Once in Mykonos Review: The Ultimate Escape in the Aegean

If you’re still mulling over which Greek island to book this summer, Mykonos remains a no-brainer. It delivers a rare mix of high-end luxury, serious style and a scene that genuinely lives up to the hype. So if you want the full Mykonos experience without the party atmosphere on your doorstep, Once in Mykonos fulfils the brief perfectly.

Elegantly perched on the hillside overlooking the sparkling waters of Ornos Bay, this former private villa has been transformed into a stylish retreat. The five-star sanctuary is effortlessly tranquil, strikingly chic and easily one of the most compelling places to check into right now.

Rooms & Suites

After a four-hour flight from Gatwick, we immediately understood why Mykonos is dubbed the ‘Island of the Winds.’ Stepping off the plane after weeks of muggy UK weather, that cool Cycladic breeze hit us with a welcome refresh. Following a swift exit from the airport and a brief 15-minute taxi ride, a private buggy whisked us up to reception, where ice-cold lemonade awaited and the interiors promptly stopped us in our tracks. With crisp whitewashed walls, contemporary polished marble and bold abstract artwork, it’s the kind of aesthetic that makes you want to redecorate your own entire home on the spot.

The 59 rooms and suites at Once in Mykonos carry through that same clean, modern feel. There are 11 distinct room types available – ranging from Panoramic Sea View Rooms all the way up to Elite Two-Bedroom Suites with private pools – so whether you’re after a more relaxed romantic weekend away or full-blown honeymoon bliss, it caters to every kind of trip. Checking into a Panoramic Double Sea View Room, I found the space ticked every box. With a cloud-like queen bed, sleek interiors with a Cycladic twist, and luxurious toiletries that leave you smelling divine, it’s the ultimate base to enjoy some quiet time before your Mykonian adventures. The real star of the show, though, is that view over Ornos Bay. Watching luxury yachts drift across the water from the balcony with a morning coffee was easily one of my favourite moments of the day. And if you want to take things up a notch, the private pool suites and outdoor jacuzzi options make it ridiculously easy to disappear into your own private love bubble.

Dining

Breakfast sets the rhythm of the day at Once in Mykonos, though our morning started long before we sat down to eat. At 8:00am, we booked a private yoga session out on the deck, with nothing around us but open sky and the Aegean horizon – the ideal way to stretch out our travel-weary muscles. By the time we settled into our seats, the feast felt entirely earned. Served al fresco with stunning sea views, the daily-changing spread offers everything from fresh Greek yoghurt and seasonal fruit to homemade granola and made-to-order omelettes, perfectly paired with iced coffee and fresh fruit juice.

Lunch at Infinity Restaurant is a more relaxed affair, and the perfect spot to escape the midday heat. The club sandwich is deceptively good and not to be underestimated. Come evening, the dining experience becomes properly indulgent. The kitchen expertly delivers a modern twist on traditional Mediterranean recipes, with fresh, organic produce taking centre stage. Over our stay, we worked our way through crisp Greek salads, delicate fish served sharing-style, rich truffle pasta and succulent steak, all impeccably presented. Every meal feels like an occasion, whether you settle in as the twinkling lights reflect across the dark sea or time your reservation perfectly with the sunset – which was my personal favourite backdrop.

Facilities

The pool area is where the resort’s design style truly shines. Chic cabanas, oversized beanbags and deeply-cushioned sunbeds are set up all around the infinity pool’s edge, offering sweeping views of the bay and beyond. The vibe is tailored for lazy, sun-soaked afternoons that slowly turn into cocktail hours. The drinks list goes way beyond the predictable, too. In particular, the Champagne Colada was an immediate standout, though the Hugo Spritz and frozen Daiquiris gave it serious competition.

Just below the pool area is the spa, which is well worth making time for. Alongside its wellness facilities, it features a separate pool offering a more tranquil escape from the main area – the perfect spot for some R&R before your treatment of choice.

Beyond the usual facials and deep-tissue massages, they offer the touchless therapy Wellnamis, designed to complement traditional treatments. I tried a hybrid session – a targeted back massage on a waterbed while listening to calming acoustic tracks through specialised headphones. I walked in mildly sceptical, but walked out completely reset, ready to jump back into island life.

To-Do List

The hotel sits just ten minutes from the island’s capital, delivering the best of both worlds: total tranquillity at the resort and also the energy of Mykonos town whenever you desire it. No trip is complete without spending time wandering the historic heart itself. We started in Little Venice, admiring the classic whitewashed houses leaning over the water, before making a pit stop at the famous 16th-century windmills. From there, the cobblestone alleys led to boutique shops, lively spots to eat and vibrant pink bougainvillea cascading over walls at every turn.

