Celebrating Mykonos: Kalesma x Faber Sett

Located on the southwestern corner of Aleomandra in Mykonos, it is a convenient 10-minute drive from the beautifully renovated airport. The hotel’s elevation allows for panoramic views; from Ornos Bay in the east, to the uninhabited archaeological islands of Delos and Rineia in the west, and the ever-more-popular Naxos facing south. It would not be Greece without a dash of mythology and Aleomandra is named after the sacred Delian stables that housed Olympic god Apollo’s horses. A myth that is subtly referenced throughout the Kalesma experience.

Upon first glance, the white washed walls and majestic olive trees in contrast against the pure blue Aegean sea paints a wonderfully sophisticated Mykonian arrival. Inside, the Rick Owens statement furnishings dotted around the communal areas cuts through the understated colour palette and the moments of local craftsmanship with a suitable amount of edge.

If the devil is in the details, then Kalesma is satanic. A product of being a family owned hotel with the owners ever present, every inch of this hotel feels like it garnered a committee meeting to make decisions. The equine mythology is subtly reflected in aspects that you may initially glaze over; the bedside lamps are suspended by leather reigns and even the bottle openers resembled a horse…perhaps more by luck than judgement.

If indeed Kalesma is Satanic then refuge may be taken in the chapel. A contemporary ode to Byzantine heritage and a place of quiet reflection, introspection and meditation. It is more than a decorative gesture; it feels essential. Designed by K-Studio and Studio Bonarchi, with art direction by Saint of Athens and Sofia Kousathana, the bespoke typeface is a detail at this point you just come to expect here.

The rooms, suites and villas are evenly spread out across the grounds. The suites follow a similar colour palette of dusty Mykonian off-whites, black wood accents and muted linen curtains which works wonderfully with the turquoise private pools and deep blue of the Aegean. The result is an understated, minimal interior in harmony with its natural surroundings. It is apparent how much care has been invested into the curation of the interiors.

The rooms, following an impressively coherent recent expansion, feature an east facing terrace for appreciating the sunrise, and some with jacuzzis. There is a pool, located next to the Kuveda restaurant, creating a more sociable atmosphere for those staying in the rooms.

The two villas, perfect for families, feature heated private pools, vast sun decks and west facing balconies, allowing for views of the sunset.

The main restaurant, Pere Ubu, serves unfussy, Greek dishes. The stand-out was the sweet and smoky baby calamari served with an array of mayonnaises. The lamb ribs were tender, the pitta soft and pillowy, and the octopus delicate. The crudo could not be more fresh, and the ox cheek is exactly as you would hope; hearty yet not overly filling. Desserts are equally as delicious as they are fun. A guiltily sweet deconstructed carrot cake served with sesame ice-cream truly delivers, as does the coconut ganache with a number of playfully disguised strawberry pebbles.

Meals can be taken in your suite, where the service is impressively swift for in-room dining and presented with the same elegance as in the restaurant. Or, outside in the restaurant area where the sliding walls subtly negate the wind and tableside heaters provide warmth when the temperature dips. Alternatively, their indoor dining room feels akin to being a part of a family dinner.

Your coffee order, your preferred water, even what you had for dinner the night before are all remembered and executed effortlessly by the seemingly eidetic team. Close by to the rooms you will find, Kuveda, Kalesma’s second restaurant which serves traditional Greek kafenio and meze plates to share.

The recently built spa, below the main reception area is subterranean in design but the windows into the lesser used side swimming pool allow for light to stream into the wellness space. Across two treatment rooms, the spa offers a restorative range of face and body treatments infused with beauty products by Dr Barbara Sturm. A state-of-the-art cryotherapy area is a welcome addition and the hammam, complete with steam experiences, confirm this to be one of the most comprehensive spa offerings in Mykonos.

Kalesma does not try to blend into the new Mykonos; it honours the island’s history and craftsmanship. Before the 1950s, Mykonos, make no mistake, was poor. Scarce in agriculture, devoid of natural resources and swept by relentless winds. When nature gives you little, you learn to create with care. That spirit of ingenuity lives on here and the team at Kalesma has continued this tradition, gifting the island a retreat built to endure. This is not a hotel in Mykonos, it is Mykonos in a hotel.

Photography courtesy of Kalesma