On the eastern edge of Mykonos, where a quiet rural cliffside descends into a secluded Aegean coastline, sits Cali Mykonos, a hotel, which by its own design, has become a destination on its own. 

Instead of leaning into the cosmopolitan pull of the island’s prevalent nightlife and beach scene, Cali Mykonos echoes a different side of the landscape’s charm. It’s one that is refined; grounded in a certain laid-back luxury, wellness-focused; reflected by its locally sourced menu and active programing; and thoughtfully designed, boasting a Cycladic allure through a private beach, remarkable infinity pool, and majestic cliffside overlook.

A Hotel Ascending Towards the Heavens

Carved into the cliffside, Cali Mykonos blends classic Cycladic architecture of brilliant white facades and soft, rounded edges with the Grecian landscape, perfectly complimenting human design with the beauty of nature.

Below a stretching blue sky, Cali Mykonos’s open air lobby beams brightly with anticipation. Upon entering, the staff greets with warmth and friendliness, and soon a refreshing lemony-mint welcome drink is in hand. After checking in, a brief tour introduces guests to the hotel, starting with the bright lobby that leads to the outdoor gym overlooking the sprawling mountainside and the Aegean Sea, and soon into The Spa, a calming sanctuary beneath the lobby where traditional practices meet modern therapies.

It’s highly recommended to brave the sloping hills throughout Cali Mykonos, however challenging it may be, and explore the beautiful hotel on foot. For amid the calf-tightening steps the wonder of ancient Mykonos unfolds with the rocky mountainside giving way to a sparkling ocean not far into the distance, where eye-sore cruise ships are not in view, and all are paired well with rustic pottery vases dotting along the way on cobblestone walls and slate-lined walkways. Picturesque opportunities await at every turn, as do moments to stand in awe and behold and be present.

The Rooms: A Sanctuary Between the Mountains and Ocean

Inside the rooms, brilliant white walls beam with light from the sun that pours in through the eastern facing windows. Seashell-toned concrete floors create a seamless transition bridging interior and exterior designs, carrying a beachy palette of sand and seashell along with cloudy gray curtains and driftwood fixtures throughout each space.

Each room throughout the 40 luxury villas come complete with a spacious patio blessed with views of the sea and a private pool, perfect for morning sunrises, secluded sunbathing, and quiet intimacy.

A Pool Fit for the Gods

Cali Mykonos boasts an astonishing 10-meter infinity pool overlooking a private beach at the foot of a short walking trail. The pool is a social hotspot at the resort and is unrivaled in its size and location by any hotel on Mykonos, and possibly all of Greece. The gradient color moves from a sandy white to turquoise, as if it was lifting the ambiance of the Aegean Sea into the mountainside.

The Restaurant above the pool serves a bounty of hearty breakfast options complete with unmatched morning views. Using fresh farm eggs, entrees like the Eggs Benedict Mykonos, poached eggs with Mykonian pork and lemon-caper hollandaise sauce, or the Green Eggs, farm eggs baked with herb sauce, vlita greens, dills, and spring onion and topped with local katiki cheese, are a Herculean powerhouse of protein, flavor, and local delicacy.

Sweeter, and often healthier, options include the Yogurt Bowl, a combination of thick Greek yogurt, toasted pistachios, Tinos honey, and bee pollen.

Avlí Restaurant

No other hotel or restaurant on Mykonos compares to the combined might of views and gastronomy at Cali Mykonos. Like a view from Olympus itself, Avlí sits at the edge of Cali Mykonos, facing a deep blue ocean with faint mountains painted a blue hue in the distance.

At night the ocean, sky, and mountains become one blanket of darkness as village lights dot the hillside. Toast to the setting sun with a handcrafted cocktail from the selection.