Don Blue Prime Yachting

If you want to experience that Mykonos magic properly, a boat tour to Delos and Rhenia with Don Blue Prime Yachting is where to start. As we stepped aboard the stunning yacht, the afternoon became blissfully unscheduled almost immediately, filled with swimming stops in impossibly clear water, bubbles in hand, a generous fruit platter on deck and endless hours spent admiring the island views. For couples looking for an adventure without sacrificing that laid-back holiday feeling, this is the one excursion to prioritise.

Hippie Fish

One evening took us to Hippie Fish, and the setting alone made it worth the visit – all boho interiors, driftwood details and uninterrupted views straight out to sea. The menu is designed for sharing, built around the best of the ocean: sushi, calamari, octopus and fresh fish, all washed down with plenty of chilled white wine as the sea breeze drifted through.

For a total change of pace – and the perfect pit stop after browsing the boutiques in the old town – drive 20 minutes inland to RIZES Folklore Farmstead. Tucked away in the countryside, it feels like stepping into a completely different world. The aesthetic is pure rustic charm, with an open-air terrace framed by vibrant flowers and lush greenery, it’s wonderfully peaceful and relaxed. As for the menu, expect authentic, home-cooked dishes served in seriously generous portions. Think Greek classics, melt-in-the-mouth slow-cooked lamb, crispy pork belly and creamy courgette flowers. You’ll leave with a full stomach, but trust me when I say you’ll still be dreaming about going back for more.

SantAnna Beach Club

If beach clubs are your thing, nowhere does it quite like SantAnna. Before we’d even reached our sunbeds, our personal butler was already laying out our towels and asking what we’d like to drink. Chilled cocktails and tropical fruit platters arrived on demand, all enjoyed against the dazzling turquoise sea. Tasselled crochet umbrellas, towering cacti and bohemian touches appear around every corner – the whole place is an absolute Instagram dream.

As the day hits around 3pm, the atmosphere transforms and the pool area becomes the heart of the action, with live DJ sets, dancing and the stylish crowd creating a lively party energy. Whether you’re after a front-row cabana or one of the exclusive floating islands, there’s an option to suit every mood and budget.

When you’re craving a bite to eat, head to the restaurant for a Mediterranean-inspired feast of sharing plates, beautifully presented and made for lingering lunches. Expect everything from fresh oysters and local cheese pie to the catch of the day served with seasonal vegetables. As lunch draws to a close, the music turns up, fruity shots make their way around the room and the afternoon slips into full-on party mode (though if you’re craving peace, make sure to book your sunbeds down on the beach instead.) For any brides-to-be reading this, I couldn’t help thinking what an incredible hen do destination this would make.

Mykonos Theoxenia

On our last night, we headed into the old town to dine at Mykonos Theoxenia (the sister hotel to Once in Mykonos.) Positioned right on the edge of Chora, just steps from the famous windmills, it’s perfectly placed for sunset views – the kind of vista that has you reaching for your camera every few minutes. We dined at Apanemi Restaurant, opting for the five-course tasting menu. Plate after plate arrived like a work of art – delicate sea bass, rich truffle risotto, traditional meatballs and a gold-leaf baklava that potentially has ruined all future desserts for me! Paired with great wine and followed by a slow stroll through the softly lit streets of Chora, it was the most romantic way to end the trip.

For couples seeking a stylish escape with a slower pace, Once in Mykonos is hard to beat. Whether you’re looking to unwind by the infinity pool, soak in those endless Aegean views or linger over dinner as the sky turns orange, it’s the perfect island hideaway for a memorable trip for two.

How to book:

Package:

easyJet holidays offers seven nights at the 5* Once in Mykonos in Mykonos on a Bed & Breakfast basis for £1,480 per person including 23kg of luggage per person, transfers and flights from London Gatwick on select September 2026 departures. For more information visit https://www.onceinmykonos.com/.

Airport Lounge:

Holiday Extras is the market leader in UK airport parking, hotels, lounges and transfers. Booking an airport lounge means you can enjoy more holiday with less hassle. Plus with Flextras, if you need to cancel or amend you can without charge. Entry to the Clubrooms North airport lounge at Gatwick North Terminal is available for £46.00 per person based on select September 2026 departures for three hours’ access before your flight. For more information and to book, HolidayExtras.com or call 0800 316 5678.