Vencia Hotel

The Vencia Hotel's medieval-esque stone entryway and simple wooden sign are a humble marker from the main road. The hotel's private parking lot is paved in large stones with thick, white grout, and leads to a half-stone, half-modern Cycladic-style building. Dark gray stones and bright white buildings with the occasional light blue accent from balconies and doors predominate the exterior, reflecting a modern (and somewhat rustically elegant) update to the traditional Cycladic architecture found in the area.

In the back, the hotel's infinity pool has stunning views of the sea and the white buildings of Mykonos Town. Splashes of green from various garden plots give the vibe both a rustic and tropical feel. Inside, the feels is a bit like a Pottery Barn spread: wood furniture, wicker chairs, and thick couches mix with drawings of fruit, a few plants, and shabby-chic decor (and a cute bar in the back). The sitting area is in front of a large window overlooking the sea, while off to the side, the reception area has its own mosaic floor, large desk, and public computer station. Nice touches include the wide-arched doorways throughout the building, warm (but bright) lighting, and stone columns and walls in the restaurant area.

About a 12-minute walk to the town center (it's uphill on the way back!), the Vencia Hotel is a good spot for those who'd like to stay outside the town center but not have to rely on a car. The hotel's hillside placement makes for excellent panoramic views of the town below and the sea. Although it's not directly in town (it's in Rohari), the hotel is just off a main road, which can be noisy (mostly during the day). It may not be the best choice for those looking to explore the area (and beaches) that are beyond walking distance, but there is a bus stop about 10 minutes from the hotel. Daily beach-bound buses leave for Kalafatis, Elia, Kalo Livadi, and make trips to Ano Mero Village as well.

The Vencia's 31 rooms appear somewhat simple at first glance, with white bedding and a neutral color scheme, but the vibe is upscale-country, giving off both a cozy but sophisticated feel. Thoughtful details include such as rose petals on the beds, flowers and plants, pops of green and blue color on the doors and ceiling, and wooden decorations (a carved wooden fish, artfully distressed wooden mirrors next to hanging sun hats).

All rooms are soundproof and come with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and slippers -- but no kettles or coffeemakers. While upgraded sea view rooms are highly recommended, those on a tighter budget can opt for an aromatic garden view room. Junior Suites offer larger balconies or patios, and luxurious sitting areas with a couch, chair, and coffee table. Note that not all rooms have views. Bathrooms are modern, clean and stylish, with glass showers, rainfall showerheads, an assortment of toiletries, and cool tile designs.

The Vencia's standout features is its rooftop pool and the sprawling view falling beyond it. Built on the hill's edge, the drop feels even more dramatic because of the infinity pool design. The pool area is covered in dark concrete stones, padded lounge chairs with tiki-style umbrellas, a few cabanas, and a covered poolside bar.

Other features of the hotel include spa services, 24-hour room service, twice-daily housekeeping, airport transfers (for a fee), and air-conditioning in public spaces. The on-site restaurant and bar, Karavaki, is a cool, mostly stone-walled space with wood floors and ceilings, and a simple but stylish seating area. A more casual dining area of white wood tables and chairs is just beyond the stone pillars, off the lobby. The concierge can arrange bike, scooter, and car rentals, horseback riding, scuba diving, and Delos Island tours.