Luxury Travel

Evaluation: Kalesma Mykonos Luxurious Lodge (Mykonos, Greece)

09/10/2024

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At this time: Evaluation of Kalesma Mykonos Luxurious Lodge (Mykonos, Greece)

As soon as dwelling to Greek gods and a favourite vacation spot of Jackie Kennedy in addition to artists, poets, designers and actors, Mykonos isn’t new to the limelight. And if an unique Mykonian hideaway is in your wanderlist, it’s best to take a look at Kalesma Mykonos, a 5-star boutique lodge overlooking the Aegean Sea. The resort’s 25 suites and two massive villas mix native aptitude with excessive aesthetics, giving friends the sensation of being in an genuine Mykonian neighborhood. Kalesma Mykonos opened in 2022, introducing a luxurious expertise on the island that balances enjoyable and privateness with real insider information of off-the-beaten-path websites. ‘Kalesma’ means ‘inviting’ in Greek, a phrase that finest expresses the ethos of this privately owned luxurious boutique lodge.

Have you ever ever stayed at Kalesma Mykonos? If that’s the case, what was your expertise? Depart a remark.

Kalesma Mykonos options in my prime 10 record of the finest luxurious resorts in Mykonos.

On this evaluation (extra information and photographs under my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Kalesma Mykonos is likely one of the most trendy luxurious resorts on the well-known Greek Island of Mykonos. Certainly a spot to see and be seen, Mykonos is a lot greater than its seashores, golf equipment and nightlife. Referred to as the Island of the Winds, Mykonos was the birthplace of Aeolus – appropriately, the wind god. His gusts pushed Odysseus towards dwelling, solely to have him return when a shipmate opened a bag that contained a fierce breeze that drove him again. Aeolus’s cave is situated just under the Armenistis Lighthouse. Company of Kalesma are invited to discover the island’s historical past, together with its much-photographed windmills that date again to the sixteenth century – now decorative, they have been as soon as important to the island’s financial system.

Kalesma Mykonos is nestled on the hillside of Aleomandra, between Ornos Bay and Agios Ioannis. The Aleomandra neighborhood is known as after the sacred Delian stables that, in response to delusion, supplied shelter to the horses of the Olympic god Apollo. The 5-star boutique lodge is conveniently near a number of the island’s most famed seashores, points of interest and golf equipment, but remoted sufficient to offer the feeling of seclusion and privateness. The property is only a brief stroll from Ornos seashore and can also be just below two miles (3 km) from Mykonos city. Each Mykonos’ airport and seaport are only a 20 min drive away (relying on site visitors).

Kalesma Mykonos is unfold throughout 5 acres and set in opposition to a lush hillside blanketed with 20,000 crops. The 5-star boutique lodge tumbles down a slope to Ornos Bay, offering unobstructed views of the bay in the direction of the east. On the highest the hill are the lodge’s communal areas, which embody a small foyer, boutique, gorgeous infinity pool, out of doors bar, restaurant and a patio with firepit looking in the direction of the west with views of the Aegean Sea. The lodge’s lodging are situated on the hillside under the communal areas. Kalesma Mykonos’ hilltop location and structure supply friends the distinctive alternative to get pleasure from each dawn and sundown from the identical spot.

The whitewashed assortment of pavilions that make up Kalesma Mykonos have been created to resemble a charming Mykonian village. The design is impressed by Greek custom, native historical past and the “aloni” – an present threshing ground on the property that turned the supply of inspiration for the model and character of the undertaking. Native supplies and artisans play an important position within the lodge’s identification, with wooden, marble, stone and osier giving a up to date look to conventional Cycladic model. Cool earth tones like taupe, gray, darkish brown and charcoal mix along with white-washed surfaces and bougainvillea-filled archways to provide a powerful sense of place and to permit the sensible blue of the Aegean Sea to face out.

Kalesma Mykonos was designed by Okay-Studio, who was additionally the architect behind the brand new Mykonos Airport (which opened in 2021). The lodge’s glossy and minimalist interiors have been created by Greek designer Vangelis Bonios of Studio Bonarchi, who embraced a refined and timeless model prioritizing consolation and performance. The suites characteristic unique paintings by Serbian artist Aleksandar Vac, whose ceramics evoke conventional Cycladic minimalistic kinds. The foyer takes on an effortlessly cool look with furnishings by Rick Owens, making Kalesma Mykonos the one lodge on the earth to have items by the celebrated designer.

Kalesma Mykonos options 25 one-bedroom suites with swimming pools, which are available three room classes. It’s one of many few resorts in Mykonos the place all rooms include their very own non-public pool, in addition to sea views, non-public terraces, poolside solar loungers, out of doors showers and SONOS sound programs. Throughout my vacation, I stayed in a “Kalesma Suites with Sea View & Non-public Pool”. Inside, the suite featured a bed room and a rest room (with bathtub and out of doors bathe), whereas exterior, a big terrace with non-public pool, solar beds and lounge space boasted a view of Ornos Bay. The suite’s design mirrored Mykonos’ laid-back glamour of Mykonos, with whitewashed partitions, impartial, earthy shade palette and Cycladic aesthetics.

