We adapt with respect to the culture and needs of each client.
We don’t offer the usual luxury as everyone knows it. We offer experiences that last a lifetime. As a result, your reviews skyrocket, with guests describing their experience as unique and deeply emotional. It is this emotion that remains at the end, the joy of a traveler who lived something truly extraordinary and the satisfaction of a professional who knows they exceeded every expectation.
What we promise is absolute dedication to precision, professionalism, and the elevation of the uniqueness of your vision. Because at the end of the day, success is not just about profit, it’s about offering an experience that remains timeless and unforgettable.
Traffic Rent has been active in the field of car rental/car rental business since 1986. From the founding of the company until today, our philosophy focuses on maintaining a modern fleet of high quality cars and providing superior quality services. We are able to serve our customers with immediacy and professionalism by maintaining partnerships with major travel agencies and hotels throughout Crete and Mykonos and at the same time constantly enriching our fleet with a wide variety of conventional and luxury models.
How we work At Traffic Rent we take advantage of our many years of experience and work with professionalism and consistency. We offer our services to the airports of Heraklion, Chania and Mykonos as well as the ports of the two islands, we have a service desk in large hotels in Crete and at the same time we offer the possibility of car delivery to all hotels and villas on the island. We make sure that all our customers are happy and satisfied from the consistency in the delivery time and service 24/7 from our experienced, multilingual staff.
VIP Transfer Services
Elegant. Discreet. Always On Time. Whether you are planning a fairytale wedding, need a stylish arrival at a private event, or require a dedicated chauffeur for your stay, our VIP Transfer Services are designed to elevate your experience in Mykonos.
From luxury vehicles to professional drivers who value your time and comfort, we cater to every occasion with the utmost attention to detail.
It specializes and provides the best transportation and protection services for people who trust it.
Our company is active in Greece but also in many other European countries, as well as outside Europe with great and successful collaborations even in the field of Hollywood.
Professionalism, immediacy and technical training distinguishes us in any client we have worked with.
We have experienced drivers with commendable distinctions in sports related to the field of vip security.
The fleet of our company consists of luxurious and safe vehicles which in cooperation with our drivers make your transfer even more enjoyable (9seats, 16seats and 55seats busses)
MPOS VIP TRAVELS provides you with the answer to any question that arises, tries and manages to meet all the needs of customers who trust it.
For your best and most immediate service, use the online selection system.
With extensive experience in the security industry, we deliver tailored protection for your family, home, business, or event. From elite personal security to 24/7 surveillance, our trained guards are always ready. Whether you’re enjoying luxury Greek island holidays in Mykonos or hosting high-profile events, we ensure total peace of mind. What sets us apart is our reliability, discretion, and rapid response. Trusted for secure travel, villa protection, and VIP services, we’re available 24/7. Choose AdvancedVipSecurity for premium, dependable protection—wherever you are.
Nestled on a hillside overlooking Agios Ioannis Bay, Katikies Mykonos is a 5-star, Leading Hotels of the World property that captures Cycladic elegance just a breath from the sea and only 4 km from Mykonos Town.
Elegant Accommodations
35 luxury suites, each featuring minimalist design, private verandas, and sweeping sea or Delos Island views.
Room options range from Superior Doubles (with private terraces and open-air jetted tubs) to Senior, Superior, Honeymoon, Katikies Suite, and Master Suite — all with sea views, private pools on select categories.
Check-in begins at 3 pm and check-out by 11 am. Private transfers for up to four guests, free on-site parking, and adults-only policy ensure a serene stay.
Dining & Drinks
Champagne Bar by Fleur de Miraval: Perched by the infinity pool, offering Mediterranean light fare, champagne, and cocktails in a chic, breezy setting.
Mikrasia Restaurant: A vibrant space where Cycladic flavors meet elegant design and live ambient sounds.
MICHELIN-STYLE BOTRINI’S MYKONOS
Opened in 2023, it brings award-winning pedigree from Botrini’s Athens. Set on an infinity terrace with views of the Aegean, it offers a truly refined dining experience.
Signature Peripatos tasting menu (€170), includes creative courses like “Herring – A Journey Through Time,” with wine pairings by Yiannis Karakasis MW (€90).
A “Greek Terroirs” menu (€230) highlights national flavours paired with premium wines (€90–€190), also curated by Karakasis MW.
