Susan's Blog: Mykonos is so much more than a party island

When I was invited to visit Mykonos, as part of a Designer Travel educational trip, I will be honest, I had my reservations. I pictured sunset DJ sets, packed beach clubs and a crowd considerably cooler than me. I boarded the plane in my faithful Skechers wondering if I had made a mistake.

I am so glad I kept an open mind.

The trip was hosted by the Myconian Collection - a group of 14 family-run hotels, the first of which opened in 1979 and is now operated by four sons. That sense of family runs through everything - the personal service, the attention to detail, the warmth of every interaction.

I visited all 14 properties, each with its own distinct personality, from boutique hotels close to Mykonos Town to stylish beach properties and quiet hillside retreats.

During my stay, I was lucky enough to experience the Myconian Ambassador first hand - a Relais & Chateaux property perched above Platis Gialos Beach, just five kilometres from Mykonos Town.

Understated interiors, stunning Aegean views from every balcony, a thalasso spa and a beautiful infinity pool overlooking the sea.

The Efisia restaurant was a highlight too - modern Greek cuisine using seasonal local ingredients, and genuinely one of the best meals of the trip.

Oh, and at 1pm daily the staff bring complimentary artisanal ice cream to the pool. Small touches, but they matter.

Yes, Mykonos has a party scene - Paradise Beach and Super Paradise are legendary for a reason - but it is remarkably easy to step away from all of that.

There are quieter coves if you venture a little further; beautiful, cobbled streets and boutique shops in Little Venice, the iconic windmills of Kato Mili, and more peace than you might expect.

The food across the island was exceptional. Many of the Myconian Collection hotels have long-standing relationships with local farmers and fishermen going back decades -

and you can taste it.

The highlight of my trip was a visit to Rizes Folklore Farmstead - a working farm where I joined a cooking class. We made tzatziki, Mykonian meatballs and sweet ravioli, then sat down and enjoyed it all for lunch together. A wonderful, grounding contrast to the designer boutiques and beach clubs.

I also wrote about the trip for our local Oundle Life magazine - click the link for a little more on what the island has to offer.

Mykonos truly surprised me. Whether you fancy a stylish beach retreat, a cultural wander through Little Venice or a cooking class on a working farm, there is far more to this island than its reputation suggests. I would go back in a heartbeat.

Greece really does have something for everyone - and if Kos is more your style, I visited Ikos Aria earlier in the summer and wrote about that experience too.

Two very different islands, both very special in their own way.

If either is on your radar, I would love to help you plan it.

SJP x