Review: Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort hotel review

Why book?

There’s an effortless elegance to this idyllic slice of Mykonos that can only stem from having its heart in the right place. With a heartwarming family history and an innate sensibility for doing things ‘the right way,’ this address is undoubtedly one of the best on the island, and in all of Greece.

Set the scene

The hotel’s Elias restaurant might just be one of the most beautiful restaurants I’ve been to in Europe. A vision in blue, the sweeping terrace sports a multitude of the shade, from the striped parasols to the blue and white tiles and perfectly mish-mashed prints and pillows on the banquette seating. Combined with the bright Aegean blue backdrop and the well-heeled linen-clad guests, it'd a scene reminiscent of a vintage Ralph Lauren advertisement. The nod to American style is apt – Santa Marina is beloved by a jet-setting crowd (there's room to dock your yacht, plus a helipad), but is particularly popular with discerning New Yorkers.

The backstory

It dates back to 1979 when Elias Papageorgiou bought a couple of hillside guesthouses, a windmill, a pigeon house and the namesake Santa Marina chapel with the aim of transforming them into the island's first luxury hotel. The first bungalows were built in 1986, while the main building with 20 rooms was added in 1994. The hotel became part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection in 2012, when Elias passed away and his daughter Christiana became the new hotelier. That familial love is ever-present around the property, which still has its original windmill and whitewashed chapel. More recently the hotel went through its biggest renovation in 2016, introducing new suites with private pools, while eleven of the 12 villas have since gone through renovations.

The rooms

SMK Interiors have encapsulated the hotel’s effortless and inviting spirit within the 101 rooms and suites. While most Greek hotels tend to lay the white washed aesthetic on thick, Santa Marina leans towards a warmer palette with charming artisanal touches – woven baskets, rattan furniture, honey-hued wooden floors and touches of bamboo and coral. The earthy colours are a perfect contrast to the bright blue sea views, of which most rooms have thanks to the hillside location. The views from the sea-view suites with private pools are particularly glorious. Those who love the little luxurious will be at home here. Think: ESPA products in the bathrooms, cooling 111 Skin sheet masks in the mini-bar fridges.

For a higher vantage point and more space, there are 12 villas ranging in size and layout, from a an abode that sleeps four to a sprawling four-story villa that fits 16. All come with sparkling private pools, outdoor dining areas, views to die for and a butler to help arrange anything and everything you need, from dinner reservations to a private yacht or chef.

The food

The starting point is the open-air Elias Restaurant, and what a beautiful starting point it is. Mornings at the hotel begin here with freshly baked pastries from the buffet plus an à la carte breakfast menu, brought to tables shaded by olive trees and overlooking the Aegean Sea. You can book in for supper here too, which traditionally begins with a shot glass of Tsipouro or, for the brave, Ouzo, to get into the mood. If you’re in a group, leave it up to the chef and go for the family style option, where a greatest hits of Greek cuisine – grilled octopus, Greek salad, Gyros – are brought to the table on beautifully printed plates. Downstairs and within an earshot of the waves on the beach, Buddha Bar serves up inventive sushi and Asian-fusion plates ranging from bright ceviches, roasted black cod and fresh oysters, as well as a creative cocktail menu illustrated by whimsical mermaids. For something punchy, try the Japan old fashioned, served with Japanese whisky and smoked with a special aromatic cigar mix. A similar menu is also available on the beach itself, so you can feast on fresh poke bowls, sushi and bao buns without having to leave your sun lounge.

The Spa

Located in a blessed spot neighbouring the adult-only pool, the Ginkgo Spa takes its name and concept from the Ginkgo biloba, the oldest living tree species. Naturally, wellness is a big focus here, with signature treatments using ESPA products as well as hot stones, crystals and breathwork. All of the usual massages, scrubs and masks are on offer, plus a traditional Hammam experience, all of which are customised to suit your needs. Facials are by London brand 111 Skin, including their signature Harley Street facial, with the option to add L.E.D red light therapy, as well as their de-puffing cryo facial. The fitness centre next door has equipment from the Technogym® Artis, while instructors for pilates, yoga, running and personal training can also be arranged. The hotel also has an outdoor tennis court.

The service

There are over 290 staff on the property, and it shows. Not in an overwhelming way, but rather, wonderfully effortless. From remembering my coffee order at breakfast to recommending the best cabana on the beach for our little ones, every step of our stay was made just that little bit easier by the team.

The area

The serene nook of Mykonos feels a world away from the crowds, and yet is only a 15-minute car ride away from Mykonos town, which the hotel can arrange for you. To explore by foot it's easy to wander down the hill and along to the stretch of nearby beach club, rustic tavernas and grill houses.

For families

Despite the innate glamour of Santa Marina, kids are welcomed with open arms here. We stayed in one of the villas (perfectly set up with a room of bunk beds) with two three-year-olds and while there isn’t a dedicated kid’s club on the property, we didn’t really miss the need for one either. Tucked away from the main area is a fantastic playground and paddle pool, masterfully placed under shade while still offering up an incredible view – don’t miss the charming swing set on the grass just outside too. Days are best spent at the private beach where adults can watch little ones frolic in the gentle waters from the comfort of a plush sun lounge, cocktail in hand. Elias has a dedicated kid's menu, as well as plenty of space so you can seat sprogs away from other guests if you prefer. In addition to the villas, the hotel has two bedroom family suites with the option to add rollaway beds. Rooms can be set up with all of the kit you need, from baby monitors to bottle warmers, mini toilet-seats and cribs. If little legs grow tired, staff will happily ferry you to your room on one of the electric buggies.

Accessibility

There are elevators and ramps to most areas and guest rooms, but still many stairs and hills to navigate. While it’s more accessibility-friendly than hillside resorts like those in Santorini, this is one of the more spread out and stair-addled resorts on (otherwise largely flat) Mykonos, so ground-floor rooms are the best option for guests in wheelchairs.

Anything left to mention

I'm told by owner Christiana that it's not unusual for guests to dock their yacht in front of the hotel and come for dinner or to stay the night. If you're arriving by land though, the hotel has a fleet of boats that guests can arrange to experience – notably the Anima Kaiki, a traditional wooden motor sailing boat that fits 12. The hotel also has three RIB boats that are perfect for day trips, the most popular being to the island of Delos, famed for being the birthplace of Apollo and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.