One-Minute Hotel / Kalesma, Mykonos
Is this the sleekest new hotel on the whole of the infamous gay party island? Undoubtedly. What a question!
So, where are we?
On the west coast of Mykonos, the Greek island famous for gays and glamour, high up on a hill overlooking the bay of Ornos but only about ten minutes from both town - they call it Hora or Mykonos Town - and the airport. Handy! You can also walk to Ornos beach. The region is called Aleomandra and it is the mythical spot where Apollo kept his horses. So, now you know. The word Kalesma means ‘inviting’. Quite an education, this little piece, isn’t it?
And where we’re staying...?
Kalesma is the last word in luxury suite living. Having opened in May 2021, it’s sparkly and new but has put a lot of time and energy into feeling not only like it’s been there for years but that it almost rose out of the nature that surrounds it. Time and energy well spent, we would say. Five acres and 360-degree views means you get to do sunrise and sunset.
What’s the style?
They say that it’s based on a traditional Greek village but that would have to be the traditional Greek village Marie Antoinette lived in or something (yes, we know she never went to Mykonos). The feel that Greek architects K-studio have gone for is natural, rather than the bright white of Greek tradition, with a palette of creams and beiges, and a playful take on design: olive trees strung with industrial-looking lanterns, huge potted cactuses, an infinity pool that goes on for… not infinity but quite a way, looking down across the super-yachts moored in Ornos bay.
And the rooms?
All 17 one-bedroom suites are the same level of lush, so don’t bother asking for an upgrade. And all eight one-bedroom villas and two larger villas that interconnect accommodating up to 14 guests, are… to swoon over. Down your little steps, through your gate into a courtyard with an outdoor shower. Breeze blocks, like you would find in a modern Mexican home, break the light as you step through your front door and then you have your pool, a long one, right there in front of you on your terrace with space enough for dining and sunbathing. The main room looks down on the sea and is a picture of natural materials and minimal modern design including a TV hidden deep inside a block of mirror that rotates from the wall when you want to watch. The bathroom has a sunken concrete bath with a view while long canvas curtains break up the immense space. Then there are the superstar villas, which is all of the above times a whole lot more. It is all, quite frankly, insane in its gorgeousness.
Is there a story?
The key words here are ‘authenticity’ and ‘luxury’. That translates as a super-friendly relaxing space where everything is just as it should be. From the little Soho Soho boutique that runs the gamut from cheeky little Cavalli dresses (that you could actually wear on a night out in Mykonos: they do sparkly here) to a range of Creed fragrances right down to the very-fit-for-purpose basement gym. The main bar is al fresco and there’s the Aloni Lounge, a fire pit with seating for the taking in of sunsets with glasses of something decent in your hand.
And to eat?
Pere Ubu is the all-day, indoor/outdoor restaurant (though you’ll be sorely tempted to have food brought to that incredible suite), just by the bar and the infinity pool with those views thrown in as a side order. Headed up by the owners of Pere, Ubu and Sea Spice - three of Athens’ hottest hostelries - the menu is decidedly Greek but with the twistiest of twists: sea urchin and avocado toast, roast octopus, roast lamb with goat butter, lobster, caviar, you get the picture. Breakfasts are again twists on favourites like scrambled egg with a very welcome vegan breakfast wrap featuring on the menu.
So, to sum up...
This isn’t cheap but who cares when you get a suite so gorgeous that you really can’t bring yourself to leave it? Add service of only the very friendliest kind and we’re living it large… just ten minutes from Jackie O’ and the drag performers of The Elyssium.
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