Spa, Fitness & Facilities
Spa: Open to guests and external visitors, features luxury treatments (massages, facials, hot stone rituals) using Ligne St Barth products amid a tranquil Cycladic ambiance.
Fitness Studio: Equipped with modern cardio and strength equipment, complimentary for all guests .
Pool Bar & Leisure: Relax poolside with drinks against the endless blue backdrop .
Bespoke Experiences & Offers
A dedicated lifestyle concierge curates authentic Mykonos adventures—from cultural tours to private sea explorations. Current promotional offers include 20 % off the flexible rate with pre-payment, a €200 hotel credit, and an additional free night for stays of at least four nights.
Location
Located in Agios Ioannis, this peaceful village offers sandy, crystal-clear swimming complemented by local tavernas and views of Delos. Accessible easily from Mykonos Town; private transfer and free parking are available.
Why Katikies Mykonos Stands Out
Feature Highlights
Seaside sophistication Cycladic-styled suites with private pools and verandas
Fine dining Champagne bar, Mediterranean cuisine, and Michelin-grade Botrini’s
Wellness & leisure Full spa, fitness studio, iconic infinity pools
Tailored experiences Local concierge-curated cultural and sea-based activities
Value-enhancing offers Discounts, credits, and complimentary nights
Final Thoughts
For lovers of refined aesthetics, elevated gastronomy, and immersive island living, Katikies Mykonos offers an upscale escape that marries Cycladic charm with modern elegance. Whether unwinding in a private suite, savoring avant-garde meals, or indulging in spa rituals, it’s a memorable retreat poised to shine in your Mykonos journey.
Nammos Mykonos, established in 2003 on the famed Psarou Beach, is a premier Mediterranean destination where beach life meets gastronomic excellence and vibrant entertainment
Beach Club & Ambience
Set on the crystal-clear sands of Psarou, Nammos cultivates a glitzy beach-party atmosphere centered around luxury sunbeds, sophisticated lounge areas, sleek yachts, and premium champagne service. The beach bar menu features exceptional rare champagnes, top-shelf spirits, and inventive cocktails, enhancing the dynamic social energy. A shisha lounge adds an exotic layer to seaside indulgence.
Cabanas: Privacy & Exclusivity
Nammos offers four themed cabanas—Nero, Marrone, Azzuro, and Aqua Marina—each equipped with private outdoor hot tubs, exclusive cocktail bars, personal chefs, butlers, VIP transfers, luxury beauty products, and a curated menu of gourmet delicacies. These spaces provide an intimate oasis just steps from the sea.
Gastronomic Excellence
The restaurant at Nammos is legendary for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, fresh Aegean seafood, refined sushi, and premium dry-aged beef cuts. Dishes are prepared with local produce and top-tier global ingredients, reflecting a fusion of Mediterranean flavors with Asian influences and elegant wine and champagne pairings.
Yacht Services & VIP Access
Guests arriving by sea benefit from deluxe yacht services and mooring options right at Psarou Beach. Personalized Riva yacht transfers ensure seamless access from sea to sand. A private helipad and valet services cater to elite travelers arriving by air or car.
Private Celebrations & Events
Ideal for upscale private events, Nammos hosts beach weddings, VIP parties, and bespoke gatherings featuring customized menus, champagne towers, and refined décor. A full events calendar includes weekly series like “Nammos Beats or Nothing,” “Made in Mykonos Saturdays,” and “Nammos Fridays,” featuring world-class DJs.
Facilities & Guest Services
The venue includes valet and concierge services, a lounge, spa access, a children’s playground, and 24-hour security—ensuring a worry-free, upscale experience for guests arriving by land, yacht, or helicopter.
Why Nammos Mykonos Stands Out
Iconic setting on Psarou Beach with vibrant Aegean views
Exclusive cabanas offering privacy and indulgent amenities
Michelin-level cuisine combining Mediterranean, sushi, and premium beef
Elite yacht services, helipad access, and concierge support
A stylish social scene with daily music, events, and shisha
Comprehensive guest services for a seamless luxury experience
Final Thoughts
Nammos Mykonos isn’t just a beach club—it’s a lifestyle destination that caters to those seeking luxurious summer living by the Aegean. Whether lounging in a private cabana, dining on seafood and sushi, arriving by yacht or helicopter, or dancing to world-class DJs, Nammos defines the essence of Mykonos glamour.
