In Mykonos, quiet luxury comes at a price (and an amazing infinity pool)

The first thing you notice as you approach Quaresma, a hotel located on one of Mykonos’ few southwestern peninsulas, is that its hillside is surrounded by palm, lemon, olive, and banana trees. The plants, whose leaves and buds emit a salve-like fragrance and frame the shimmering blue of the Aegean Sea, have a multifaceted effect on my senses.

In the lobby, a heavy carved wooden sofa sits across from me. As I was curious, the doorman told me that the car was designed by fashion mogul Rick Owens. An unusually shaped sofa that resembles a combination of a canoe and a giant Advil capsule sets the mood.

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Every time you step toward the concierge desk, you feel like you’re walking into an Art Basel or Venice Biennale installation. Furniture and flooring are presented as carefully selected pieces that require a second look. Furniture and art are displayed in a way that seamlessly blends industrial and natural tones, while whimsical accents break up the minimalism. Horse saddles are scattered across the reclaimed wood, and intricately patterned room dividers are visible.

Walking past the property’s gift shop (a chic aesthetic that rivals the high-end boutiques of New York’s Fifth Avenue), you’ll find racks of Greek haute couture arranged as if they were part of an exhibition. I noticed that there was.

Ceramics by Serbian artists are displayed throughout the indoor and outdoor layout of the facility. Alexander Vachi Geometrically sharp greys, whites and tans enhance the Cycladic decor scheme.

The hotel’s infinity pool, centrally located on the property’s hillside, is Karezma’s crowning jewel, offering bathers a vantage point over the dazzling Bay of Ornos. This serene landscape contrasts with all the party-centric clichés I’ve come to associate with Mykonos.

Why you should visit

Located 30 minutes from famous tourist destinations like Paradise Beach and Kalo Livadi, Karesma It is both a hidden gem and a popular spot for those who prefer a quieter journey.

But the price of peace is never economic. This is not surprising given Greece’s rapid increase in tourism (more than 20 million visitors in 2023 alone). Those who take Karezma’s premium-priced route to recharge will enjoy a beautifully spacious bamboo-and-marble-clad suite or villa with a private dipping pool and linen lounger set when they book. Guaranteed. Kendall Jenner, Paris Hilton, Selling SunsetMary Vitinaros, a real estate impresario, all stays here inconspicuously, but the energy is more sanctum than celebrity (with room rates that can soar to more than $1,300 a night, it’s a celebrity banker). even if you need an account).

Pere Ubu, the award-winning on-site restaurant (named after the film’s main character) Hubroy, a play by French writer Alfred Jarry) has become one of the most popular plays on Mykonos. Lunch favorites include a Myconian sausage dish, fava bean spread with shrimp and scallops (think Greek hummus made with split peas), branzino fillet, shrimp and lobster served with spirulina Great seafood his salad tossed with vinaigrette. For dinner, a dish of peas and artichokes cooked in a clay pot, fresh fish caught on a line, served with fennel and Mykonian cheese (a distant relative of feta, with a less salty and spicy taste).

room for improvement

Winds blowing from the Aegean Sea can be strong. That means outdoor umbrellas next to private pools often fly or fly into windows. It is very heavy when wet and requires help to remove it from the water. Aside from finding heavier patio furniture options, this property could benefit from better use of its many common areas. They offer something like a cultural program, including a Greek music lineup (you can still keep the bass low), author readings, a sundowner menu, and perhaps samples of cuisine and culture originating from the Feast of the Holy Apostles. (June 29th), the Mykonos Arts Festival (held in July), and the Ano Mera Festival (August 15th) honoring the accession of the Virgin Mary.

Because I’m nearby

While you may want to stay in the rooms and private pools during your stay at Karezma (each suite and villa faces Aegean), you can’t ignore the island’s beaches. Nearby Ornos Beach is perfect for families. It’s a small 2 lane highway so you don’t have to risk walking (it’s a 3 minute drive from the hotel). There are also child-friendly restaurants. Passage (offers cheap and delicious Mediterranean platters), shallow waters, and places to grab a snack or Greek coffee (ordering the baklava at Mykonos Bakery is a must).

Korfoss Beach, a 5-minute drive from the hotel, offers windsurfing, kite surfing and wave riding. On the other side of the island, discover the beautiful Agios Sostis Beach, with its powdery sand and deep blue waters, perfect for adult swimmers. LGBTQ travelers or those who prefer clothing-optional destinations may want to take the 30-minute drive to the yacht-free area beaches. There, queer-friendly areas are separated by giant rainbow flags.

If you’re planning a night out in Mykonos Town, it’s about a 10-minute drive if there’s no traffic, but taxis aren’t always readily available, so book a ride with your hotel driver. Once there, be prepared for crowds and elbow-rubbing and bumping into fellow travelers trying to find their way through the maze of vendors, shops, bars and restaurants.

Take out

Part gallery, part sanctuary, part retreat. Karezma’s knack for keeping it low-key ensures a recharging vacation. Before leaving the hotel, we recommend visiting the on-site chapel dedicated to Saint Demetrius (patron of agriculture). This sacred space, which looks like a stand-alone exhibition at New York’s Museum of Modern Art, uses ambient sounds by composer Stefanos Jakoumakis and sublime music by artist Gerasimos Chatzis to bring home the key message of the complete restoration of Quaresma. It’s filled with pictures.

Karezma will resume summer operations in April.Learn more about kalesmamykonos.com

I was a guest at the resort. We did not review or approve the story before publication.