Review: Grecotel Mykonos Blu (Mykonos, Greece)

Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.

Today: Review of Grecotel Mykonos Blu (Mykonos, Greece)

Location: Google maps
Hotel website: Grecotel Mykonos Blu
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso

Set on a low bluff overlooking the world-famous Psarou Beach and thoughtfully designed to reflect the cubist lines of the Cyclades, the 5-star Grecotel Mykonos Blu Resort is all about views, light, and space. Enjoying a dramatic panorama on the Mediterranean’s most glamorous island, the resort’s stunning infinity pool is an adventure of the imagination, while the openness of covered and open-air terraces and lounges is echoed in the luxurious accommodations. The romantic bungalow suites with private pools make this one of the most sought-after hotels in the Aegean. Facilities include two excellent restaurants, an intimate spa, and a private beach club on Psarou Beach.

Have you ever stayed at Grecotel Mykonos Blu? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):

Pros & things I like
Cons & things to know
My verdict
Tips for future guests & save money
Best time to visit
How to get there
Photos

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Grecotel Mykonos Blu is one of the most luxurious hotels on the beautiful Greek island of Mykonos. The island that never sleeps is mainly known for its party lifestyle next to none, its LGBT welcoming ambience, and its beautiful beaches, which rank among the most sought after in the Mediterranean. The indescribable magic of this island has also attracted the rich and famous since the 70s, when the first luxurious yachts started crowding the almost primitive at the time marina. Since then, this fine Aegean gem has maintained intact its upscale status, glamour and fame through time. Tip: try to visit Mykonos outside the high season, otherwise you’ll have to share the island’s beauty with cashed-up A-listers and partygoers.

Grecotel Mykonos Blu enjoys a privileged location in a spot of serene beauty on Mykonos’ southern shores. The property has its own beach club, which is a short stroll down a private stairway. Several restaurants and beach clubs are within walking distance of the hotel. It’s only a 10 minutes by taxi (15 euros) from the property to the capital Hora (better known as Mykonos Town), famous for its mazy cobblestoned streets, high-end boutiques, restaurants, lively clubs, and famous landmarks such as the iconic windmills, the scenic Little Venice area, and the always busy Manto Mavrogenous Square. The airport is also conveniently close (10 minutes by car), although you won’t notice any plane traffic as there’s a large hill between the airfield and the hotel area.

Grecotel Mykonos Blu is a spacious and large resort according to Myconian standards. Staying true to Cycladic architecture, the property features a gorgeous design, in all of which the trademark colors of white and blue prevail. The building’s whitewashed exterior is complemented by minimalist interiors created by internationally acclaimed interior designers. The decor is particularly beautiful in the lobby, an all-white tranquil space with an arched ceiling, cool concrete floors and exposed stone wall. Several real-size blue-painted mule statues are scattered throughout the lobby space and adjoining open-air lounge bar, adding a fun and fashionable touch to the traditional design.

The property is set on a low bluff, and cascades down in several levels towards the turquoise waters of Psarou Beach. Because of its hillside location, the hotels offer dazzling views of the Aegean Sea and Psarou Beach from most vantage points. On the top level is an airy lobby with rooftop lounge bar (called “Delos Lounge”), where guests are treated to a welcome drink upon arrival. One floor below the lobby is the main restaurant “Poets of the Aegean” (more on that below). One level below the lobby is a large pool deck and small spa facility with gym. The hotel’s public areas are connected by a myriad of pathways and staircases, with plenty of chill-out sofas, hidden corners and shaded terraces to relax and soak in the beautiful views.

Clustered in small groups throughout the hotel, the 103 whitewashed rooms, suites and private villas are thoughtfully designed to reflect the cubist style of the Cyclades and take full advantage of the bright light. All rooms (which are designated as ‘bungalows’) have shaded terraces with panoramic views of the sea and some of the higher end room categories come with private plunge pools or outdoor Jacuzzis. During my stay, I was upgraded to a wonderful open plan suite with private pool. It featured an Aegean inspired decor with a canopy king-size bed draped in filmy fabrics, with the sun’s rays being filtered through half-open shutters. The cave-like bathroom was equipped with a rain shower, one sink and a toilet. The suite’s highlight was a large sea-front private terrace with private plunge pool.

Even if your room doesn’t have its own private pool, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the waters of the hotel’s impressive two-level infinity pool, which offers the perfect hangout-spot for a vacation. The pool area is set at the heart of the hotel, and is surrounded by several decks and smaller terraces, all boasting stunning unobstructed views of the Aegean Sea and fitted with comfortable sun loungers. Behind the main pool – which is filled with salt water – is also a shallow kid’s pool as well as a small shaded pool set in a picturesque, whitewashed grotto. This cave pool is a regular feature on the popular Instagram accounts of jet setters, celebrities, models, fashionistas and travel bloggers.