Nestled directly on the golden sands of Ornos Beach, Mykonos Ammos Hotel is a distinguished 5-star boutique retreat and a proud member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Combining Cycladic minimalism with modern elegance, it promises an idyllic seaside escape.
Accommodation & Design
Wake to azure sea views in one of 50 meticulously designed rooms, suites, or luxury villas. Boutique suites—including the beachfront Ammos Suite with private hot tub—emphasize effortless comfort and stylish simplicity. Enjoy thoughtful amenities such as air conditioning, Wi‑Fi, minibars, and complimentary toiletries. The villas, ideal for families or groups, offer privacy on a hillside perch with breathtaking sunset panoramas.
Beach & Leisure
Step onto a private sunbed overlooking the blue waters of Ornos Bay. The signature beach service provides cocktails and light fare from morning until evening. A seasonal outdoor pool, spa, gym, and boutique store elevate the stay. The spa, operated in collaboration with Karam, offers curated treatments to rejuvenate both body and spirit.
Dining & Drinks
Culinary offerings combine fresh Mediterranean ingredients with subtle Asian flavors. Options include beachside dishes, healthy choices, and expertly crafted cocktails featuring seasonal fruits like watermelon and peach. On-site venues—including My Ammos lounge, Kuzina, Farina, and Pasaji restaurants—cater to a variety of tastes.
Services & Experiences
Mykonos Ammos provides 24/7 concierge, reception, room service, and daily housekeeping. Additional services include airport transfers, babysitting, early breakfasts, luggage handling, laundry, parking, and library access. The personalized “Mykonos Memoires” concierge service curates custom experiences—whether cultural, adventurous, or leisurely—ensuring your summer memories are unique.
Location & Accessibility
Situated just steps from the beach, the hotel is minutes away from Mykonos Town, the airport, and the main ports. It’s ideally located for exploring iconic windmills, charming alleys, and the vibrant island scene, while still offering a sense of peaceful seclusion.
Why Choose Mykonos Ammos
Beachfront luxury with direct sand access
Elegant accommodation from romantic suites to hillside villas
Wellness focus with spa and gym facilities
Diverse dining blending Mediterranean and Asian influences
Impeccable, personalized service
Prime location with both privacy and accessibility
Final Thoughts
Mykonos Ammos Hotel is more than just a place to stay—it’s an immersion into the art of joyful seaside living. Whether you’re lounging by the sea, indulging in spa treatments, enjoying gourmet meals, or discovering the island’s treasures, this hotel turns moments into memories. Experience refined beachfront elegance at Ornos and let Mykonos Ammos become your personal island story.
Whether you’d like to travel to the cosmopolitan Mykonos with the amazing nightlife or to find one of its “secret” retreats, the island of winds with the enormous rocks formed by Mythological Giants and the crystal clear-water beaches is the ideal desination for your next trip.
We suggest ten reasons why…
1. Golden Beaches
With 89 km of coastline, Mykonos have so many sandy beaches with crystal clear waters for every “taste”: for cosmopolitans, families, party-animals, water sports lovers and windsurfers. Choose the one that suits you and dive in.
2. All day and night Parties
Mykonos is well known for its vivid nightlife. Many partygoers flock every summer to experience the all day and night party atmosphere, one of the best in Europe.
3. Top Destination for Celebrities
Destination for celebrities, jet setters and other VIP persons. Singers and actors, athletes and fashion icons, politicians and royal family members from all over the world. They are all repeated visitors every year, who enjoy the endless Greek sunshine and its golden beaches.
4. Blue and White
Mykonos town, Chora, has preserved its authentic architecture with white houses, blue doors and windows and colorful climbing flowers. Walk to the narrow alleys of the main town and take the best selfies for impressing your Instagram and other social media followers.
5. Mykonos Windmills
Since the 16th century, windmills are the landmark of Mykonos. Harnessing the enormous power of wind, the Myconian windmills were used to grind wheat and barley, the basic ingredients of bread and other bakery products.
6. Ancient treasures two miles away
Delos island, a world’s cultural heritage and an archaeological site in itself, is only two miles away from Mykonos. The birthplace of Apollo, it was a holy place for Ancient Greeks and the Athenian Alliance base, a union of Greek city – states.
