If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my first trip to Mykonos, it’s that this island knows how to do it all. Sun, sea, scandalously good food, cocktails on tap, and dancing ’til sunrise? Yes please. And don’t even get me started on the hotels… but more on that in a bit.
Mykonos TheoXenia
Let’s set the scene: I started my Cycladic affair at Mykonos TheoXenia, right on the edge of the Old Town. It’s one of those places that immediately makes you think that the trip is going to be good — I mean, if it’s good enough for Jackie O…
I stayed in one of the suites with its own private pool (thank you, manifesting), where you could literally roll out of bed and straight into your morning dip. Or, in my case, your swim-up breakfast.
And when I say breakfast, I mean the whole spread: buffet classics and à la carte goodies. If you’re feeling extra, you can have it delivered poolside while you soak. Because yes, you deserve to eat eggs and a fruit plate as you splash about in the water.
But don’t let your private pool steer you clear of TheoXenia’s main one — theirs comes with bar service. Lunch poolside is just so much better, and I definitely overindulged in grilled prawns, Greek dips, tacos, just the right amount of Prosecco, and some dangerously delicious shots.
Food at TheoXenia is utterly incredible, with dinner at Apanemi knocking it out of the park, too. The Greek and French chefs prepared a tasting menu feast of grilled octopus, crayfish tartare, “spetsofai” (homemade sausage in a rich tomato sauce), sea bass fillet with an orange crust, and the dreamiest baklava for dessert. I actually turned to my friend mid-bite and said, “Is this Michelin dining? Because it bloody tastes like it.” While Apanemi isn’t starred itself, the Greek and French dynamic duo in the kitchen have their own share of the twinkly accolade.
But what I truly love about a hotel is luxury without a faint hint of arrogance. A small boutique hotel with one restaurant on site lends itself to guests exploring the nearby Old Town for a bite to eat, too.
TheoXenia’s real selling point is that it’s a literal stone’s throw from the Old Town, so for dinner one evening, we strolled into the cobbled madness for dinner and drinks at Mosaic, which found the perfect balance of sophisticated ambiance and food that will make you want to lick the plates clean. The sushi? Stunning. Ceviche? Fresh and punchy. Tempura shrimp and that beef pasta? 10/10, no notes.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a true Mykonos night without a late one at Jackie O’s (the vibes are iconic) and Tabu, where we danced until the sky started turning blue again. Regular frequenters of Tabu London, we knew what to expect with bottles of Belvedere, dancing on the sofas, fire breathers, and tunes throughout the night — but it really hits differently on holiday. Thank the Greek gods — the iconic windmills (fuelled by a late-night gyros spot) helped us navigate our way back to TheoXenia.
Before moving on, I had to sneak in one of the spa treatments at the hotel: the infrared LED sauna. Now, bear with me — it sounds a bit sci-fi, but it’s honestly heaven. Isn’t it every girl’s dream to burn 600 calories without dragging yourself to the gym? Just mine? Surely not? Either way, that’s what went down here: a sweet 600 calories (approximately) burned off as I napped. Perhaps even more elite than all the feta I was bathing in (perhaps necessary to balance out all the feta I was bathing in).
It works by penetrating deep into your muscles, boosting circulation, helping detox your skin, and apparently even improving your mood. Add in a cold towel and a herbal tea post-session, and I was a new woman.
Once in Mykonos
It’s a hard life — packing up a suite in one gorgeous Greek hotel…only to drive 15 minutes to the coastline and arrive at another equally exquisite one. Once in Mykonos, perched glamorously by Ornos Bay, gives LA luxury but make it Greek island chic. I genuinely didn’t know whether to bask on an in-pool day bed, my feet dipping in the water as a refreshing treat — or just lie on a cabana with a spritz and soak in those unbeatable sea views.
The spa game also offers more unique treatments, as well as the standard massages and facials. I tried an experience where I listened to white noise through headphones to help me really zone out — and it worked. Sure, I’m no stranger to falling asleep pretty much every time I lie down, but I genuinely was able to check out and find some peace. Other holistic experiences include morning yoga with the sun rising over the harbour. Energised and ready for breakfast next!
Food-wise, Once in Mykonos understood the assignment. Their taramasalata is next-level creamy, Greek salads are fresher than my DMs, and the tahini aubergines had me constantly picking for seconds/thirds/fourths. The chicken gyros with chips? Technically street food, but this version was served gourmet-style and had me scraping the chicken and yoghurt dip off of the plate.
No trip to an island is complete without a boat day, and my drained London cup was refilled floating in the beautiful turquoise waters between Delos and Rhenia. Wine in hand, sunbathing on deck, and the cutest little snack box in tow, it was the most perfect afternoon. We even snorkelled in a quiet bay where the water was so clear I could see every little pebble and school of fish.
Back on land, we hit up a beach club. While everyone raves about Scorpios, which is very much the place to be seen, I preferred the slightly more laid-back atmosphere at SantAnna next door. Still sexy, still serving killer cocktails, but the wait staff can actually hear which cocktail you want to order. The food? Unreal. After enjoying a fruit plate at our cabanas, we headed to the restaurant for dinner and feasted upon tuna tataki, white fish tiradito, grilled calamari in cuttlefish ink, seafood calamarata, and the juiciest, pinkest picanha Black Angus steak with fresh salads and zesty flavours.
But the real showstopper? Dessert art. SantAnna’s secret pudding platter arrived as a performance — with several chefs sprinkling and styling chocolate, fruit, sauces, cookies — all splashed across the table like edible art. It truly reminded me of The Menu (with a far tastier and less disturbing end).
There was no part of Mykonos I didn’t like (bar the price). Between the poolside glamour, indulgent spa sessions, food that you never wanted to stop eating, and the kind of nightlife that keeps you coming back out for more, I now understand why people become addicted to this place.
Will I be back? Absolutely. Will I pack fewer outfits I never wear? Unlikely. Will I try to eat my weight in tzatziki again? Count on it.
Yamas, Mykonos. This self-confessed party girl gives you top marks.
easyJet holidays offers seven nights at the 5* Mykonos TheoXenia Boutique Hotel in Mykonos on a Bed & Breakfast basis for £2,604 per person including 23kg of luggage per person, transfers and flights from London Gatwick on 9 July 2025
easyJet holidays offers seven nights at the 5* Once in Mykonos in Mykonos on a Bed & Breakfast basis for £2,166 per person including 23kg of luggage per person, transfers and flights from London Gatwick on 8 July 2025.
Kick your trip off in style by booking into an airport lounge before your flight. Holiday Extras is the market leader in UK airport parking, hotels, lounges, and transfers – plus with Flextras, if you need to cancel or amend you can without charge.
Entry to the Plaza Express Lounge at Gatwick North is available for £36.00 per person, based on travel in July 2025 for three hours’ access before your flight. For more information and to book, HolidayExtras.com or call 0800 316 5678.
