Mykonos Theoxenia – a design hotel bringing the 60s back
With a focus on Greek heritage and contemporary design, the recently reimagined Mykonos Theoxenia reflects the past and present. Modernist marble and stone preserved from the 1960s complement bright and airy spaces adorned with flowing linen and ceramic vessels, resulting in a contemporary take on timeless Greek aesthetics. Located at the edge of Mykonos Town, guests can retreat into pure serenity or venture through the maze of stone streets lined with white-washed Cycladic architecture.
When post-modern architect Aris Konstandinidis initially envisioned Mykonos Theoxenia in the 1960s, his dreams were nothing less than revolutionary: it was to be the island’s first five-star hotel, with the name itself encompassing the property’s ethos. Theo is the ancient Greek word for god, and xenia describes the custom of hospitality. With this in mind, when Mykonos Theoxenia first opened its doors decades ago, it was a place where guests were treated with the utmost reverence and welcomed into a luxurious hideaway. Today, the building—next to the island’s iconic windmills—is landmarked and protected by the Greek Ministry of Culture, and its origin story has been revived and reinvigorated to meet the modern era. Mykonos Theoxenia recently reopened following extensive renovations by Vois architects and an interior reimagination, with sophisticated minimalist and contemporary aesthetics applied to timeless Greek design.
When tasked with renovating Mykonos Theoxenia, Vois architects looked to the hotel’s past and present, resulting in a property that invites guests to tune into the sociability and serenity inherent to the Greek lifestyle. Clean lines and bright, airy spaces offset original stone and marble elements, while a seamless flow between interior and exterior spaces creates a soothing and comfortable ambiance. The property’s seven buildings are constructed from the same stone as the existing seawall and a soft color palette resonates with the surrounding landscape. Moreover, natural materials abound in furnishings found throughout the property, including light stone tables, wood chairs, and ceramic vessels and lighting fixtures.
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A sense of ease and softness defines the hotel’s 37 rooms, eight deluxe suites, and four signature suites, which have private swimming pools, terraces, and marble bathrooms. Space and comfortability are of the essence, with the accommodations spread across six different buildings and some rooms even featuring padded linen walls. All rooms offer either a sea or garden view, with tranquility at the core of the design. Bespoke furniture, such as bedframes, chairs, tables, and sofas, is complemented by warm terracotta sculptural pieces, wood accents, and organic linens.
This welcoming effect is also experienced at the Kou Kou Bar and Lanai Restaurant, which offers a nourishing international menu. An emphasis is placed on fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, with menu staples including free-range, corn-fed chicken with roasted seasonal vegetables, a roasted pumpkin salad, and the Myconian Salad—the hotel’s take on a traditional Greek salad. Behind the bar is an expert mixologist who crafts traditional and signature cocktails with some of the region’s specialty liquors. One standout is the Mediterraneo, which combines Skinos mastiha with passion fruit, lime, simple syrup, and mint. Guests are also invited to indulge in a wine tasting that highlights both Greek and international wines and is accompanied by a specially curated menu.
Beyond accommodations and dining options, Mykonos Theoxenia also features a luxurious pool and over 1,000 square meters of gardens with more than 90 plant species, including olive trees, cacti, dry grasses, and herbs like lavender, rosemary, and sage. As aromas of such herbs waft through the air, guests can explore shaded pathways through the gardens and discover openings to sun-drenched clearings as well as intimate seating alcoves. Yoga sessions are offered onsite, and the property also organizes day trips to Delos and the unspoiled beaches of Rinea.
For bookings and more information visit https://www.designhotels.com/hotels/greece/mykonos/mykonos-theoxenia