The archaelogical museum, the temple of Isis, patron goddess of sailors and the theatre are the main attractions in the island.
7. More to do
There are many things to do in the island from sports like watersports to trekking and endless shopping to tour excursions.
8. Taste delicious local and International dishes
Traditional Myconian cuisine is full of delicious dishes made of fish and seafood, local sausages, known as “louza” and traditional Greek sweets with fyllo and nuts. However, there are plenty of options for dining: from local and traditional Greek gastronomy dishes to all kind of international cuisines.
9. Live the Authentic hospitality of Mykonians
The people in the island are well known for their warm welcome to visitors and making them feel like they are at their own home.
With strategic representation and combining tourism promotion with trade meetings, local extroversion, and academic and cultural diplomacy, the participation of the Greek National Tourism Organization in the International Tourism Fair ITB China 2025, organized in Shanghai from May 27 to 29, was completed.
During the exhibition, the head of the Greek National Tourism Organization China Service, Pavlos Mourmas, held more than 60 meetings at the Greek pavilion with representatives from travel agencies, media and social media platforms in China, during which the possibilities of further promoting the already popular and new Greek destinations in the Chinese market following the launch of direct flights by Juneyao from Shanghai to Athens, as well as cooperation in joint advertising programs and promotional events were examined.
Furthermore, at a special event at Hellas House, Mr. Mourmas presented to executives of the Chinese tourism market the diversity of the Greek product, emphasizing the thematic forms of tourism of our country in various destinations (thermal springs, golf, geoparks, casinos, ski resorts, medical tourism, etc.), which can be combined to create new tourism products targeting respective market segments.
At the reception that followed at the same venue, Mr. Mourmas and the Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, had meetings with the participants in which the prospects for expanding synergies between the two sides were discussed, as well as the organization of familiarization trips to Greece.
The Greek Participation
The co-exhibitors at the Greek pavilion were the Region of Attica, the Region of Central Macedonia through the Regional Units of Serres and Pella, and the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization (TTH), the This is Athens Organization, Athens International Airport, HATTA, and tourist agencies.
Also present at the exhibition were the Governor of Attica, Nikos Hardalias, the Consul General of Greece in Shanghai, Georgios Partheniou, the Commercial Attaché, Spyros Liontos, and the Head of the Public Diplomacy Office, Dimitris Foukis.
Athens, Attica, Athens Airport, and Central Macedonia presented their own strong identities, serving supra-local goals for development and international promotion, while participating DMCs expressed keen interest in new partnerships and promoting new destinations by creating renewed holiday “packages” for Chinese visitors.
ITB China 2025 in numbers
ITB China 2025, the leading B2B trade fair dedicated to the Chinese travel market, saw a 30% increase in net exhibition area and a 35% increase in the number of participants this year compared to 2024. Specifically, it hosted over 700 exhibitors from 85 countries and a total of more than 20,500 participants, including 1,400 high-quality buyers and around 280 representatives from Chinese SMEs, while 38,800 business meetings were held during the exhibition, reflecting the growing demand and global interest in China’s travel market.
The CEO of Eurobank, Fokion Karavias, in his speech at the general assembly of the Association of Greek Tourism Businesses, particularly referred to the great opportunities that the opening of India, a market of 1.5 billion people, will offer to Greek tourism.
Mr. Karavias said specifically:
“… You all know that we are going through a period of major geopolitical reshuffles. Their focus is on Asia and the future of its relationship with the West. China has been the star of the first quarter of the 21st century. Today, the big picture refers to the emergence of India. I have spoken and written about the opportunities that the opening of a market of 1.5 billion people creates for Greece and for Cyprus. Business agreements are not made without the movement of people and direct contact. And that is why it is a happy coincidence that Mr. Vassilakis preceded because Aegean is already planning the direct flights that are crucial for the development of commercial relations.
However, beyond a large market for goods and services, India also provides a great opportunity for tourism. It has, among other things, a vibrant middle class, affluent and eager to get to know the world. Greece is small, and what seems small in percentage terms can be large in absolute numbers and make a difference for our country.
