Myconian Imperial Resort (Mykonos, Greece)

Wednesday newsletters all the time function a resort or flight evaluate.

Final month, I loved a terrific vacation on the Greek islands of Santorini, Mykonos, and Ios (Cyclades). You’ll be able to learn my journey reviews right here:

As we speak: Evaluate of Myconian Imperial Resort (Mykonos, Greece)

A member of the Main Accommodations of the World, Myconian Imperial is an unique handle on Mykonos, poised instantly above the island’s longest seashore in Elia. Its majestic white profile rises up from rustic stone partitions that anchor it into the foot of a delicate slope, one foot within the water and with views that stretch to the horizon. The property options 118 properly sized visitor rooms and suites, a luxurious spa, two connoisseur eating places, and a big deck with two saltwater swimming pools, Jacuzzi and swim-up bar. Pairing barefoot luxuries with high-end service, the Myconian Imperial is a long-standing favourite with island-hopping households and {couples} who search a laid-back vacation in a stupendous setting that may be a brief journey from the island’s thrilling nightlife by complimentary shuttle.

Have you ever ever stayed at Myconian Imperial? If that’s the case, what was your expertise? Depart a remark.

On this evaluate (extra information and photographs beneath my YouTube):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Myconian Imperial has established itself among the many island’s greatest 5-star resorts because of its wonderful location above Elia Seashore, Mykonos’ largest seashore and likewise one in every of its most stunning stretches of sand. Myconian Imperial and its adjoining sibling Myconian Royal Resort, each members of the Myconian Assortment resorts, have been constructed on a steep hill only a stone’s throw from the seashore. Mykonos City is 10 km (6 mi) away by complimentary resort shuttle, which departs from a centralized location and operates at common intervals till 1:00 am. The resort additionally affords complimentary arrival and departure transfers to and from the Mykonos seaport or airport in an air-conditioned shuttle bus (shared with different visitors).

Inbuilt 2002, and renovated in 2017, Myconian Imperial is comprised of a number of buildings, which all face the Aegean Sea to maximise the spectacular views. Antonis Kalogridis – who was the pinnacle of the design crew – visualised a metropolitan loft above the ocean, combining classical Greek and trendy Mykonian structure. The result’s a minimalist decor, which permits a stupendous distinction between the deep blue of the encircling sea & sky and the luxurious all-white interiors. The design works notably nicely within the resort’s monumental light-flooded foyer, which options kitsch all-white statues of elephants & hippos, sculpted flying books, cozy chairs adorned with ‘I Love Mykonos’ cushions, partitions of brightly coloured glasses, and expansive stone terraces.

Myconian Imperial options 118 charming rooms, together with 28 suites. The rooms are merely embellished in all-white supplies, furnishings and equipment that enhances textures, mild and construction. Most rooms have balconies whereas some rooms include a non-public pool or Jaccuzi. Throughout my vacation, I stayed in a Premium Room, which featured an open plan structure: the elegant bed room with kingsize mattress and outsized lounger result in a small balcony with view of a grassy patio and the ocean past. Separated from the bed room by a white curtain was a semi-open lavatory which featured one sink, a bathroom and a shower that doubled as a bathe. Commonplace facilities had been complemented by a flat-screen tv and staples of luxurious toiletries.

One in all Myconian Imperial’s greatest promoting factors is its enormous outside pool deck, which options panoramic views of the ocean, evoking the sensation of being on an expensive ocean liner. Stuffed with salt water, the stunning lagoon-style pool is break up into two, with one part that includes a feet-in-the-water cocktail bar. Subsequent to the primary pool can also be a small toddler pool for the resort’s little VIP visitors in addition to a big Jacuzzi instantly overlooking the seashore (though the latter is stuffed with lukewarm water). The swimming pools are lined by two rows of luxurious and really snug loungers, with the sunbeds within the internal row dealing with the pool whereas the sunbeds within the outher row look out over the Aegan Sea. Pool service is obtainable all day lengthy.