Set a few steps back from the hotel’s main pool deck is the intimate, understated Elixir Wellness Center, a wonderful antidote to a night of partying. The spa offers a full treatment menu, including aromatherapy, thalassotherapy, massage, and extravagant sea scrubs. Facilities include a sauna, nail salon, private spa cabins, as well as a shaded outdoor cabana. Since availability is limited, I highly recommend to book your spa treatments and wellness packages before check-in to avoid any disappointments. Located within the spa is also a small gym, featuring state-of-the-art cardio and weight-training equipment.

One of the hotel’s main selling points is its prime location directly above Psarou Beach, with steps leading down from the hotel’s pool area (as well as other hotel areas) to the sandy beach and clear turquoise waters. Grecotel Mykonos Blu has its own private section on the beach, with plush sunbeds, beach towels and umbrellas being provided free of charge to hotel guests. Psarou Beach is one of Mykonos’ most famous and beautiful beaches, attracting celebrities (and their million dollar yachts) from all over the world. Tucked into an idyllic bay, the beach is surrounded by cliffs that shield it from the wind. Home to a number of trendy eateries, Psarou Beach also the location of one of Mykonos’s most iconic (but overpriced) beach clubs, Nammos.

Guests of Grecotel Mykonos Blu can indulge their taste palate with sumptuous island food and innovative cocktails served at the hotel’s two restaurants and one lounge:
- Brasserie L’ Archipel is a casual poolside eatery, which offers a farm fresh menu with light lunches; this restaurant also serves food to hotel guests who prefer to lounge the day away on Psarou Beach with superb Mykonos Blu beach service.
- Located one level above the pool is Aegean Poets, the hotel’s signature restaurant. Each morning, Aegean Poets offers a lavish breakfast spread, laden with an array of fresh fruit in season, just-baked breads, cheeses, yogurts, and other dairy, breakfast meats, cereals and muesli, nuts, home-made marmalades, honey and more—mostly organic and locally-sourced. At night, Aegean Poets serves fine dining with delicious Greek and seafood specialities.
- Breathtaking views, impeccable service and sumptuous décor are the keys to the success of the hotel’s rooftop “Delos Lounge”, which overlooks the pool, the gardens and famous Psarou Beach. Here, guests sip an ouzo or champagne as the sun sets or enjoy an after-dinner drink before heading off into town to get a taste of the island’s famous nightlife.

Mykonos Blu is managed by Grecotel Hotels & Resorts, the largest hotel group in Greece. Grecotel was founded in the 1980s as a resort hotel management company by German tour operator TUI and the Cretan brothers Nikos and Takis Daskalantonakis. Each of Grecotel’s 40 luxury hotels and resorts is a unique architectural experience and a paradise of opulent amenities, gourmet restaurants and elegant details embodying the essence of Greek hospitality. With 16,500 beds, Grecotel Hotels & Resorts accommodate about 350,000 visitors from more than 150 countries every year. The company’s assets also include 15 km (9 mi) of coastline, 200 restaurants and bars, and 10 conference centers with 60 meeting rooms.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Lots of stairs may cause problems for guests with limited mobility. There is an elevator connecting the lobby with the restaurants, pool deck and some guest rooms floors. However, there are still many steps to navigate, for example around the pools, within certain suites & villas, and also to get down to the beach (and back up again).

Some of the lowest category rooms are a bit small and dark, although they feature a smart layout making the most of the available space. There are 23 room categories to choose from, so make sure that you select a room, suite or villa that best fits your taste and expectations.

Because of the property’s hillside location, not all room terraces enjoy a high degree of privacy, especially those located on the lower lever. For example, one of the hotel’s public pathways ran in front of my suite, with other guest passing by, which was a little awkward when I was taking a dip in the plunge pool.

With 103 rooms, Grecotel Mykonos Blu is one of the larger resorts on Mykonos. It’s also very popular among families due to its child-friendly facilities. If you are looking for an intimate, small-scale boutique hotel and/or an adults only experience, it might be better to stay elsewhere.

MY VERDICT

Location: 9/10
Design: 9/10
Pool: 9/10
Rooms: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Breakfast: 9/10
Spa: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Value for money: 8/10
Overall experience: very good – 8,6/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Save money: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, welcome amenity in the room on the arrival day, complimentary round trip transfer from/to airport or port, 15% discount in L’ Archipel and Aegean Restaurant throughout stay, and $100 USD resort credit).

Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like Grecotel Mykonos Blu (and/or receive many free perks).

Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Mykonos are the autumn months of September and October: the weather is still great, the tourist crowds have left, the sea temperature is at its warmest, and the hotel rates are within reasonable range. The spring months of April and May, before the summer rush comes, are also a great time to visit, although the sea is cold and you may encounter some cloudy days. Mykonos is a very popular holiday destination for Europeans in June, July and August: expect hordes of tourists, nonstop parties and soaring hotel rates at this time of year. Summers also see a lot of windy days, with the Meltemi blowing for long periods, especially in the afternoons (sometimes gale force like winds).

HOW TO GET THERE

Grecotel Mykonos Blu is a 15 min car ride from the ferry harbour and a 10 min ride from the aiport. Click here for a constantly updated list of airlines that offer direct flights to Mykonos.