Six luxury escapes in Elia Beach, Mykonos

Idyllic Elia, the longest beach on Mykonos famed for its fine sand and crystal water, is not short on luxurious hotels. And one brand in particular, the distinguished family-owned Myconian Collection, boasts an impressive six properties in this stunning hotspot.

The Utopia Relais & Châteaux, trend-setting Avaton, luxurious Myconian Villa Collection, as well as the Imperial and Royal resorts, and brand new Panoptis Escape, offer a private beach section with sunbeds and umbrellas for their guests, as well as a beach bar service for beverages, smoothies and snacks. Stay at any one of these properties, and you quite literally have the Myconian Collection at your feet - a world of luxury to explore. 

We check out what makes each of these luxury escapes unique…

Royal Myconian
This resort, one of the host hotels for inMykonos 2021, is a striking member of the Leading Hotels of the World. Behind the rustic façade of classic Cycladic stone lies a sleek contemporary property, which fuses Greek antiquity with modern opulence.  

Each of the decadent rooms and suites, which look out across the Aegean, feature private balconies or vast terraces, with infinity pools or Jacuzzis. Check out the rejuvenating treatments on offer at the spa, which include frangipani body nourish wraps and ‘chill out’ body massages with warm shells, before taking a dip in the heated indoor pool. 

At dusk, head to sunset terrace to watch the sun fade into a starry night, while sipping on the signature ‘Ancient Martinez’ cocktail. Dinner at the Ambrosia restaurant features an abundance of local organic produce plus the catch of the day.

Myconian Imperial
This beachfront property, also an inMykonos 2021 host and Leading Hotels of the World member, is all about the water. Overlooking Elia Beach, its majestic white profile rises up from rustic stone walls that anchor it into the foot of a gentle slope, one foot in the water and with views that extend to the horizon.

Book into one of the Executive Pool Suites, so that you can swim from the Aegean to your private seawater pool with barely a pause or relax in the twin pools that hover over the sea and soak up the views. Some premium and superior suites even feature their own outdoor Jacuzzis.

Inside, the airy interiors that are an oasis of white, are offset by warm wood details and quirky design. Explore the state-of-the art spa, sample the varied culinary offering at three different restaurants including a sushi bar and enjoy the ambience at Eros Veranda Bar, which is a hotspot by night.

Myconian Avaton

As you’d expect from a member of the hip and trendy Design Hotels Group, Avaton oozes cutting-edge design throughout. Think eye-catchers such as agate wall features, iconic classics as well as bespoke furnishings, islands of soft white comfort, bathrooms with walk-in rain showers and custom-carved stone elements — all accented by flashes of the signature red. 

The Avaton is named after the sacred places of ancient Greece, inaccessible to all but the initiated, ‘so perfect that no common foot may be set upon them’. Built into the bare rock high above Elia Beach, the property celebrates outdoor living on fully furnished balconies with infinity pools and Jacuzzis that overlook the wide golden sweep of Elia Beach.

 Savour ice-cold cocktails and light lunches from the Kokkino Bar, under the red umbrellas and sunbeds the infinity pool, and spend the evening enjoying the sensational culinary creations and views at Panorama restaurant.

Myconian Utopia
The ultra-glamorous Myconian Utopia Relais & Châteaux is all about world class service. Attentive housekeepers and world-class concierge services are on call for anything guests may desire, from a candle-lit dinner on your balcony to Pilates or yoga with a personal instructor in one of the island’s secret coves, followed by a gourmet picnic prepared by the head chef.

The luxurious suites and villas are appointed with custom-carved stone, soft natural fabrics and beautiful design accents. Villas also include a fully-equipped kitchen and dining areas, as well as furnished terraces with a large private infinity pool, barbeque areas, and, of course, sea views at every turn.

Spend the day drifting from one temptation to the next, lazing on shaded loungers by the fabulous infinity pool, enjoying light lunches and cool cocktails that segue into aperitifs against the backdrop of a fiery sunset. Bringing a utopian day to a close, the pool comes alive after dark with sparkles, and the Pavilion Relais & Châteaux restaurant delivers a star performance every evening.

Myconian Villa Collection

Nestled into the hillside above Elia Bay, the five-star​ Villa Collection is a unique​ ​luxurious​ resort​ ​concept featuring spacious suites and rooms, alongside superb villas that offer the discreet opulence of a private house, complemented by personalised five-star service around the clock. 

Leaning into the mountain, the terraced villas have uninterrupted views of the Aegean. Available in one- and two-bedroom constellations, the pure white interiors are accented by international designer pieces and tactile contrasts of custom-designed woodcraft and vibrant fabrics.

Ice-cold cocktails and light poolside lunches are served throughout the day from the Infinity Bar which later reveals its sultry, glamorous side over sundowners and pre-dinner aperitifs, to the soothing sounds of the resident harpist serenading the setting sun.

Panoptis Escape
The latest once-in-a-lifetime experience crafted by the Myconian Collection, Panoptis Escape is an ensemble of boutique villas that overlook the turquoise Aegean Sea.

From its exclusive, hilltop position, this island sanctuary promises absolute serenity in every sense. Think soft breezes, soul-affirming views, mesmerising sunsets and exceptional service. With its imaginative contemporary architecture, minimalist styling and artisan craftsmanship, everything about Panoptis Escape is the definition of “less is more”.

Explore the countryside on horseback, cruise around the coast and rocky bays on a private yacht, drift off in your own infinity pool, or find your sun-soaked spot on the fine, golden sands of the cosmopolitan Elia Beach. The Artisans of Panoptis Escape will make sure that each and every one of your everyday experiences will be anything but ordinary. Expect a service as warm and personal as it is laidback and discreet.