The US$3.19 million investment gives the Group stakes in a cruise ship and three hotels, most notably the world-famous Strand Hotel, an iconic landmark on the Yangon waterfront, which was built during the British colonial era in 1901.

While Australians are adding blankets to the bed and hunkering down as temperatures drop, on the other side of the world in Mykonos, the team at Myconian Collection Hotels and Resorts is throwing open the windows and welcoming guests for a spectacular summer season. The good news? There’s still time to book a luxury escape to the most magical island in the Mediterranean.

The Greek Islands are regularly voted among Australians’ ‘top 10’ must-visit destinations[1], and Mykonos is currently enjoying a renaissance among luxury-loving Australian travellers, thanks to its unique blend of authentic cultural experiences, boutique accommodation, genuine hospitality, delectable cuisine, lively villages and beautiful beaches. Qatar Airways’ new direct flights from Sydney to Mykonos via Doha mean Aussie visitors can trade cold winter evenings for sunsets and spanakopita in record time.

Back in style after shedding its ‘party’ reputation, Mykonos now attracts a more sophisticated breed of traveller. Guests of the family-owned-and-operated Myconian Collection properties enjoy access to the island’s most delectable dining experiences, panoramic views, indulgent spas, blissful beaches, chic pools and elegant bars, along with the warm, discreet, professional and personalised service the group has been offering since launching its first Mykonos hotel back in 1979.

The official ‘season’ to visit Mykonos runs from May until October, and there is still select availability across the Myconian Collection’s portfolio of nine boutique hotels and villas in idyllic beach, hilltop and town locations.

In Elia, home to Mykonos’ longest sandy beach, there are five Myconian Collection properties – the Myconian Utopia Relais & Chateaux, the trend-settingMyconian Avaton Resort, the exclusive Myconian Villa Collection, the Royal Myconian Resort and Myconian Imperial Resort – boasting commanding views from scenic decks and saltwater infinity pools overlooking the bay’s crystal-clear waters. Feast on fresh Mediterranean cuisine and spend a lazy day relaxing on a sunbed enjoying a pristine, private section of beach – complete with bar service for cocktails, smoothies and snacks.

Mykonos Town can be explored from one of three centrally-located boutique properties situated on a hill above the village, the Myconian Korali Relais & Chateaux, Myconian Kyma Hotel and Myconian Naia Luxury Suites. Guests can enjoy a short stroll from the atmospheric cafes of Little Venice and the historic harbour of Alefkandra, as well as views of Mykonos’ iconic windmills from alfresco restaurants and expansive decks.

On the island’s stunning south coast above Platos Gialos beach, join the jet-set for a summer of supreme indulgence among luxury yachts and five-star alfresco dining. The Myconian Ambassador Relais & Chateaux is perfectly positioned between the famous beaches of Psarou and Scorpios to make the most of indulgent sunny days and sultry summer nights with a chic, cosmopolitan crowd.

Eating out is an event in itself in Mykonos, where lively locals and visitors dine on freshly caught seafood and socialise into the early hours. From local cafes and clifftop tavernas, to more than a dozen gourmet restaurants across the Myconian Collection properties, the options are virtually endless – and so are the views.

From a laidback sushi bar to Asian fusion cuisine or traditional Greek with a twist, the Myconian Collection’s team of internationally-trained executive chefs focus on seasonal produce and regional flavours to create world-class cuisine, whether by the pool, at the bar, or in one of their fine dining establishments: Efisia at theAmbassador; Baos at Korali; Naros at Naia; Noa at Kuma; Panorama at Avaton; Pavilion at Utopia; Cabbanes at Myconian Villa Collection; Ambrosia at the Royal, and Celebrities and Sishu Sushi Bar at the Imperial.

As one of the island’s pre-eminent hospitality groups, the Daktylides family nurture relationships with local producers to preserve its Greek heritage and share a true taste of Mykonos with its guests. “The paddock-to-plate culture founded by my father George continues today with our chefs showcasing dishes using lamb and pork hand-reared on family land, octopus caught exclusively for our hotels by one of the island’s most famous fisherman, and vegetables and herbs all grown locally,” said Vangelis Daktylides, General Manager of the Myconian Ambassador Hotel.

“Whether you want to explore the boutiques, bakeries and tavernas of Mykonos Town, enjoy a siesta by the pool, sprawl on a seaside sunbed, pamper yourself in one of award-winning spas, enjoy an afternoon sailing on a yacht, or ride a donkey to the beach for a romantic dinner, we are at your service.  If you want to make your visit even more relaxing, allow our attentive staff to arrange a personal chauffeur, someone to unpack your luggage or deliver your groceries. Exceptional service and good old-fashioned Greek hospitality are at the heart of both the Myconian Collection and Mykonos itself,” Vangelis added.

“Across our properties we still have select vacancies through to October, and we have accommodation options to suit couples, families, friends or multi-generational groups. There’s still time to plan an unforgettable Greek getaway to explore the magic of Mykonos,” he said.