Avlí’s godly gastronomy leaves an impression with every bite. The Oysters Mykonos features a unique play on condiments, like a gel of champagne accoutrement that lays on top and gives a nice texture to an already balanced bite. The Roasted Lamb Chops with smashed aubergine and yogurt sauce were well seasoned, unctuous, and bone sucking good, leaving a clean plate to head back to the kitchen.

As a finisher, the Baklava with ice cream is a unique take on a Greek classic that’s as interactive as it is sweet and memorable.

Private beach

Below the pool is a peaceful sliver of paradise tucked away beneath the rocky hillside that is only accessible from the hotel.

Cali Mykonos’s private beach makes intelligent use of the pocket valley resting at the foot of the hill. The staff are happy to guide you down the descending stairway which cuts a picturesque switchback, immersing you in the grandeur of the landscape. Find solace here listening to nothing more than the waves gently lapping the shoreline.

A Focus on Fitness

Cali Mykonos elevates health and fitness far beyond the standard hotel gym, which are often underused and underfunded, transforming wellness into a defining pillar of its hospitality experience. In fact, the gym is carved into the cliffside like a temple dedicated to wellbeing, and goes by the name, Terra Wellness Club.

Wellness classes hosted by Athens-based fitness studio, Athlesis, are open to all guests. Give it your best Olympic effort and sweat it out during Pilates or Reformer classes led by top-rated certified instructors and state-of-the-art equipment, all the while views of a quiet Mykonos hillside surround and the waves from the private beach smoothly break against the shore.

And, new for 2026, this stellar fitness facility comes with a playful spread of paddle courts complete with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.

Nearby Attractions

A shuttle provided by Cali Mykonos runs guests to the busy shopping district of Chora, where luxury retail, charming bars, whimsical souvenir shops, winding rock-lined paths, and historic structures like the windmills await. Experience a well-curated, elevated six-day experience through Cali Mykonos’ Party and Peace Package, a package which spotlights Mykonos through a VIP nightlife access while immersed in Cali’s premier wellness program.

As mentioned, Cali Mykonos is best explored on foot. That sentiment extends to the surrounding area, where an exuberant 30-minute jog led me up and down the rural countryside, along the coast of Kalafati Beach, one of the most secluded areas on Mykonos, through a forgotten fishing village, and up a couple of rocky hills that can be seen from Cali Mykonos.

This breathtaking scenic course begins just outside the hotel gates, where much of the calm countryside and beach scene can be accessed within minutes, even if not jogging.

Getting to the Aegean Dream

Going to Greece has become as simple a trip as any, making all dreams of an Aegean getaway possible through a direct 12-hour flight from DFW’s international Terminal D. While travelers from Texas, or those here on a layover, benefit from this seamless experience, the excitement starts with the U.S. debut of Plaza Premium Lounge, located in Terminal D.

Here, it’s Texas tradition meets global inspiration. Set amid a luxuriously calming collection of dark green velvet seating adorned with accents of locally sourced cowboy hats, dark hard woods, and warm lighting, the expertly curated lounge and chef-driven menu create a scene removed from the bustle of an airport.

The menu features many likely favorites, like the Duck Tacos, an entrée of Mexican Asian fusion with braised duck breast, Korean BBQ, red kimchi, and roasted garlic miso aioli. For dessert, the Ube Cheesecake, a unique and beautiful purple sweet potato cheesecake with sweet lemon-blueberry coulis, brings a certain balance to satiate long after while in mid-flight. The lounge and fare experience resultantly stands as its own retreat, only to be reminded of its airport surrounding by the occasional flight seen overhead in the sunroof windows. Book your experience for your next flight here.

Follow Cali Mykonos and stay tuned to what’s happening next. Plan your Mykonos experience here.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cover Photo courtesy Cali Mykonos

Martin Ramirez is a brisket-eating, Shiner-loving, road-tripping enthusiast of all things Texas. This Dallas-born writer / adventurer is ready to take his ‘78 El Camino to find the best in food, fun, and fitness throughout the Lone Star State.