Kalesma Mykonos additionally options two grand villas – Apollon Villa (three bedrooms) and Artemis Villa (4 bedrooms). These villas are situated proper subsequent to the hearth pit patio, overlooking the subset facet of the resort. Each villas might be united into the resort’s most unique retreat, the Leto Villa. The multi-bedroom villas can accommodate 6 to 14 friends and might be rented collectively to sleep bigger teams. All villas have an open-plan front room with separate eating areas, a totally outfitted kitchen with a pre-stocked fridge, wine fridge and personal chef obtainable upon request. Extra villa facilities embody a non-public health club and 24/7 butler service. Company can even guide in-room spa remedies.

Steps from the lodge’s infinity pool and providing panoramic views of the ocean, is Pere Ubu, Kalesma Mykonos’ (solely) all-day restaurant with an menu created by government chef Costas Tsingas. Every morning, Pere Ubu presents à la carte breakfast. In the course of the day, the venue makes a speciality of small ‘mezes’ – plates for friends to get pleasure from as full meals or mild lunches. By evening, the restaurant transforms right into a vibrant social hub with revolutionary drinks and engaging bites. Pere Ubu embodies Kalesma’s group ethos with nightly sundown celebrations, night DJ leisure and weekly culinary occasions like intimate dinners solely for Kalesma’s friends.

Kalesma arranges every day actions for friends to expertise the true nature of Mykonos Island. Choices embody an organized cruise to a hidden cove, a guided tour of the sacred island of Delos, scuba diving classes and personal boat leases. Kalesma can even prepare for excursions by means of the alleys of Chora, evening walks across the windmills or by means of Little Venice, and buying sprees and meals excursions to find native treats and Mykonian delicacies. Off property, the concierge could make suggestions and bookings for friends at any restaurant or nightclub, in addition to for solar loungers on the island’s 25 seashores.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Kalesma Mykonos is a small boutique property and lacks in depth leisure services. For instance, the property has no seashore entry (though you’ll be able to stroll right down to Ornos Bay, a 15 min stroll the place a number of seashore golf equipment are current). Additionally, wellness and sport services are restricted to a small health club and two therapy rooms (however there’s true spa). Lastly, the number of eating choices is proscribed as there’s only one restaurant on website. As such, Kalesma Mykonos could be an excellent match for honeymooners and {couples} preferring to spend their time in Mykonos inside their villa, nevertheless it’s not the only option for vacationers who get pleasure from a real resort vibe or for touring households.

Kalesma Mykonos is likely one of the costliest resorts in Mykonos, which is consistent with the lodge’s technique to advertise itself as one of the vital unique and personal resorts on the island. The speed for one evening in a collection with pool begins at 1700 euro per evening within the excessive seasons, and it contains every day carte breakfast, free web entry, all authorized taxes and complimentary round-trip transfers to Mykonos City. IMHO, the lodge is (grossly) overpriced (however that’s concerning the case with every lodge in Mykonos nowadays), particularly if you consider its restricted services.

Kalesma Mykonos is constructed on the highest of a hill. Many of the communal areas (e.g. pool, restaurant) and all of the lodging (apart from the 2 multi-bedroom villas) get pleasure from unobstructed views in the direction of the east (Ornos Bay). Solely a small a part of the resort is going through the west, and this contains the out of doors courtyard with firepit and the 2 multi-bedroom villas. Nonetheless, the view from right here – together with the sundown – isn’t the most effective, since there are energy traces and a road instantly past the property. Therefore, I’d not suggest reserving one of many multi-bedroom villas at Kalesma Mykonos, until you don’t care concerning the view and passing site visitors.

MY VERDICT

Location: 7/10
Design: 9/10
Pool: 9/10
Rooms: 8/10
Meals: 8/10
Breakfast: 9/10
Spa: 6/10
Service: 8/10
Wow issue: 8/10
Worth for cash: 5/10
Total expertise: good – 8/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Get monetary savings: get complimentary VIP perks when reserving Kalesma Mykonos by way of Virtuoso:
- Room improve
- Each day breakfast
- Early check-in & late check-out
- $100 USD lodge credit score
- For stays of 5 nights and extra: one complimentary 4-course dinner for 2

Get monetary savings: learn right here my suggestions for getting the most effective deal at a luxurious lodge like Kalesma Mykonos (and/or obtain many free perks).

Learn my suggestions for making ready your journey in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The most effective time to go to Mykonos are the autumn months of September and October: the climate continues to be nice, the vacationer crowds have left, the ocean temperature is at its warmest, and the lodge charges are inside cheap vary. The spring months of April and Could, earlier than the summer season rush comes, are additionally a good time to go to, though the ocean is chilly and you could encounter some cloudy days. Mykonos is a extremely popular vacation vacation spot for Europeans in June, July and August: count on hordes of vacationers, nonstop events and hovering lodge charges at the moment of 12 months. Summers additionally see a number of windy days, with the Meltemi blowing for lengthy durations, particularly within the afternoons (generally gale pressure like winds).

HOW TO GET THERE

Kalesma Mykonos is a 20 min automotive trip from the ferry harbour and a 15 min trip from the aiport. Click on right here for a consistently up to date record of airways that supply direct flights to Mykonos.