“The island of Mykonos, with its blend of traditional charm and modern vibe, is the perfect fit for the Casa Cook brand,” says Alessandro Dassi, Vice President of the Fosun Tourism Group. “Through our holistic approach to minimalist design and laid-back luxury style, Casa Cook Mykonos will bring a new definition of luxury to one of the world’s most glamorous destinations,” he continues.
The soon-to-open hotel’s unique location -only a stone’s throw from Mykonos Town, the airport and the most popular beaches - offers the rare sight of both sunset and sunrise views. With inspiration drawn directly from the traditional Mykonian cuboid houses strewn over the island, the architecture mimics traditional villages where buildings have grown organically together and evolved to surround the town hall. In the hotel’s case, the beating heart is the central swimming pool and outdoor restaurant, complete with a private dining room that overlooks the ‘village’ below.
Comprising 26 luxury suites, the boutique hotel is the most exclusive in the Casa Cook collection. While each room is unique, they all encompass the same organic flow of clean lines, white surrounds and organic materials. Colours and materials reflect the calming colour palette of the island: bleached whites, azure blues, earthy browns and lush greens. Traditional Greek weaving art by local artist Alexandra Pisa echoes the signature shades of the Aegean sea and its horizon. Interior details capture the island’s free spirit, with hand-woven fabrics, ethereal linen layers and other elements authentic to the Cyclade islands with a contemporary flair.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Casa Cook brand to create a one-of-a-kind hotel on the incredible island of Mykonos,” says Gavriil Karathomas, CEO of More Meni Boutique Hotels Group. “With this project, we wanted to bring a totally new and fresh take on the luxury lifestyle that this island is so well known for, and for us the Casa Cook brand was the perfect match.”
Housed in a clean, whitewashed Mykonian building is the hotel’s in-house restaurant BLE (the Greek word for blue), featuring preserved architectural elements that pay homage to the previous century. With an emphasis on slow living and lazy drawn-out afternoons, the dining space seamlessly flows over into the secluded pool area - a pure contrast to the buzzing nightlife of the island, offering guests a quiet spot to recharge before nightfall.
When hunger strikes, chefs are ready to serve up reimagined Greek cuisine and international classics, albeit always with a creative local twist and a focus on fresh, seasonal produce. With the kitchen opening onto the dining area, the restaurant has the familiar, relaxed feeling of dining at a friend’s home.
Inspired by paréa – a Greek word roughly translated as a wholesome get-together with friends – the pool and dining space are where groups gather for a communal meal or an afternoon round of poolside cocktails. Oversized pergolas built by local craftsmen offer ample shade to recline and soak in the day outside with friends and like-minded travellers alike.
From early in the morning until late at night, mixologists stand ready to serve up premium spirits, fresh juices, mocktails and signature cocktails. A private cellar offers guests their pick of top wines from around the world.
Boasting an impressively large swimming pool, an extensive gym and yoga shala, with private and group classes, and a wellness centre complete with a hair and nail salon, it would appear there is not much reason to leave the hotel. Except, that is, for the notorious nightlife that awaits.
Like Pygmalion besotted with Galatea, it’s difficult not to fall for the enchanting, whitewashed island of Mykonos. A springboard for neighbouring islands of the archipelago - like the archaeological site of the nearby Delos - the island also has a rich and colourful history of its own with deep religious roots, dotted with countless quaint churches, some dating back to 500 AD. But history isn’t the only reason to visit. Known as the party animal of the Cyclades, there are literally endless opportunities for hedonistic holidaymakers chasing the sunrise with a rounded balance of style, sunshine and sleepless nights.
