Need To Reset Your Battery? Cali Mykonos Is The Place To Go
Mykonos is an island with nightlife almost as famous as the scenery. The main town plays home to tourists, hen parties, and friends’ trips alike at iconic spots like Scorpios and Nammos beach clubs. But on the other side, tucked away in a private cove, is a boutique wellness-centred hotel called Cali Mykonos. Our editor, Natasha Harding, went to see it for herself to determine if R&R is truly an option on the Greek party island – here’s how it went.
What sets it apart
When the opportunity to visit the ‘quiet side’ of Mykonos presented itself, I grabbed it with both hands. The resort has recently unveiled a slew of new and improved wellness facilities, from an open-air gym to a state-of-the-art spa (more on that later), making it an irresistible prospect.
Moreover, it has hosted an impressive number of people I follow on Instagram, and has also recently unveiled a brand new designer beach club collaboration, making it feel like the place to be.
The hotel is situated across a meandering cliffside, making it steep with impressive views at every turn.
First impressions
As soon as you arrive at the airy reception overlooking the nearby Kalafati Beach, it’s clear you’re stepping into a completely different experience from that of the main town. Your bags are quickly whisked away and replaced with a refreshing, thirst-quenching (non-alcoholic) drink to sip as you take in your surroundings.
The arid, rocky surroundings perfectly contrast with the iconic white houses peppered across the vista. The hotel lobby resembles something out of a 1970s Vogue spread – minimalist, slightly retro, and impeccably tasteful. It’s not long before you jump on the back of a golf buggy for the tour of the resort.
The hotel is situated across a meandering cliffside, making it steep (hence the buggies) with stunning views at every turn. Throughout the course of your stay, you’re encouraged to make the most of the concierge, accessible on WhatsApp. From arranging buggies to take you up and down the resort and enabling late check-out requests, or confirming spots on the shuttle bus, I was really impressed with how responsive and efficient this service was.
It doesn’t take you long to realise that this is one of those places where you really can’t take a bad photo. Weaving up and down the steep labyrinth on the back of a cart is easy, fun, and gives you the chance to really appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings. From the dock with a private yacht moored, to the nearly deserted private beach, the resort feels decidedly peaceful despite it being high season.
The room
I stayed in a Deluxe Pool Suite, which featured a large bed for two, a well-fitted bathroom, and a private seawater pool and terrace with sweeping views. While the furnishings weren’t overly ornate or spectacular, they were perfectly suitable. Stepping outside the bedroom to see the ocean sparkling under the afternoon sun, however, was truly breathtaking. In fact, it’s exactly the kind of image that I conjure mentally when I daydream about a sunny European getaway.
It’s exactly the kind of image that I conjure mentally when I daydream about a sunny Europe getaway.
I must also say that this is possibly the best shower I’ve ever used. A space bigger than my entire bathroom at home, the waterfall shower head, ambient lighting, perfect pressure, and luxe complementary products made it a daily highlight throughout my stay.
The facilities
While Cali Mykonos has many strings to its bow, for this Editor, the experience was most clearly defined by two standout features: the private beach and one of Europe’s longest saltwater infinity pools – both of which have been taken over for the summer by luxury Italian fashion house: Missoni.
The pool, which spans an impressive 130 metres – for measure, an Olympic pool is 50 metres – is adorned with XXL floating cushions covered with the iconic zigzag pattern. Swim to the edge and you’ll have an uninterrupted view of the hotel’s private, secluded beach, adorned with matching Missoni print umbrellas and crystal-clear waters protected on either side, creating a calm, relaxing spot.
The experience was most clearly defined by two standout features: the private beach and Europe’s largest saltwater infinity pool
When you want to change gears, you’re spoilt for choice. The open-air gym has to be one of the best outdoor gyms I’ve ever seen – rows of reformers overlooking the cove, countless weight benches, and even the option to use on-site tennis and padel courts. Classes are also held daily, offering a range of fitness options, including Pilates, yoga, and HIIT.
As for me, I was more drawn to the spa, which boasts everything from infrared saunas and cold plunges, to hammams and holistic treatments. Serene and well thought out, I booked in for a full-body massage and emerged feeling absolutely zen.
Food & drink
Breakfast is, for many, the most important meal of the day, and I can say this was consistently my favourite meal at Cali Mykonos. Whether you ordered a fresh Greek yoghurt covered with grains, fruit, and honey, or poached eggs with avocado (or, in my instance, both), served with freshly squeezed juice, you left breakfast feeling full and energised, without the grease and stodginess of some hotel breakfasts. I also really enjoyed the bread basket brought around each morning, with crispy croissants and plenty of spreads to try.
As for refreshments throughout the day, I opted for a larger breakfast and poolside snacks to keep me going until dinner. Safe to say, my expectations weren’t very high for casual bites, but the tuna sushi was every bit as tasty and well-made as some of my favourite Japanese restaurants.
Pre-dinner (or post-swim), head over to The Apollo Bar for a freshly made cocktail and an uninterrupted vista with a DJ playing vibey music on the decks.
While you can eat dinner at the same restaurant as breakfast, I’d recommend going into town for a more lively atmosphere. Plus, after a day in the hotel, it’s nice to mix up the scenery and tap into the energy of the main town.
Pre-dinner (or post-swim), head over to The Apollo Bar for a freshly made cocktail and an uninterrupted vista with a DJ playing vibey music on the decks.
Things to do nearby
Being located on the opposite side of Mykonos from the main town, the hotel is perfectly suited for those seeking a retreat to rest, relax, and unwind. If you’re keen to visit the hustle and bustle of the main town, though, even if only for a day or the evening, Cali offers a semi-regular free shuttle service for guests that departs every few hours. My top tip: roughly plan your timings with a bit of notice to ensure you align with the schedule – if you keep this in mind when plotting your day, it’s a dream, but if you leave it too late, you might end up forking out for a taxi or Uber (roughly €40 each way).
As one of the most picturesque destinations in the world, you absolutely need to wander through the famous white stucco streets. Depending on the part of town you find yourself in, you’ll see everything from touristy trinket shops and local artisan stores to high-end designer boutiques. While you’re there, be sure to pay a visit to the historic windmills that overlook the Aegean.
One of my highlights from this trip was booking a boat trip with Chios Yachting. The tour I went on departed from the West side of the island (with the option to add on hotel pick up and drop off) and visited Delos and Rhenia Islands, offering secluded swimming spots with water so blue, you could see the shadows of boats reflected off the bottom – a truly memorable way to make the most of the holiday destination.
The verdict
My stay at Cali Mykonos was short (three full days) but very sweet. I stayed for a long weekend, but this gem was so relaxing that I found I was able to switch off and unwind from the moment I arrived until the moment I checked out. If you want some quality ‘you’ time to reset, this is a great spot to book, with the ability to dip in (and also out of) the hustle and bustle of Mykonos’ main town whenever, if ever, you like.
If you want some quality ‘you’ time to reset, this is a great spot to book.
How to get there & book
There are daily flights from London to Mykonos, taking approximately 4 hours from Heathrow. Cali Mykonos can also arrange transfers to and from the airport, which are smooth and easy, meaning your holiday starts as soon as you touch down. For suite and villa options, more information on the amenities, and availability, visit the hotel’s website at www.calimykonos.com.
