Petasos Beach Resort and Spa, Mykonos

Petasos Beach Resort and Spa, Mykonos; the epitome of luxury

Mykonos like so many of the islands that comprise the Cyclades has a rich history of over 3000 years from ancient Greek mythology and the Byzantine till the Greek Revolution and World War II. According to a myth the island is said to have been the location of a battle between Titan and Zeus and where Hercules killed the powerful giants. The name Mykonos means a mass of stones but in Greek mythology, it is said the island was named after the local hero Mykons, son of or grandson of the god Apollo.

In the 1930’s wealthy Europeans and famous artists were holidaying in Mykonos, attracting attention and putting the island on the map. Tourism started to flourish in the 1960’s and drew in celebrities from all over the world. While Mykonos has been known to attract party goers, families love to visit here as well so don’t let that put you off coming to Mykonos. For a quieter break I’d recommend staying away from Mykonos town. I stayed at the Petasos Beach Resort and Spa in Platis Yialos, only a 10 minute bus ride from Mykonos town.

Surrounded by azure seas, the golden sand and whitewashed architecture in Mykonos will certainly meet your expectations. Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and set on a private peninsula between Platis Yialos and Psarou the Beach the Petasos Beach Resort & Spa overlooks the breathtaking Aegean Sea. Whilst still retaining a peaceful atmosphere the resort has an enviable location close to local tavernas.

All rooms have private furnished balconies or patios making for the perfect place to enjoy the sea views or relax in privacy. The décor is light and airy, thanks to the use of the iconic colours of Mykonian architecture white and blue. Deluxe and superior rooms feature a spa bath and steam cabin.

With the Le Club Restaurant and VIP Restaurant to choose from with uninterrupted views of the sea nothing beats the Petasos Beach Hotel. The breakfast buffet is excellent and varied: fresh fruit, cereals, waffles with coffee to order. Enjoy culinary delights that await in the VIP restaurant which offers International Fusion with Asian and Sushi influences and a wide selection of Greek and international wines.

The hotel boasts its own private beach, with ladders over the rocks and into the water. The two-tier outdoor pool linked by a waterfall overlooks the Aegean Sea and is surrounded by loungers. The Aqua Marine spa offers massages and treatments and includes a large fitness centre, a subterranean pool with thalasso- jets, a sauna and steam bath.

Considered one of the best beaches, Platis Gialos Beach is a long-stretched beach situated in a half- moon shaped bay. Restaurants are lined along the boardwalk on the beach. It is mostly a family beach with good connections. The water taxis leave for various other beaches, like Elia and Paradise Beach and just outside the front of the hotel there’s a bus- stop with half- hourly departures to Mykonos town. The airport is located 3km away from the hotel, Paradise Beach lies 2 km away and the idyllic Psarrou beach only 1 km away.

What I love about Mykonos is that the island is small and can easily be explored in a few days. Mopeds are easy to hire but only if you feel confident to do so. There are also buses that scurry around the island.

Spend an afternoon exploring the narrow streets in Mykonos town that are lined with eateries and shops. Expect to see bougainvillaea draped fences set in front of shops, restaurants and churches. One of the most iconic sights on the island are the windmills, situated on the coastline within Mykonos town.

Kiki’s tavern is considered the best taverna to dine al fresco. In an amazing off- the- beaten- track location with stunning views, Kiki’s serves up all types of seafood, meats and salads. Don’t let the queue put you off, the owner serves small glasses of wine which you can enjoy in the sun whilst you wait.

We have travelled all over the world and this hotel has to be one of the finest hotels and one that we will definitely return to. What sets the Petasos Beach Resort & Spa apart is the unbeatable views location, and attention to detail.

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