The Greek Gods weren’t kidding around when they created the Greek Islands in the Aegean Sea. The most popular among them all is Mykonos, which is having another fifteen minutes of fame. Mykonos has once again become the hotspot for scenesters, jet setters, and celebrities alike to spend their summer time. The Greek island of Mykonos is flooded with iridescent light beaming through the bright blue sky. Super white-washed walls of villas, hotels and storefronts dot the landscape as far as the eyes can see. 

There is something pristine about magical Mykonos on the outside, yet super sexy on the inside. This island has always been hopping, but in the last few years, its style and sexiness have been elevated to the umpteenth level. The newly created beach clubs each have their own unique vibe and design. It puts South Beach to shame. So if you are ready to dive into this Godly place, one of the best jumping-off points is the Rochari Hotel, right smack dab in the center of it all, in Mykonos town. Location, location, location, has always been a stalwart for real estate.

Rochari Hotel delivers three-fold. It’s perched above the Mykonos town of Hora, providing an extraordinary panoramic view 24/7, including the most stunning sunsets.  It is a stone’s throw or a short walk to much of the action in town including the restaurants, shops, galleries, and port. Plus, it is only a quick ten-minute ride from the airport. Renting cars, scooters or ATVs can be done right there and the hotel offers free parking. It is an easy central location to head to all the beaches and beach clubs. Traffic in summers can be brutal so being so close to everything is a big bonus.  

The hotel first opened its doors 45 years ago by a Greek family, The Kousathanas. Today the daughter, Stavroula has taken over at the helm. She has kept the family hospitality going while giving the property a modern facelift. Today, this hotel built in traditional Mykonian-style architecture has undergone an amazing transformation. Gone are the typical signature Mykonos blue-painted doors, and instead are clean, contemporary earth-tones and textures with pops of bright colors – like the “Free Love” abstract painting that greets guests in the lobby. Fuchsia-colored bougainvillea-covered walls and flowerpots on the steps filled with green foliage add a touch of nature from the outside inside. 

All the hotel’s common areas have been given a fresh new look as well as a new pool, gym, and spa. Even the wall signage has a stylish and whimsical twist. All the rooms have been fully renovated making this a super hip boutique hotel to spend your days and nights at. Currently, Rochari has 60 rooms including suites, junior suites, and double rooms, many of which have sea-view terraces with wonderful views of the Aegean.  Next season one of the Rochari buildings will become a stand-alone villa that can be rented on a buy-out basis or individually. 

Going to Rochari Hotel is more like going to visit your own Greek family. Stavroula is sitting behind her lobby desk from sunrise to sunset. She is truly the matriarch that makes sure her ship with 40 staff members runs smoothly.  The team is super friendly and goes above and beyond to make guests feel welcomed and a part of the Rochari family. Thus, many return year after year. It’s more like ‘coming home to Mykonos when Rochari is your ‘home’.

Guests wake up to an incredible complimentary breakfast buffet that includes all sorts of fresh fruits and vegetables from the Kousathana family’s organic farm, home-made pastries, spinach pies, Greek sesame koulouri (bread rings/‘bagels’), made-to-order omelets, crepes, acai bowls, and of course Greek yogurt with honey.  Relaxing at the pool for a few hours is an ideal after breakfast retreat. After all, the beach clubs don’t get going till later in the afternoon. This leaves time to hit the Rochari gym and/or spa.

The Rochari Spa by Phytomer takes on the International Cosmetology Research Center of the French company, Phytomer. The Spa & Wellness Center comes complete with a Hamman and light therapy as well as spa treatments and massage services. Lunch can be ordered poolside at the Lounge Terrace. It serves up a diverse choice of summer salads including, of course, the ever-popular Greek Salad, burgers, pizza, or pasta – all a gastronomic experience of Greek home-style cooking.   

Venture out and visit several of the twelve spectacular Mykonos beaches, each with its own distinct style and locale (Paraga, Panormos, Agios Ioannis, Ornos, Paradise & Super Paradise…).  They all have unique beach clubs that range from casual, family-friendly, or gay-friendly to all-out jet-set hotspots to see and be seen. Plan to park your body back at the Rochari Lounge Terrace for the spectacular sunset.  Here you can order a signature cocktail from the outdoor bar to sip while the sun sets. How does a Citrus Shower sound with Greek Mastic liqueur blended with Gin and topped with citrus fruit or perhaps a nice bottle of Greek wine or ouzo? 

Try a new sunset spot each day from a different vantage point. Stroll down the hill in town to Little Venice, overlooking the iconic windmills for a waterfront sunset while the waves splash up boisterously. Beach clubs also are a great place to be as the sun goes down and the DJ beats go up, priming you for the night ahead. Hipster favorites include hippie-chic Scorpios, celebrity-filled Nammos, and stylish Principote.  

Ready to shop till you drop? Then meander down one of the pathways from the hotel to the center of town. Mykonos is a great shopping town full of all sorts of Greek fashion designer brands, artists, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Getting lost along the narrow, maze-like passageways filled with white-washed storefront buildings and little historical churches is part of the fun. End up at a restaurant that sparks your interest whether it is a Greek taverna or a fashionable spot like Noema. People-watching is always a fun sport in Mykonos with all sorts of colorful characters and possible celebrity sightings.  

Nightlife can be found at some of the new boutique hotels like Cavo Tagoo and a couple of nightclubs. But we recommend partying your day away and getting your beauty sleep at night.  Wake up and repeat till your heart’s content. Mykonos has something magical and mystical in the air…after all, the Greek Gods created it.  

And remember to always ‘come home’ to Rochari Hotel to your ‘family’. 

Til next season…