REVIEWS


MYCONIAN AVATON Mykonos, Greece


LOCATION: From the undulating hills and yellow rock of Elia beach on the south coast of Mykonos, the Myconian Avaton seems to sprout up naturally – a beachside beacon of luxury and calm. Its commanding position offers a panorama, from Ìi VÕ> wÌÞ «] >VÀÃÃ Ìi } Ã>`Þ Li>V below and out to the shimmering Aegean.


FIRST IMPRESSIONS: I hate to use the word cool, but in this instance nothing else will do. The Avaton is cool, and that applies not only to decor – with cocoon-like hanging wicker V>ÀÃ] Ã>ÌVi` }Ì wÌÌ}à >` ÌiÀiÃÌ} ÃVÕ«ÌÕÀià q but to the people who welcomed us with cold kombucha and a smile. The white corridors are lined with photos of happy Àii «i«i] >` Ìi wÌÞ « à ÃÕÀÀÕ`i` LÞ LÀ}Ì


red parasols. Across a glass bridge is a quieter deck for those looking to snooze in the sun. Super cool.


THE FACTS: The Myconian Collection is a group of nine luxury hotels and villas spread across Mykonos and founded by the Daktylides family in 1979. Still part of a family- run business, the properties differ in design and offering but unite in their outstanding locations. My room at the ƂÛ>Ì >` > «ÀÛ>Ìi ÌiÀÀ>Vi ÜÌ ÌÃ Ü Ã> wÌÞ « looking out to sea. Sunsets from this spot were absolutely outstanding, and best enjoyed with a glass of chilled Muscat


de Lemnos Grand Cru and ideally a slice of cake. The À Ü>à }iiÀÕÃÞ Ã«>VÕÃ] ÜÌ ÜÌiÌi yÀ} >` deep, royal blue rugs, a huge bed and large TV. There is an excellent spa – the Frangipani Salt Glow Scrub is a must – a well-equipped gym, three stunning dining locations and a shop.


EXPLORE: A short complimentary shuttle bus away lies Mykonos Town, an action-packed labyrinthine metropolis where you’re as likely to spot a 16th-century windmill as you are to stumble across a world-renowned nightclub.


WOW: There were many wows to choose from. While I VÕ` «Õ« vÀ Ìi µÕÀÞ `iÃ} À Ìi wÌÞ «Ã] Ìi cuisine or impeccable service, the wow factor for me was the location. Whoever decided to build the hotel on that spot and to offer guests those sorts of views from their own terraces deserves a medal. And judging by the Myconian Collection’s impressive list of accolades, I imagine they probably got one.


BOOK IT: Myconian Collection offers rooms from €255 per night.


MYCONIANAVATON.GR George Clode


116 ASPIRE SEPTEMBER 2019


aspiretravelclub.co.uk


CREDIT: CHRISTOS DRAZOS


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