Pietra E Mare

In both its architecture and decor, the Pietra E Mare resort reflects and takes advantage of its location on a small hill overlooking the beautiful Kalo Livadi Beach. The resort features classic Cycladic and Mediterranean-style architecture, and its building has fresh white stucco and stone facades, flat roofs, and built-in terraces. The hotel’s design and decor are meant to showcase natural light and epic views. Modern and minimalistic, furniture is fresh and white with an occasional accent like lilac or sea-green pillows. In the restaurant, white molded Eames-style chairs and white tables with wooden tops sit in an open room with cut-out windows that provide spectacular panoramic sea views. A simple reception desk welcomes guests with industrial hanging lights and modern chairs. In lieu of classic lobby seating areas, the hotel offers ample outdoor relaxation spaces with Adirondack chairs and hammocks among palm trees and beautifully maintained flowers and plants. Pietra E Mare’s proximity to the beach, secluded location, and relaxed atmosphere all serve to make this a hotspot for solo tourists and couples. 

Situated up a hill about a three-minute walk from Kalo Livadi Beach on the southeastern side of Mykonos Island, the Pietra E Mare resort shares the beach with a few other restaurants and resorts, but it's in an otherwise secluded area away from the more inhabited west coast of the island. For guests interested in seaside lounging and staying put, this is an ideal getaway, but guests should be aware that getting into town is a bit of an ordeal. While the island’s main town of Mykonos is 25-minute drive away, the bus only runs a few times a day, and taxis are difficult to come by. The hotel can help guests hire or rent a car, usually for a daily fee, and there's free parking on-site. There are three restaurants on the other side of the beach, about a 12-minute walk from the hotel. The small village of Áno Merá can be reached in about eight minutes by car and has eateries, souvenir shops, a supermarket, and ATMs. Kalafati Beach is also eight-minutes away and offers water sports. Mykonos Island National Airport is 20 minutes away. 

Simple, modern rooms feature fresh white decor and Mediterranean architectural details such as arched entryways. In the airy Superior Suites, white floors meet white walls and are paired with white couches, bedding, and curtains, while the occasional gray pillow or black piece of furniture provides a nice contrast. The showstoppers here, however, are the views: All rooms offer beautiful sea vistas and private or shared outdoor terraces that face the water. While guests rave about the views, they aren't as keen about the noise from the nearby beach club that plays music until late. Suites have extra sitting areas and other bonuses, such as lounge chairs on the terrace or an outdoor hot tub. Bathrooms are simple, but spacious, usually with all white fixtures, walls, and floors; vessel sinks; and tubs or showers, which may be as basic as a free hanging pipe in a simple inset wall. All rooms have air-conditioning, satellite TVs, safe deposit boxes, and well-stocked minibars. They also come with bathrobes, slippers, hairdryers, and high-end individual toiletries, but there are no in-room coffee/tea facilities, and some guest note the lack of storage space. While Wi-Fi is free, the connection can be poor. 

One of the hotel’s best features is its quick access to the nearby Kalo Livadi Beach, about a three-minute walk downhill from the hotel. With fresh blue waters and a large swath of sand, the beach is nestled in a crescent of land and features rows of cushioned lounge chairs and thatched umbrellas. The beach is divided into three parts, operated by different restaurants, and the hotel offers free access to the beach, which otherwise costs a fee. Another favorite feature is the hotel’s outdoor pool, which overlooks the sea and is chic and well-maintained, surrounded by beautiful queen-size sunbeds with triangular back pillows and canopies. Towels are free for guest use. A pleasant massage room offers massages and aromatherapy.

The hotel has its own private a la carte restaurant in an open, terrace-like room. The free breakfast is served here and includes buffet-style choices as well as made-to-order omelets. While there's no official bar, access to drinks is available with room, pool, and hammock-side service. There are only three other restaurants on the beach, which guests find offer a good selection, but can be pricey. Other amenities offered by the hotel include a free welcome drink upon check-in, 24-hour room service and concierge service, a wedding chapel, and twice-daily housekeeping. Wi-Fi is free throughout, though some guests say the connection is poor.