Eurobank is already planning in this direction. Recently, we were part of the initiative that led to the establishment of the first office of the large travel agency Thomas Cook India in Cyprus, the first on European soil. I believe that steps can also be taken from the side of government services – for example, with the faster issuance of visas – but also from a business perspective, those who move decisively in this direction will have a significant lead and unlimited growth opportunities. From our side, we are here to support them both in an advisory capacity, because in a few months, we will be the first and only Greek bank with a representative office in India, but also financially, within the framework of a collaboration that we honor and you know.
Beachtimes, culture, and scenic destinations are the main reasons why tourists from the US, UK, and France will choose Greece for their holidays this year, according to a survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Visa.
According to the survey:
9 out of 10 tourists visiting Greece plan their trips a month in advance.
Physical cards continue to be the preferred payment method for most activities.
Detailed conclusions of the survey:
Why do they visit Greece
The survey shows that beachtime (69%) is the most important reason for choosing Greece, with even higher rates among British (72%) and French (71%) respondents. Cultural visits follow at 65%, with French travelers showing even greater interest (72%). US visitors are interested in a wider range of activities than the French and British. These include nightlife, theme parks, and music events.
Trip duration and seasonality
Almost half of tourists visiting Greece (48%) take trips of 4-7 days, while a similar percentage stay in the country for more than 8 days. Although the peak period is the “European summer”, the choice of time to visit varies for visitors depending on the country: US tourists will choose to visit Greece in July (21%), the British seem to prefer May (17%) and June (27%), while the French choose to travel mainly in September (20%). At the same time, 5 out of 10 tourists who will visit Greece in 2025 will also visit Italy, while 4 out of 10 will also visit Spain.
Destinations within Greece
Athens and the Greek islands remain the top choices for travelers to our country. For visitors from the US, Attica is the most popular destination (41%), followed by the South Aegean (31%) and Crete (27%). The British show a preference for the Ionian Islands (32%), with the South Aegean and Attica at 27%. Correspondingly, French tourists choose Attica (39%), Crete (35%), and the South Aegean (30%).
Budget
US visitors are expected to spend an average of €3,040 per person on their trips to Greece this year, an amount equivalent to around 13% of their annual income. British tourists, on the other hand, plan to spend €1,900 per person, equivalent to around 11% of their income, while one in four intend to increase this amount compared to the previous year. French tourists plan to spend an average of €2,550 per person, equivalent to 11% of their annual income. Luxury tourism is expected mainly from US visitors.
Payment Methods
Physical cards continue to be the preferred payment method for most activities, across all age groups. However, tourists from the UK and the US are expected to use cash more often for small purchases on public transport, tourist shops, and parking. Despite the growing preference for contactless payments, with 7 in 10 tourists saying they would opt for them, around a third are expected to use more cash during their travels, compared to their usual usage in their country of origin. It is worth noting that almost half of the visitors will use the same payment methods as in their home country. French tourists, in particular, are expected to use cash the least.
Trip Planning
Almost 9 in 10 visitors plan their trip around a month before their arrival. While accommodation booking platforms remain the most popular source of information for travel destinations, accompanied by official hotel, service, and restaurant websites, ChatGPT is emerging as a new source of information for activity planning, with travelers from all three destinations using it. Visitors from the US lead with higher rates, while French travelers appear to use it less.
Eco-tourism
Eco-tourism is more important to Americans than European tourists, who, while appreciating it, do not place it high on their priorities. Notably, 30% of US visitors are willing to pay between 5% and 10% more for their purchases, reservations, or activities are more environmentally friendly. Awareness of sustainability in tourism activities is “very important” to one-third (1/3) of tourists, particularly in restaurants, transportation, and itineraries.
Nikos Petrakis, Visa Country Manager in Greece, said:
“Visa is committed to promoting digital payments, with the aim of improving the visitor experience in Greece. From introducing contactless payments on public transport throughout Athens and thirty other cities to installing automatic ticketing machines at important archaeological sites, we are implementing initiatives that facilitate visitors to Greece and enhance accessibility.
At the same time, we are working with the Ministry of Tourism to support strategic planning based on real data. As the season has already begun, our research with Ipsos aims to help the tourism sector better target visitors and offer personalized experiences. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to the upgrading of Greece’s tourism product and the strengthening of the Greek economy, with tourism as a vital component of growth.”
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