It all began in the 1960s, when Mykonos started to attract the attention of famous writers and bohemian artists, attracted by its simple and authentic Greek lifestyle. After Aristotle Onassis started hosting a parade of the rich and famous on his giant yacht, carrying celebrities like Jackie Kennedy, Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor, wealthy Greeks from Athens started building villas by the sea.
Mykonos was one of the first islands to gain popularity as an international travel destination, and in the early 1970s it also became a luxury retreat for the gay community and fashionistas. While Mykonos remains a destination for the young and glamorous, it is beginning to place an emphasis on authentic luxury experiences that respect the island’s history.
Mykonos’ legendary hospitality icon, George Daktilides, has enlisted his four talented sons to carry on the legacy of the Myconian Collection while respecting the island and its history. Vangelis Daktilides, along with brothers Panos, Markos and Marios, are transforming the landscape of Mykonos by creating stunning contemporary hotels that reflect classic, traditional Mykonian architecture while fully respecting the natural environment.
It all started when George returned from military service. He had big dreams, including marrying young Eleftheria from the island of Delos. To support them, he drove a bus, transporting people and materials from town to the mines. He convinced his brothers to buy a vehicle, and before long they owned a fleet of 25 buses and operated the island’s only public transportation system.
George decided to build Mykonos’ first hotel outside of town, and bought a used Caterpillar 920 to dig the foundations for his first four hotels. He opened the 25-room Kohili in 1979, becoming the island’s third hotelier. Korali followed the next year. His wife Eleftheria cooked breakfast for all the guests, did housekeeping and laundry, and fed the 40 construction workers building the new hotel. She was also raising their four energetic sons. Six years later, they opened the Kyma and Kalypso hotels. In 1986, George built the island’s first five-star hotel, the Ambassador Relais & Chateaux.
During the summers, the four young boys were expected to help out at the hotel while also learning on the job. “Our parents sacrificed everything to give us this opportunity. Our father worked from morning until night and reinvested all his profits back into the business,” says Vangelis Daktylides. Growing up on the island of Mykonos, the brothers wanted to take over the business their father had started, and eventually attended the renowned hotel school in Lausanne to further their knowledge of the hospitality business.
When all four brothers returned to the island from studying abroad, they agreed with their father that it was time to expand again. They bought their first piece of land on the slopes above Elia Beach and built their second hotel, the five-star Royal, in 2000. Every year they secured more land, building the Imperial in 2002 to join the group, followed by the Villa Collection, Utopia, Abaton and Panoptis Escape.
“We are creating a hotel that exudes a family and homely atmosphere, one that resonates with the traditions of this ancient Greek island,” says Vangelis Daktyrides.
Myconian Collection properties currently include the brand new Deos in Mykonos, O’ by Myconian Collection, Kensho Ornos Beach Hotel and Sunrise Agrari Beach Hotel. Though the brothers each run their own separate properties on the island, all the hotels are family-run. “We’ve always worked together,” says Vangelis. “Our relationship is great! We each have our own strengths: food and beverage, recruiting, purchasing.”
Deos: A fantastic new luxury resort opens
The newest addition to the Myconian Collection, Deos, opened this summer. It’s a beautiful property. Perched on an elevated spot with panoramic views of the historic harbor (just a 10-minute walk from town), Deos is a pure luxury escape and a tranquil sanctuary from the city’s late-night parties. Designed by Galal Mahmoud, the property’s stunning views and prime hilltop location are key elements. “We wanted to create a fresh vision while still maintaining its strong traditions,” says Mahmoud. “We wanted the property to be a refuge from the bustling city, with quiet, spacious rooms and bathrooms and a muted color palette inspired by the surroundings without competing with the views.”
The hotel’s 42 rooms feature private terraces with stunning panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. Room interiors resemble spacious private villas with large marble bathrooms, and lavishly furnished outdoor spaces with pools or Jacuzzis offer dramatic views.
One of the highlights of Deos is its sophisticated wellness spaces, including a large gym with a fun live-stream wall overlooking Mykonos Town. But the hotel’s centerpiece is Sana Spa, one of the best on the island. The marble-clad indoor relaxation and pool areas are bathed in natural light and feature a sauna, steam room, therapy suite and some of the most talented therapists on hand.
One of the best dining experiences in Mykonos can be enjoyed at the hotel’s casual gourmet restaurant, Epico, an open-walled space with dramatic panoramic views of the ocean. Executive Chef Ilias Maslaris puts a creative spin on traditional Greek cuisine using home-grown ingredients, expertly crafting artful, hearty dishes using only the finest farm-to-table produce and the freshest seafood of the day. Dining is available on the large outdoor terrace, where the beautiful bar backdrop overlooks the large infinity pool.
Future outlook
Sunrise Beach Hotel in Agrari Beach also joins the Myconian portfolio, situated in a tranquil spot on Agrari Beach. “Our main goal is to maintain the originality and authenticity that makes this hotel so special. Sunrise represents the hidden side of Mykonos – rugged, unspoiled and full of natural beauty,” says Vangelis.
Designer Galal Mahmoud adds: “This is the Mykonos we all experienced in the 1970s and 1980s. We wanted to recreate a nostalgic and authentic charm to immerse our guests in the atmosphere of the past. Subtle and colourful elements using natural finishes and materials will feature in abundance.”
Is his father actually retiring? “I don’t think retirement for him means slowing down or stepping back completely,” says Vangelis. “He’s very connected to the island, to the family business and to the legacy they’ve built. Relaxing for him means getting involved in new projects and helping his family behind the scenes.”
“My father’s influence and presence is still very much felt,” he adds. “In many ways it’s an inspiration to us. It reminds us that the drive and passion that built this collection from the ground up is still alive and well in our family.”
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