Review: Kalesma Mykonos Luxury Hotel (Mykonos, Greece)

October 9, 2024

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Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.

Today: Review of Kalesma Mykonos Luxury Hotel (Mykonos, Greece)

Once home to Greek gods and a favorite destination of Jackie Kennedy as well as artists, poets, designers and actors, Mykonos isn’t new to the limelight. And if an exclusive Mykonian hideaway is on your wanderlist, you should have a look at Kalesma Mykonos, a 5-star boutique hotel overlooking the Aegean Sea. The resort’s 25 suites and two large villas blend local flair with high aesthetics, giving guests the feeling of being in an authentic Mykonian neighborhood. Kalesma Mykonos opened in 2022, introducing a luxury experience on the island that balances fun and privacy with genuine insider knowledge of off-the-beaten-path sites. ‘Kalesma’ means ‘inviting’ in Greek, a word that best expresses the ethos of this privately owned luxury boutique hotel.

Have you ever stayed at Kalesma Mykonos? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

Kalesma Mykonos features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Mykonos.

In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Kalesma Mykonos is one of the most stylish luxury hotels on the famous Greek Island of Mykonos. Surely a place to see and be seen, Mykonos is so much more than its beaches, clubs and nightlife. Known as the Island of the Winds, Mykonos was the birthplace of Aeolus – appropriately, the wind god. His gusts pushed Odysseus toward home, only to have him return when a shipmate opened a bag that contained a fierce breeze that drove him back. Aeolus’s cave is located just below the Armenistis Lighthouse. Guests of Kalesma are invited to explore the island’s history, including its much-photographed windmills that date back to the 16th century – now ornamental, they were once essential to the island’s economy.

Kalesma Mykonos is nestled on the hillside of Aleomandra, between Ornos Bay and Agios Ioannis. The Aleomandra neighborhood is named after the sacred Delian stables that, according to myth, provided shelter to the horses of the Olympic god Apollo. The 5-star boutique hotel is conveniently close to some of the island’s most renowned beaches, attractions and clubs, yet isolated enough to provide the feeling of seclusion and privacy. The property is just a short walk from Ornos beach and is also just under two miles (3 km) from Mykonos town. Both Mykonos’ airport and seaport are just a 20 min drive away (depending on traffic).

Kalesma Mykonos is spread across five acres and set against a lush hillside blanketed with 20,000 plants. The 5-star boutique hotel tumbles down a slope to Ornos Bay, providing unobstructed views of the bay towards the east. On the top the hill are the hotel’s communal areas, which include a small lobby, boutique, stunning infinity pool, outdoor bar, restaurant and a patio with firepit looking out towards the west with views of the Aegean Sea. The hotel’s accommodation are located on the hillside below the communal areas. Kalesma Mykonos’ hilltop location and layout offer guests the unique opportunity to enjoy both sunrise and sunset from the same spot.

The whitewashed collection of pavilions that make up Kalesma Mykonos have been created to resemble a charming Mykonian village. The design is inspired by Greek tradition, local history and the “aloni” – an existing threshing floor on the property that became the source of inspiration for the style and character of the project. Local materials and artisans play an essential role in the hotel’s identity, with wood, marble, stone and osier giving a contemporary look to traditional Cycladic style. Cool earth tones like taupe, grey, dark brown and charcoal blend together with white-washed surfaces and bougainvillea-filled archways to give a strong sense of place and to allow the brilliant blue of the Aegean Sea to stand out.

Kalesma Mykonos was designed by K-Studio, who was also the architect behind the new Mykonos Airport (which opened in 2021). The hotel’s sleek and minimalist interiors were created by Greek designer Vangelis Bonios of Studio Bonarchi, who embraced a refined and timeless style prioritizing comfort and functionality. The suites feature original artwork by Serbian artist Aleksandar Vac, whose ceramics evoke traditional Cycladic minimalistic forms. The lobby takes on an effortlessly cool look with furniture by Rick Owens, making Kalesma Mykonos the only hotel in the world to have pieces by the celebrated designer.

Kalesma Mykonos features 25 one-bedroom suites with pools, which come in three room categories. It’s one of the few hotels in Mykonos where all rooms come with their own private pool, as well as sea views, private terraces, poolside sun loungers, outdoor showers and SONOS sound systems. During my holiday, I stayed in a “Kalesma Suites with Sea View & Private Pool”. Inside, the suite featured a bedroom and a bathroom (with bathtub and outdoor shower), while outside, a large terrace with private pool, sun beds and lounge area boasted a view of Ornos Bay. The suite’s design reflected Mykonos’ laid-back glamour of Mykonos, with whitewashed walls, neutral, earthy color palette and Cycladic aesthetics.

