Review: Kalesma Mykonos

_Location: Kalesma is set on the exclusive Aleomandra peninsula on the southwest edge of Mykonos, facing the ancient island of Delos. The property enjoys a lofty position, promising both sunrise and sunset views over the Aegean, and tumbles down a rocky hillside towards yacht-dotted Ornos Bay. Private complimentary transfers can be arranged from Mykonos airport, a 15-minute drive away, in the hotel’s branded luxury car.

_{First impressions:} It’s night-time when we arrive at the property, and I feel as though we’ve been let in on a well-kept secret. Cicadas sing and the bay before us twinkles with light as we enjoy a complimentary welcome drink on the terrace during check-in – glimpsing, for the first time, the cinematic masterpiece that is the hotel’s 270-degree view. The resort feels quiet but not unlively – the gentle clink of cutlery on plates emanates from the nearby restaurant as several guests enjoy a late-night meal; others recline on sofa beds with a nightcap. Staff move around with a quiet confidence, and it’s not long before we’re being led to our suite: a generously sized oasis of clean, curved lines and custom-made, contemporary furnishings. Each suite comes with an expansive terrace complete with a private heated infinity pool and unobstructed sea views. In the cool, quiet night, I watch the reflection of a yacht’s lights shimmer on the water. Kalesma is soulful and serene, and I instantly understand its appeal.

_{The facts:} Opened in May 2021, privately owned Kalesma was designed to resemble a traditional Mykonian village, with a collection of sugar cube-shaped bungalows and villas arranged between sloping pathways and fragrant flower beds. Former fashion executive and co-owner Aby Saltiel is heavily involved in the property – you’ll often see him wandering between tables at breakfast or chatting with guests over a drink at sunset. It’s clear his eye for aesthetics has followed him into hospitality – the hotel’s design is superbly executed. There are whitewashed walls and sandblasted stone floors, of course, but also brushed wood, brass accents and muted, earthy tones. Handcrafted oak armchairs featuring 1950s-inspired rattan details sit alongside sleek lighting from New York’s Apparatus Studio. 

Kalesma has 27 suites and two villas, each of which features original artwork, in-room fitness kits and the dreamiest of bathrooms complete with a sunken bathtub and outdoor shower. So generously sized are the suites, they can each comfortably sleep up to three adults or two adults and two children. The hotel clusters around a central plateia (town square), which comprises main dining venue Pere Ubu Mykonos, the alfresco Aloni Sunset Lounge and a dramatic, umbrella-lined infinity pool overlooking the brilliant blue hues of Ornos Bay. Cuisine is headed up by executive chef Costas Tsingas, whose quest to prove there’s more to Greek food than souvlaki and moussaka plays out in a delightful series of mezze-style dishes that are both seasonal and locally sourced. Expect fire-roasted lamb loin chops, grilled mussels and the best taramasalata you’ve ever tasted. A spa was introduced this year featuring a hammam, cryotherapy area and treatments using Dr Barbara Sturm products. There’s also an on-site chapel for private weddings, an in-house boutique and a fitness space with Technogym equipment.

IDEAL FOR: Couples seeking a romantic retreat will feel at home here, though the property is suitable for those with children. Guests travelling as part of a larger group should book a three or four-bedroom villa, both of which feature an open-plan living room, dining area, fitness room and pre-stocked kitchen, and come with a dedicated villa manager.

_Explore: An island as frenetic and frenzied as Mykonos calls for an excellent concierge and it’s here that Kalesma really shines. Hotel staff helped us arrange a very last-minute visit to a very popular beach club, and I got the sense this was just the tip of their expertise. Despite the crowds, a wander through the whitewashed warren of lanes that make up the main town of Chora is a must, followed by an Aperol spritz at one of the overwater tavernas overlooking the famous windmills. Ornos Beach and Agios Ioannis Beach are also both located just five minutes from the property.

_Wow: Some may say Mykonos is now too busy, but Kalesma proves there’s still every reason to visit. It is hotel brilliance. Your clients simply won’t want to leave.

_{Book it:} Rates at Kalesma Mykonos start from €935 per night based on two guests staying in a Kalesma Suite on a B&B basis.

kalesmamykonos.com