Kalesma Mykonos opens today, inviting guests to experience authentic Mykonian hospitality in style. The property sits atop a hillside overlooking Ornos bay, each suite offering an unobstructed water view. Reception is at the pinnacle – stylishly decorated with Rick Owens furniture – along with the restaurant, Pere Ubu. From here, guests can catch both the sunrise and the sunset, with the aroma of freshly baking bread constantly hanging in the air. (A local baker will be making bread in the property’s brick oven throughout the day.)
The 25 suites and two villas all have a private deck with a full-sized pool overlooking the Aegean Sea. Greek designers K-Studio (the architect behind the new Mykonos Airport) and Vangelis Bonios of Studio Bonarchi have used local materials such as wood, marble, stone and osier to give a contemporary look to traditional Cycladic style. The 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. The suites stand out with their thoughtful touches such as the night blooming jasmine planted outside each suite perfuming the evening air, the TVs that seemingly disappear out of view, and the custom artwork by Serbian artist Aleksander Vak.
At 680 sq. ft., the suites accommodate up to three adults, or two adults and two children. Each will feature private 970 sq. ft. terraces. Kalesma’s two- and three-bedroom villas can be rented together to sleep larger groups. At 2,600 sq. ft. each, both villas will 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 amenities will include a private gym and 24/7 butler service. Guests can also book in-room spa treatments.
For a truly unique vantage point, guests can venture up to Pere Ubu which offers locally sourced Cycladic specialties such as cheese saganaki with three local cheeses, spicy honey, thyme and roasted almonds and toasted octopus with sun dried tomatoes and olives. While offering international wines, the wine list places an emphasis on Greek wines such as Assyrtiko from Santorini, rosé from the Peloponnese, and orange wine (a very popular style in Greece). The signature cocktail, the Mediterraneo, is made with Greek Mastiha – a unique liqueur from Mastiha trees found only on the island Chios – infused with thyme and lime. The restaurant embodies Kalesma’s community ethos with nightly sunset celebrations, evening DJ entertainment and weekly culinary events like intimate dinners exclusively for Kalesma’s guests. All are encouraged to partake in the lighthearted island lifestyle over dinner – and plenty of wine – before sleeping soundly just down the hill.
Known for their hotspots in Athens – Sea Spice, Pere, and Ubu – the seasoned trio behind Kalesma are all local to the island; the land has been in one of the owner’s family for over 100 years.
While Mykonos is known for its social life, Kalesma invites guests to see the full picture of the island – from its mythological history (the hotel sits where Apollo is said to have kept his horses) to its Venetian town and artisan shops. Though they can certainly recommend the most fun beaches to see and be seen, the concierge team can also suggest hidden coves off-the-beaten track or a private yacht charter to nearby Delos, considered the most sacred of all islands in antiquity.
It’s been said that there are as many churches on Mykonos as there are local families, and a quick scan of the white-washed skyline underscores the anecdote. The abundance is largely due to the number of ancestral churches built on private property. Kalesma’s own chapel can serve as a picturesque backdrop for weddings.
There are flights to Athens from several US cities including New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia and from Athens it’s just a 40-minute flight or a 2.5-hour high speed ferry to Mykonos.
Suite rates begin at €1,200 and villas at €3,500 per night.
