I ARRIVE at Mykonos’ JMK International Airport on the shakiest and smallest plane I’ve ever been on with no idea what to expect from my first visit to the postcard perfect Greek Island.
But the moment I step outside in the soaring summer heat, my first panic-inducing flight in a small plane is a distant memory.
It’s been a dream of mine to visit Greece’s most famous island, the cosmopolitan Mykonos in the centre of the Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea, for many years and I can’t wait to explore the labyrinthine streets of the old town, and the world famous beaches and secluded coves.
I’m greeted by a driver and board a luxury bus en route to the Myconican Villa Collection, a super exclusive and private resort concept, which was to be my home for the next few days.
Driving past the Old Town with its vibrant, bougainvillea-clad white washed buildings, I catch a glimpse of the sprawling property nestled into the hillside in a secluded part of Mykonos overlooking Elia Bay, the longest sandy beach on the island.
I’m greeted with a glass of Champagne – delightful first impression – and take in the panoramic ocean views over the Aegean Sea.
Admiring the chic décor and my luxurious surroundings, I feel as though I’m on the set of a Hollywood film.
The property is the 10th on Mykonos for the family-owned Myconian Collection, founded by George and Elefteria Daktylides in 1979.
The company is now run by the couple’s four sons – Panos, Markos, Vangelis and Marios – who are passionate about warm, intuitive service, which we experience throughout our stay.
I am shown through the two restaurants, the ultra-chic Cabbanes, which boasts contemporary salmon-pink furniture, and the airy Nouveau where the daily breakfast buffet is served.
There are both local and international delicacies on offer at breakfast but be sure to try the rice pudding and the Greek-style scrambled eggs with tomatoes called Kagianas.
We make our way to the jaw-dropping infinity pool and bar overlooking the beach, which really is the stuff of European summer holiday dreams.
Plush black velvet sun beds are dotted around the pool deck, and the bar has a thatched straw roof and hand carved timber stools.
I am shown to my prestige guest room with a sea view, which is styled with bespoke Mediterranean furnishings.
There’s a king-sized bed, lounge (and a sofa bed if you need it), bathroom with separate rain shower – all opening up to private balcony where I marvel at the panoramic views of the Aegean and Elia.
For those hoping to step it up a notch, you can book suites or private villas with pools, private Jacuzzis and 24-hour personalised service.
Guests at the Myconian Villa Collection also have access to all the other Myconian Collection Hotels & Resorts’ pools, bars and restaurants and I would highly recommend heading over to Relais & Châteaux restaurant at Myconian Utopia.
The cuisine is Greek-inspired, with produce sourced from local farmers and fishermen who supply the restaurant with a daily harvest of seasonal and organic produce from land and sea.
I must confess, it is hard to muster the inspiration to leave the resort however there’s a complimentary shuttle service to Mykonos Town should you wish to shop or explore.
Alternatively, you can hire your own car or go James Bond-esque and take a speedboat to nearby beaches and hidden coves.
The Myconian Collection Hotels & Resorts own a portion of Elia Beach – the best part, in my humble opinion – so we enjoy the free access to our very own sunbeds.
Those who need a little extra rest and rejuvenation, the in-house spa is a tranquil – and aesthetically pleasing – space to go for some pampering.
However, I am in my element poolside on my velvet-covered sun bed looking out over my new favourite island.
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