Above a secluded cove on Merchia Bay, a new Curio Collection hotel makes the case for a slower, wilder Mykonos.&nbsp;

Mykonos didn't ask for its reputation, but it's earned one anyway: beach clubs stacked three deep along the coast, DJ sets running from midday into the small hours, a party circuit that stretches the southwestern corner of the island. But a half-hour drive due east of the airport unlocks an entirely different Mykonos. Perched on a cliff above Merchia Bay, on the island's quieter eastern coast, Semeli Coast Mykonos champions a different kind of Mykonos stay, where the wind and water lapping are the only soundtrack, leaving it up to the guest to decide if and when to dip into the party scene.
The 45 suites and villas climb the hillside in low, whitewashed Cycladic blocks, plenty of them with their own plunge pools cut straight into the stone terraces. The property’s design allows for discretion and privacy, perfect for both a romantic getaway and multi-generation families looking to unwind together. With a Cycladic minimalist design that highlights natural materials, the property offers unpretentious luxury and warm, attentive service. Panoramic views of the Aegean are an added bonus.

The best hours were often the simplest. The pool deck sits across two levels above the bay: an infinity pool up top, and one level down, a second pool anchoring Icáre, the hotel's flagship restaurant, where Michelin-starred chef Ioannis Parikos—a native of Ikaria, the island famous for how long its residents live—keeps the menu seasonal and unfussy. After a morning by the pool, a short walk downhill will deliver guests to the hotel's own cove and beach, where the water goes calm and shallow right at the shoreline. A little beach bar serves Greek wine and beer. Later in the afternoon, climb a short set of stairs to Almira Taverna for lunch. The taverna offers grilled fish, bright salads, and classic Cycladic plates, along with a refreshing breeze, a respite from the heat. A well-equipped gym and spa will keep the wellness-minded equally busy and relaxed during their stay.
Evenings still pulled us into bougainvillea-laden Mykonos Town, thanks to the hotel’s complimentary shuttle, roomy enough to accommodate a car seat for the trip. Dinners ran loud and lively, with tables spilling into the street. More than once, local restaurateurs and shop owners stopped us to coo over our baby and offer a blessing—an openness toward small children that runs deep in Greek culture. So while this year’s Mykonos vacation looked a little different than in years past, it proved that the island has more to offer than its very fun reputation gives it credit for.

Courtesy of Semeli Coast Mykonos Hilton's Curio Collection.

 Semeli Coast Mykonos Is the Famous Greek Island’s Quiet Rebuttal

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Semeli Coast Mykonos Is the Famous Greek Island’s Quiet Rebuttal

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