Known for its bustling beach bars and affluent nightclubs, Mykonos also has a slower side to its Cycladic shores, found in luxurious yet minimal boutique hotels such as Nomad, tucked away on the south-east of the island. This is the ideal base for anyone seeking a calming retreat, whether you’re flying in for a long weekend or stopping by as part of an island-hopping voyage. Guests could easily while away several days without leaving the comfort of their own suites — which are decked out with private plunge pools, outdoor terraces and vast bathtubs — but there is more to discover during a sun-kissed stay here.
Friday, 3pm
Arrive at Nomad via private transfer from the port or airport, where you will be given a short tour of the hotel’s communal spaces and facilities, ending in your spacious suite (there are just 14 keys). There’s a private plunge pool or Jacuzzi in each suite, merging indoor and outdoor spaces with large glass doors seamlessly opening the cavernous bedrooms onto tucked away terraces — some with shimmering sea views. Download the hotel’s app to order a cocktail to your door, and spend some time soaking up your surroundings while floating in the pool in your own secret haven.
Friday, 7pm
Book a transfer to Nomad’s sister hotel, Boheme where you can relax on the terrace with a glass of Greek wine and a light snack (we recommend the house nachos with cherry tomato confit) while watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea.
Friday, 9pm
Wander just down the road into Mykonos Town (Chora), where you can stroll the white-washed streets in search of souvenirs while selecting which traditional taverna to dine in. You’re spoilt for choice for restaurants here, but Kastros in Little Venice is a favourite of both locals and visitors, thanks to its delicious seafood-focused menu and location with tables right beside the water.
Saturday, 9am
Enjoy a leisurely start to your day by pre-ordering your breakfast to have it delivered to your suite. The breakfast menu is vast here, with plenty of choice for all dietary requirements, plus both sweet and savoury preferences.
Saturday, 11am
Kalo Livadi beach is just a 10-minute stroll away from Nomad, so pack up your straw beach bag (provided by the hotel, filled with a beach mat, towel and wet bag for your swimwear) for a day of dipping in and out of the bay’s turquoise waters. There’s something for everyone on this idyllic beach, whether you want to lounge on the sand with your book, sip cocktails in one of the laid-back beach bars, or simply spend your time floating in the sea. Anyone seeking a quieter cove should walk up the hill and along the clifftop road — on the left, you’ll stumble across peaceful Loulos beach (which can also be more sheltered when the island’s infamous wind is blowing). Pantheon Bar and Restaurant above this cove serve a delicious grilled sea bass.
Saturday, 4pm
Head back to the hotel to indulge in a relaxing massage in the hotel’s treatment room, allowing yourself to completely unwind courtesy of Nomad’s expert therapists. Choose from a range of therapies including aromatherapy massages, a traditional Mykonian detox or an after-sun body treatment specifically designed to soothe your skin following a day beneath the island’s rays.
Saturday, 5pm
Continue the pampering back at your room, by filling your bathtub with the subtly scented salts provided each day and lying back to relax. If the weather is too warm to consider a hot bath, you could instead try a traditional footbath. Around this time, expect to discover a fruit basket hung outside your door for a healthy late afternoon snack.
Saturday, 8pm
Although there are several excellent restaurants within a short walk or taxi ride, there’s no need to leave the hotel in the evening. Settle into one of the comfortable booths surrounding the main pool, drawing back the curtains if you’d like more privacy.
Kukulu restaurant offers a selection of small dips and bites, followed by a choice of traditional main courses such as Greek salads, souvlaki and seafood dishes.
Spend your evening relaxing around the pool with a cocktail, embracing the magical ambiance once dusk falls and candles and lanterns are lit.
Sunday, 9am
Enjoy a final breakfast seated around the pool, lingering until you check out. Bask in the sunshine while sprawled on the comfy lounge cushions, before cooling off with a refreshing dip.
Sunday, 11am
When you check out, you will be invited into the hotel’s boutique to peruse their curation of locally crafted soaps, ceramics and candles. Guests will then carve their initials or a short message onto tamata — metallic votives adorned with an image of a heart, hand or eyes. The tamata are hung on a curved wall encircling an ancient olive ‘wishing’ tree, and guests are given a polaroid as a memento of their stay.
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