Kalesma Mykonos also features two grand villas – Apollon Villa (three bedrooms) and Artemis Villa (four bedrooms). These villas are located right next to the fire pit patio, overlooking the subset side of the resort. Both villas can be united into the resort’s most exclusive retreat, the Leto Villa. The multi-bedroom villas can accommodate 6 to 14 guests and can be rented together to sleep larger groups. All villas have an open-plan living room with separate dining areas, a fully equipped kitchen with a pre-stocked refrigerator, wine fridge and private chef available upon request. Additional villa amenities include a private gym and 24/7 butler service. Guests can also book in-room spa treatments.

Steps from the hotel’s infinity pool and offering panoramic perspectives of the sea, is Pere Ubu, Kalesma Mykonos’ (only) all-day restaurant with an menu created by executive chef Costas Tsingas. Each morning, Pere Ubu offers à la carte breakfast. During the day, the venue specializes in small ‘mezes’ – plates for guests to enjoy as full meals or light lunches. By night, the restaurant transforms into a vibrant social hub with innovative drinks and tasty bites. Pere Ubu embodies Kalesma’s community ethos with nightly sunset celebrations, evening DJ entertainment and weekly culinary events like intimate dinners exclusively for Kalesma’s guests.

Kalesma arranges daily activities for guests to experience the true nature of Mykonos Island. Options include an organized cruise to a hidden cove, a guided tour of the sacred island of Delos, scuba diving lessons and private boat rentals. Kalesma can also arrange for tours through the alleys of Chora, night walks around the windmills or through Little Venice, and shopping sprees and food excursions to discover local treats and Mykonian delicacies. Off property, the concierge can make recommendations and bookings for guests at any restaurant or nightclub, as well as for sun loungers at the island’s 25 beaches.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Kalesma Mykonos is a small boutique property and lacks extensive leisure facilities. For example, the property has no beach access (although you can walk down to Ornos Bay, a 15 min stroll where several beach clubs are present). Also, wellness and sport facilities are limited to a small gym and two treatment rooms (but there’s true spa). Finally, the variety of dining options is limited as there’s just one restaurant on site. As such, Kalesma Mykonos might be a great fit for honeymooners and couples who prefer to spend their time in Mykonos inside their villa, but it’s not the best choice for travelers who enjoy a true resort vibe or for traveling families.

Kalesma Mykonos is one of the most expensive hotels in Mykonos, which is in line with the hotel’s strategy to promote itself as one of the most exclusive and private hotels on the island. The rate for one night in a suite with pool starts at 1700 euro per night in the high seasons, and it includes daily carte breakfast, free internet access, all legal taxes and complimentary round-trip transfers to Mykonos Town. IMHO, the hotel is (grossly) overpriced (but that’s about the case with each hotel in Mykonos these days), especially when you take into consideration its limited facilities.

Kalesma Mykonos is built on the top of a hill. Most of the communal areas (e.g. pool, restaurant) and all the accommodations (with the exception of the two multi-bedroom villas) enjoy unobstructed views towards the east (Ornos Bay). Only a small part of the resort is facing the west, and this includes the outdoor courtyard with firepit and the two multi-bedroom villas. However, the view from here – including the sunset – is not the best, since there are power lines and a street directly beyond the property. Hence, I would not recommend booking one of the multi-bedroom villas at Kalesma Mykonos, unless you don’t care about the view and passing traffic.

MY VERDICT

Location: 7/10
Design: 9/10
Pool: 9/10
Rooms: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Breakfast: 9/10
Spa: 6/10
Service: 8/10
Wow factor: 8/10
Value for money: 5/10
Overall experience: good – 8/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Save money: get complimentary VIP perks when booking Kalesma Mykonos via Virtuoso:
- Room upgrade
- Daily breakfast
- Early check-in & late check-out
- $100 USD hotel credit
- For stays of 5 nights and more: one complimentary 4-course dinner for two

Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like Kalesma Mykonos (and/or receive many free perks).

Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Mykonos are the autumn months of September and October: the weather is still great, the tourist crowds have left, the sea temperature is at its warmest, and the hotel rates are within reasonable range. The spring months of April and May, before the summer rush comes, are also a great time to visit, although the sea is cold and you may encounter some cloudy days. Mykonos is a very popular holiday destination for Europeans in June, July and August: expect hordes of tourists, nonstop parties and soaring hotel rates at this time of year. Summers also see a lot of windy days, with the Meltemi blowing for long periods, especially in the afternoons (sometimes gale force like winds).

HOW TO GET THERE

Kalesma Mykonos is a 20 min car ride from the ferry harbour and a 15 min ride from the aiport. Click here for a constantly updated list of airlines that offer direct flights to Mykonos.