The epitome of beach-chic. Santa Marina in Mykonos is jet-set luxury in the Aegean. As one of our partner resorts, we are diving in to explore this glamorous Greek haven.
Effortlessly glamorous, Santa Marina is perched on a private peninsula, with unparalleled views of Ornos Bay and the hypnotic Aegean Sea. The resort is a magnet for bon vivants: many of whom travel across the globe to bask in the Grecian sun and relish the constant sense of barefoot freedom that comes from the resort’s seclusion. Named by Condé Nast Traveller as the number one resort in Greece, (as part of the magazine’s 2020 ‘Gold List’) this resort takes sun-drenched luxury to a whole new level. As the sun sets, dinner at the Buddha-Bar Beach is an absolute must. An internationally-recognised name and one of the island’s most sought-after hotspots. Guests are invited to indulge their senses in its Asian fusion, Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, outstanding DJs and talented mixologists.
Escape the public eye on Santa Marina’s golden sands – the only private sandy beach on Mykonos, nestled in a remote cove. Santa Marina puts everything at your fingertips and you can also find a selection of Love Brand's own collection in their Reef Boutique! Part of LOVE BRAND & Co.'s portfolio of partner resorts, we chat with Mr Leonidas Anagnostou, the hotel’s General Manager and discover more about this complete holiday destination, inspired by passion.
Tell us about the paradise that is Santa Marina Mykonos and its ethos.
Even with its international reputation, Mykonos has kept its authentic Greek character, its sense of intimacy and its magical charm. As such a small island, Mykonos will always remain exclusive. It is both unassuming and authentically luxurious.
Santa Marina began as the vision of a legendary Greek entrepreneur. Elias Papageorgiou loved Mykonos more than any other place on Earth. All year long, he looked forward to spending his summers on the island. He loved the freedom, authenticity and natural beauty of Mykonos, as well as the captivating sea.
The magic of Santa Marina continues and the hotel is now part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection. Our unique beach-chic interiors offer modern, natural luxury, opening to balconies with the most amazing hypnotic Aegean views. Our ethos is ‘a constant sense of freedom’.
What sets it apart and why do people fall in love with the hotel?
With a location just 10 minutes from Mykonos Town, Santa Marina gives you access to all the island’s culture and nightlife, while providing the most luxurious seaside sanctuary of peace and tranquillity – epitomising the best of Mykonos.
With the island’s only private sandy beach, Buddha-Bar Beach, the Aegean interpretation of the world-famous Buddha-Bar lifestyle experience and our new restaurant for this summer ‘Mykonos Social’, Michelin-starred Jason Atherton’s first restaurant in the Mediterranean. Our guests fall in love with Santa Marina from the experience of savouring the glamorous lifestyle of Mykonos in the island’s most fashionable and sophisticated setting.
With the island’s only private sandy beach, Buddha-Bar Beach, the Aegean interpretation of the world-famous Buddha-Bar lifestyle experience and our new restaurant for this summer ‘Mykonos Social’, Michelin-starred Jason Atherton’s first restaurant in the Mediterranean. Our guests fall in love with Santa Marina from the experience of savouring the glamorous lifestyle of Mykonos in the island’s most fashionable and sophisticated setting.
Like Love Brand, Santa Marina Mykonos operates with a deep connection to the environment in mind, how does this manifest itself?
Though there is much to see, Mykonos is not about sightseeing. Santa Marina is a lifestyle resort. It’s about spending days on the beach, visiting Mykonos Town, discovering restaurants, listening to music, savouring the rugged beauty, the blue Aegean views and the mesmerizing sunsets. There’s a feeling of personal freedom and natural well-being that increases the more time you spend here at Santa Marina.
The appreciation of travel is core to both brands, what does it mean to you and why is it so important?
To travel is to connect, to communicate and appreciate time. I believe we all need this and now more than ever. Together we will soon again enjoy, respectfully, a sense of freedom that makes our Mykonos home so very special.
What is your guide to a perfect day out in Mykonos, and what are some key shouldn’t-miss spots/activities?
Take our X9 RIB boat across to Delos Island, a must-do visit to this magnificent archaeological site, featuring a complete ancient town. Just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Santa Marina, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the planet’s most important mythological and historical locations. It is said that Delos was the birthplace of the twins, Apollo and Artemis. The island overflows with historical discoveries, including iconic Naxos stone lions, intricate mosaics and the columns of the House of Dionysus.
Then, from Delos Island, board our traditional and beautifully-renovated traditional Greek kaiki boat to neighbouring Rinia Island. This unspoiled uninhabited island, part of the sacred island, of Delos is separated by a small strait. Discover sandy coves, crystal clear waters and uncrowded beaches – here I swim and snorkel in privacy and seclusion.
Delos Island
Tell us about the secret to running a successful hotel.
It is having a great team and all working together with the common goal of delighting and going above and beyond for all of our guests.
Has the hotel made any key changes for the better throughout the pandemic?
Yes, absolutely. We want our guests to understand what we are doing in the areas of cleanliness, hygiene and space so that when they arrive at Santa Marina they know our commitment to health and safety is our priority. Caring and being part of Marriott International, we will abide with all the stringent cleaning procedures, we will not cut any corner for all the additional measures we must, and will take, to protect our guests.
What do you see as the future of travel?
I see the future of travel as more experiential, our guests want more experiences, to go to somewhere new, to enjoy and taste local with great authenticity. In Mykonos I say you do not just Mykonos, you live it!
What do you see as positive outcomes of this difficult period for travel?
We see more multi-generation travel, our guests are travelling with their families and coming together for the first time in many cases after 2 years as a family and enjoying our exclusive and luxuriously well-appointed villas within the resort of Santa Marina.
Hidden secret about the hotel or something not many know about?
‘The Pigeon House’, our Traditional Myconian Cottage, it’s the most perfect perch in the whole of Santa Marina! ‘The Pigeon House’ retreat offers a private terrace, whirlpool and sweeping scenery, but is also recognised as a local heritage building. ‘The Pigeon House’, originally built by the Papageorgiou family nearly half a century ago, is just one of the hotels many original structures. Guests who are looking to book a Classy Suite category just need to ask our reservations team who will bestow this special Traditional Myconian Cottage to a lucky guest.
