Katikies Mykonos

The Apollonia Hotel & Resort is a mid-range hotel with seaside views and a calm, classy atmosphere that's geared toward couples on romantic getaways. It bills itself as a high-end destination on a "private peninsula," all of which is a substantial exaggeration, but it does have a beautiful setting. Eight classic white-plaster buildings gleam amid the rough stone walls, stairs, and walkways adorned by colorful Mediterranean flora. A pool terrace is at the center of the property, with the grounds arranged around it so that there are no obstructed views of the sea. Up above, there's a little church for guests planning an intimate wedding.

The hotel is on a hillside residential area overlooking the calm Agios Ioannis Bay on the Aegean Sea. This isn't the bustling little town that most visitors to Mykonos are looking for -- instead, expect just a few casual restaurants and cafes nearby, and a much slower pace. The nearest beach is a five-minute walk away and there are several other beaches within driving distance of the hotel. Ornos Beach takes six minutes to reach by car, while Paraga Beach and Paradise Beach are each about a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Armenistis Lighthouse is just over a 20-minute drive in the opposite direction. A bus going to Mykonos Town -- a 12-minute drive away -- stops right outside, but guests who want to tour the island extensively may want to rent a car. In Mykonos Town visitors will find restaurants, nightclubs, several museums, Matoyianni Street shopping, the iconic Mykonos Windmills, and Little Venice, characterized by historic houses perched over the water. Mykonos Island National Airport is a 10-minute drive from the hotel and Mykonos Ferry Port is under a 20-minute drive away.  

Most of the 36 rooms and suites here have views of the sea, and all have big furnished balconies (arguably the highlight) with handsome reed awnings, and most importantly, sea views (though some from the first floor may be partially obstructed). Room decor, apart from some transparent plastic chairs, is fairly mundane. Plain tile floors, white bedding (on reportedly lumpy mattresses) and largely bare white walls keep things simple; some rooms have small couches or tiny tables with two or three chairs. Some rooms have four-poster beds. Free Wi-Fi is standard, though it doesn't reach all rooms and the signal can be slow. Other amenities include iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges, but there are no coffeemakers. The dated bathrooms have old marble vanities with large framed mirrors and unmemorable shower/tub combos. Any real luxury is saved for the suites, which might add private saunas and large covered terraces with daybeds. 

Everything here is wisely centered around the outdoor pool with its breezy terrace and sea views. It's a good size for the number of guests and there are plenty of cushioned loungers and umbrellas for all. There are even a few quiet corners amid the potted cacti and palms, though guests may have to maneuver for the lone hammock. The poolside bar has covered seating on white stools or at tables under its cane and timber roof, and there's also a small lobby bar. The buffet restaurant has a separate outdoor seating on a wooden deck with white shade umbrellas, as well as a large indoor dining room. A free breakfast buffet is included, and there's a weekly themed dinner with traditional Greek food, drinks, music, and dancing. There's no spa or hot tub here, but there's a sauna and a fitness center is equipped with cardio machines and weight training equipment. The hotel has free parking, and an airport shuttle is available for a fee.