Myconian Imperial is a part of the Myconian group, a family-owned group of ten main luxurious resorts on Mykonos, together with three Relais & Châteaux, two Main Accommodations of the World, two Design Accommodations, two Most popular Accommodations & Resorts and a Small Luxurious Accommodations of the World. Based in 1979 by George and Elefteria Daktylides, the resorts are run at this time by their 4 sons Panos, Markos, Vangelis and Marios. Famend for his or her modern magnificence, revolutionary design and irresistible attract, all ten excellent properties ship the best of hospitality requirements whereas sustaining their very own authentic character and elegance. The group’s most unique property is Myconian Villa Assortment, which was sadly not obtainable throughout my journey dates.

The Myconian group manages six resorts on the hill above Elia Seashore: Myconian Villa Assortment, Myconian Imperial, Myconian Royal, Myconian Avaton, Myconian Utopia, and Panoptis Escape. Awarded the Blue Flag for its pristine magnificence, Elias Seashore brings collectively a cosmopolitan crowd of households, celebrities, jet-setting island hoppers, honeymooners, and LBGT vacationers. Right here, the water of the Aegean Sea is crystal-clear and excellent for swimming. For the extra energetic, a big selection of watersports is offered, together with kayaking, windsurfing, waterskiing, parasailing, and wakeboarding. The Myconian Group has a non-public concession on the seashore (proper beneath Myconian Imperial), with free sunbeds & umbrellas for resort visitors.

Myconian Imperial encompasses a small spa facility, which is positioned instantly behind the pool deck. The spa describes itself as a “place of serenity and renaissance weaved with sleek luxurious and an enrapturing ambiance the place time appears to have stopped in a cocoon of wellness.” Spa therapies are offered by skilled therapists and embody a signature Elemis Biotec facial, a solar tanning physique care remedy, in addition to a 4-hand Hawaiian wave therapeutic massage for the last word indulgence. The spa flooring additionally encompasses a heated indoor pool, a play room for youngsters, and a fully-equipped fitness center with eight state-of-the-art machines and weight bar (open from 9 am to 9 pm). Non-public trainers and Pilates or Yoga tuition can be found on demand.

Myconian Imperial has 4 eating places on web site (though visitors may make use of the opposite eating places throughout the Myconian Assortment’s portfolio of resorts & eating places).
- Named after the nice and cozy Etesian wind, Meltemi is the property’s breakfast restaurant (open till 10:30 am every day). It affords a spectacular all-you-can-eat Champagne breakfast, which features a number of freshly baked breads, fruit platters, cured meats, yoghurts, cheeses, Mediterranean delicacies, and an assortment of cereals.
- Led by government Chef Thomas Kontouris, Celebrities Seafood Restaurant is Myconian Imperial’s à la carte restaurant. Signature dishes embody sea bass with black risotto, calf fillet with wild mushrooms, and the Aegean lobster caught by native fishermen between Mykonos and Tinos. Naturally, there are additionally scrumptious vegetarian choices.
- Situated on the pool deck is Sishu Sushi Bar, and open-air eating venue with breathtaking views throughout the bay. Every evening, Sishu Sushi Bar serves Japanese dishes created with aptitude by chef Meiwang Ke Steven, ready from the freshest catch hauled in at first mild.
- Throughout the day (till 8 pm), Imperial Myconian additionally opens a 4th restaurant, positioned subsequent to the pool. Known as Nostos Pool Bar, this venue serves mild snacks, comparable to salads, burgers and pizzas (though these meals will also be served at your sunbed).

Myconian Imperial is counted among the many portfolio of the Main Accommodations of the World. The latter is an unique assortment of greater than 400 luxurious resorts and resorts in over 80 international locations. LHW doesn’t personal resorts; it fairly affords a reservation service for impartial resorts and helps gross sales and advertising and marketing, promoting and public relations, monetary providers, high quality management, and resort inspections for its member properties. LHW has many iconic properties in its portfolio, comparable to such because the 12 Apostles Lodge in Cape City, The Datai Langkawi in Malaysia, Lodge Adlon Kempinski in Berlin, Le Sirenuse in Positano (Italy), Il Sereno Lake Como (Italy), Laucala Island in Fiji, the Setai Miami Seashore, and The Ritz in Paris.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

With 118 rooms, Myconian Imperial is one of many bigger resorts on Mykonos. The property additionally attracts quite a lot of households on account of its child-friendly services, which could take away from the relaxed ambiance that {couples} are in search of (particularly on the pool deck). In case you are in search of an intimate, small-scale boutique resort and/or an adults solely expertise, you may favor to remain at one of many Myconian Assortment’s different resorts (like adults solely Myconian Naia).

When the resort is working at full capability through the summer season months of July and August, the breakfast buffet space tends to get busy and crowded after 9:30 am. In occasions of social distancing, this made me really feel a bit uncomfortable, particularly since not all visitors had been sporting a face masks. It additionally made me surprise why the resort didn’t select to keep away from this example by both providing an a la carte menu as an alternative of buffet, by introducing a reservation system for breakfast, or by imposing a masks and glove coverage. It’s necessary to say that the restaurant supervisor assured me that every one security protocols had been {followed} (and that my suggestions was taken critically and followed-up with). Additionally, based on authorities reviews, the resort has had zero reported COVID circumstances, so possibly it’s simply me being overanxious.

An plain a part of the enchantment of Myconian Imperial is its beachside location on a quieter a part of the island. Nonetheless, for some visitors, the setting may really feel a bit remoted and much away from Mykonos’ legendary get together scene and nightlife. If you wish to get to the motion in Mykonos, you’ll both should hire a automotive throughout your vacation or make use of the resort’s complimentary shuttle service to Mykonos city (which runs till after midnight).

Whereas elegant and charming, a number of the visitor rooms are a bit on the small aspect. Additionally, most rooms function an open-plan design, which is perhaps uncomfortable in case you are sharing the room with a pal (and never your accomplice). If you need extra space and luxurious, I like to recommend to both ebook a set or to take a look at the resort’s sister property, Myconian Royal, which is positioned subsequent door. Myconian Royal, additionally a member of Main Accommodations of the World, is analogous in structure and design to Myconian Imperial, however encompasses a bigger stock of suites. In fact, you could possibly additionally select to remain at Myconian Villa Assortment, probably the most unique (and costly) resort within the Myconian Assortment. Situated instantly above Myconian Imperial, Myconian Villa Assortment affords 59 non-public villas and in-house visitor rooms & suites overlooking Elia Bay.

The benefit of staying at Myconian Imperial is that it’s the closest resort within the Myconian Assortment to Elia Seashore. The seashore is reachable by way of a brief stroll (5 min) down the hill, though it is perhaps inconvenient for these having difficulties with strolling due to the steep incline.

MY VERDICT

Location: 8/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: 9/10
Rooms: 7/10
Meals: 9/10
Breakfast: 9/10
Spa: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Worth for cash: 9/10
General expertise: superb 8/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Lower your expenses: learn right here my suggestions for getting one of the best deal at a luxurious resort like Myconian Imperial (and/or obtain many free perks).

Lower your expenses: Myconian Imperial participates in The Main Accommodations of the World’s loyalty program Leaders Membership. By becoming a member of Leaders Membership (which you do right here), members obtain complimentary advantages throughout the group’s spectacular portfolio of luxurious resorts (together with Myconian Imperial). This consists of room improve alternatives, the prospect to earn free nights (by gathering factors), members-only financial savings and affords, and on-property advantages. For readability, bookings have to be made by way of The Main Accommodations of the World web site to obtain these advantages (bookings made instantly with the resort don’t rely). Learn my evaluate of Leaders Membership right here.

Learn my suggestions for making ready your journey in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The perfect time to go to Mykonos are the autumn months of September and October: the climate continues to be nice, the vacationer crowds have left, the ocean temperature is at its warmest, and the resort charges are inside affordable vary. The spring months of April and Could, earlier than the summer season rush comes, are additionally a good time to go to, though the ocean is chilly and it’s possible you’ll encounter some cloudy days. Mykonos is a very fashionable vacation vacation spot for Europeans in June, July and August: anticipate hordes of vacationers, nonstop events and hovering resort charges at the moment of yr. Summers additionally see quite a lot of windy days, with the Meltemi blowing for lengthy durations, particularly within the afternoons (typically gale drive like winds).

HOW TO GET THERE

Myconian Imperial is a 30 min automotive journey from the ferry harbour and the aiport (complimentary transfers are offered). Click on right here for a always up to date checklist of airways that provide direct flights to Mykonos.