The sun is shining bright in the cloudless, cerulean sky. The sea is glistening against the whitewashed, sugar cube houses of the iconic old town, with the blue domed churches and maze-like alleys dotted with multi colored bougainvillea. After feasting like an Emperor for breakfast, on a glorious afternoon, you decide to head for the beach. There are so many -more than 20 in fact- to choose from. All pristinely beautiful, with golden sand and crystal clear, turquoise waters.
You are in Mykonos -although sometimes you’d bet it is paradise.
After a long day of sweet idleness, you return to the capital of the island, Chora. As dusk begins to bathe its incandescent whites in pastel hues, the village becomes even more alluring. It is now time for a most cherished Mykonian ritual: Sundowners -preferably of the champagne sort- at Little Venice; where balconies suspended above the waves invoke images of the homonymous Italian city; and where the notorious Mykonos nightlife begins and ends. This is the trademark, time honored way to bid adieu to the day and to welcome the night that just begins. A gourmet dinner is what follows; for you’ll need energy and stamina to keep up with the biggest DJs on the planet taking turns behind the turntables as you dance your worries away till the early hours of the morning. The energy of this “new Ibiza” (or maybe “Saint Tropez”?) is contagious and has been luring the jet setters and the pleasure seeking globetrotters since the late 50’s. No wonder really, for Mykonos blends the bacchanalian and the bohemian with opulence and glamor; boasts abundant natural beauty and a celebrated, iconic architecture; whilst looks -and feels- like heaven on Earth.
When to go?
The hottest season -literally and metaphorically- extends from June to September: This is when temperatures soar -and the best remedy is to hit the amazing beaches of the island. This is also when the world famous Mykonos nightlife sizzles, with a non stop party extravaganza on said beaches and at Little Venice’s hotspots: The emblematic Semeli the Bar, one of the most well-known -and beloved- establishments among Mykonos aficionados; Bao’s, home to the world’s glitzy, champagne sipping, paparazzi snapped, crowd; uber fashionable Toy Room, the playground of models and celebrities; or Mykonos Bar, the celebrated landmark of Mykonos nightlife; the place that in effect started it all.
However this is not to say that Mykonos is not (equally) dazzling throughout the rest of the year: May and September are ideal for experiencing the glamorous beach scene and trademark Mykonos nightlife, without the hordes of the summer fans. Autumn and winter reveal Mykonos’ other, more esoteric facade, with a wealth of age old customs and traditions (granted, some involving copious amounts of feasting!), meticulously observed by locals and the few lucky visitors. As per spring, with its enchanting light and colors, it is simply glorious in Mykonos: The island’s typically dry and barren terrain is metamorphosed thanks to the winter’s rains and now shines lusciously green under the clear blue skies. And just before the buzz and hubbub of the season takes off, Easter blends the spiritual and the devout with a sneak preview of the frenzied Mykonos nightlife that is about to follow.
How to get there?
You may easily reach Mykonos by boat or plane, throughout the year. Just 4 km away from the main town (Chora), Mykonos airport is very well served with direct flights from most major European cities as well as Doha, Qatar. Athens, is furthermore connected to the island’s port with several ferry lines, featuring regular and speed boats. Whilst in Mykonos, though the bus service is quite regular and reliable, it’s advisable that you rent your own car or scooter, to go out and about at your convenience.
Where to stay?
Tucked in a quiet yet fairly central corner of Chora, a few minutes walk from all the famous sights -the emblematic Mykonian windmills and the photogenic Little Venice– the Semeli is the premier choice of those in the know. It is no wonder, for the Semeli dazzles even the most accomplished travellers, with its effortlessly chic aesthetic and cool, laid back aura. Here the trademark cycladic minimalism is blended with designer furniture and the latest amenities: All rooms and suites feature flat-screen TVs, free and fast wifi, a balcony or terrace, double glazing (welcomed in a chilly autumn or early spring evening!) and exposed original features like beam ceilings and arches. Bathrooms are Philippe Starck-designed, with butler sinks and rain showers, and naturally lit via translucent panels; while some superior rooms also boast outdoor mini-spa-tubs. Sleek design meets state of the art conveniences at the Semeli’s units, to create a home away from home effect.
In fact it is this distinct, stress free, welcoming atmosphere, and personalized 5 star service that make the Semeli truly stand out.
To give you just a hint of the pampering that awaits you at the Semeli, there is the OIKOSPA, with its vast array of rejuvenating therapies and treatments; while the easy living theme is completed with the culinary delights of the onsite Thioni and Krama restaurants, as well as the signature cocktails of the Semeli lounge lobby bar -in fact the best introduction to Mykonos nightlife.
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