I’d been dreaming of somewhere sun-drenched, secluded and thoroughly luxurious to get me feeling summer ready. So when I opened my eyes after dozing off in one of the giant nest-like sun loungers overlooking the sparkling pool at the centre of Kenshō’s boutique hotel and villas in Ornos, I felt like I’d manifested it.
Nestled in the hills above the beautiful bay of Ornos, the hotel is a calming retreat. With stone-clad floors and walls, tonal white and beige interiors, and natural pale wood accents, it’s a harmonious mix of traditional Greek architecture and contemporary minimalism. It’s modern and cool, yet friendly and relaxed, with an exceptionally attentive team to match.
Beyond the olive-tree lined pool, you look down upon the bright blue water of the bay with its golden sand and exclusive beach clubs – which are an easy 5 minute walk down the hill. Jump in a taxi and 10 minutes away is the bustling Mykonos Town. But with Ornos as a tranquil base, you can dip in and out of the legendary social scene, which offers up magnificent (and mega expensive) five-star restaurants, iconic drag shows and historic cobbled streets.
Party people will be pleased to learn that there's also no shortage of beach clubs to visit nearby, with SantAnna Mykonos being a short 10 minute drive away and the best possible way to spend a day outside of your hotel. Chill on a beach cabana overlooking the impossibly clear sea, dip in and out of the party in the stunning main area or refuel on their deliciously tangy prawn salad at the SantAnna Restaurant and get ready to go again in the evening. With the likes of Tyga and Black Coffee on this summer's line-up of this bohemian chic beach club, be sure to make it a stop on your trip.
Of course, you’d be forgiven for not wanting to leave the hotel at all. It boasts 10 suites and 25 rooms, most of which have either a jacuzzi, or a private plunge pool. We spent the early evenings, as the sun set, relaxing by our own pool in hanging chairs, drinking glasses of chilled wine. The interiors create a special feeling of barefoot, bohemian luxury. The white-washed walls, fold-out shutters and crisp bed linen feel airy, but cosy.
For an extra dose of indulgence, you need to book yourself in at their renowned cave spa. Featuring two treatment rooms, a steam bath room, an indoor Jacuzzi, tropical rain beds and a hair and beauty salon, you have everything you need and more.
The Adventurous Himalayan Rain Body Cleanse is a dreamy 90 minute treatment that guarantees you the best tan and the smoothest-feeling skin. Himalayan salts slough off rough skin cells, before being rinsed away by rain water. And to ensure your skin is glowing, a nourishing oil is massaged into your skin to leave it unbelievably soft. Book it in at the beginning of your holiday to prime your skin for sunbathing, just make sure you’re extra dutiful with your SPF application after.
The evenings are beautiful. Guests can choose a table outside to watch the sunset, before dining under the stars, with the sound of the waves lapping from the bay. Once night falls, the pool is lit up with twinkling lights that look magical.
The food at Kenshō is exceptional and no detail is missed by the hotel's attentive restaurant manager Nancy. Offering up a next-level fusion of traditional Greek cuisine with contemporary techniques, all dishes are signed-off by their award-winning executive chef Nicos Constantinou.
While it's hard to pick favourites, you need to make sure you try the Aegan tuna. Sitting on a bed of avocado and paired with a zingy mango compote, it makes for the ultimate starter before you graduate on to the blissfully rich langoustine risotto which sees hearty tomato flavours matched with a rich feta mousse. Divine.
Ultimately, Kenshō offers up exactly the kind of dreamy escapism we’ve been waiting for. And if the past few years have taught us anything, it’s to make memories now.
Rooms at Kenshō Ornos start from around £244 per night.
Save when you book with these booking.com discount codes.
For more from GLAMOUR's Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk
