Saint John Hotel Villas & Spa

The scene at Saint John Hotel Villas & Spa is filled with large open spaces decorated with classical references of Mykonos. The hotel, which tends to draw young couples and families with children, is elegantly designed and in excellent shape. The lobby's gold and white tones contribute to the calm surroundings. Cool marble floors and a white tree in an atrium beneath a solar panel are modern, chic touches. As the resort is located on a steep cliff, getting down to the beach might pose a challenge for some. The hotel does provide a mini bus to shuttle guests around. There are sunbeds around the pools and on the beach, but guests need to arrive early to claim them. The pool bar is a great place for lunch, serving delicious salads and kebabs. In the evening guests can hop the shuttle (for a few dollars) to Mykonos Town for a night in town.

Saint John Hotel Villas & Spa is located in a tranquil, scenic part of Mykonos on the hill of St. John between fields and the sea. The property is on a bluff above the water, which makes for amazing views but can prove a challenge for those getting around on foot. The hotel runs a mini-van shuttle service for guests to make it easier to navigate. There's not much to see or do in the immediate area and even less when it comes to nightlife. But Mykonos Town is about two miles away. The resort is also close (about two miles) to the magnificent ruins of Delos Island -- an excursion that's a great break from the beach. The hotel is also about the same distance to the Panayia Tourliani Monastery, with its lovely church and grounds.

The resort offers a variety of rooms and private villas. Typical of most Greek island resorts, white is a major player in the color palette. Rooms are spacious and clean with tasteful furnishings; many have marble tile floors, bed drapery, wicker furniture, and splashes of red or yellow. The bathroom is stocked with standard amenities: hairdryers, shaving kits, sewing kits, a vanity kit, and lotions. Some rooms have jetted tubs. Beds have quality bedding, but some are made up of two smaller beds pushed together. Sofa beds are available in certain rooms. All rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs (some have DVD/VCRs), coffeemakers, and minibars stocked with treats. The air-conditioners run quietly and keep the rooms cool, but the best way to experience the island might be with the terrace doors open with nothing but the sounds of the water to lull guests to sleep. All rooms come with balconies and many face the sea.

With three on-site restaurants -- Kalimera, Symposium, and 7th Heaven -- and a beautiful (if narrow and rocky) beach and other amenities, guests are well pampered without having to leave the property. There are indoor and outdoor pools plus one for children. A saltwater pool invites guests to float around with no effort and freshwater showers are available to wash off the salt. The health club has a few treadmills and enough strength training equipment for a decent workout, and the spa offers a variety of massages. There's tennis on-site and many water sports available nearby. An added bonus is the on-site car rental and free parking at the resort. Fee minivans shuttle guests around the property, and for a few dollars into Mykonos Town. Meeting facilities with audio-visual facilities and a business center and high-speed Wi-Fi are also available.