Anemelia in Greek means carefree or free as the wind (Anemos) because this hilltop boutique hotel gazing out over a distant blue smudge of sea opposite Elia Beach is bathed in the balmy breezes that gave Mykonos its Island of the Winds nickname. It’s owned by a family from the neighbouring Cyclades island of Naxos – they ferry over fab fresh produce – yoghurts, cheeses, red juicy tomatoes and more – to use in the hotel’s restaurant.
Why stay at Anemelia?
A far cry from the boho chic glitter of hotels around Ornos and Psarou, this tiny 20-room hotel is like a little bubble in the (for the moment) less developed east part of the island: expect less traffic noise and hassle, just the sound of the wind and tweeting birds, along with a low-key family-style welcome and plenty of local food treats.
What are the rooms like at Anemelia?
Across 20 (low-key yet luxurious) open plan rooms, style is simple and minimalist: narrow wooden desks run the length of entire walls; low sofas with marshmallow-fat cushions lounge next to cream walls; stocky cupboards hide behind sisal-covered doors; Apivita organic Greek toiletries perfume capacious bathrooms and silky tiled floors are perfect for barefoot padding. Best of all are the super comfortable King beds that turn lazy mornings into an art form. Smaller Deluxe rooms and Cocoon suites are perfect if you plan to spend your time out of doors (small terraces are ideal for star gazing or late-night sips). Larger suites also have plunge pools big enough to wallow (but not swim) in, on private terraces surrounded by wind-fluttered banana palms. Sea view suites have larger plunge pools and one Grande Seaview suite has a (small) private pool.
What is the food like at Anemelia?
Since a lot of the produce is sourced from the owner’s island of Naxos which is famed for its luscious fare you can expect a dazzling array of simple but tasty treats, kicking off with breakfast. Taken on the terrace – where you can watch the mist rise over the distant smudge of sea and the purple peaks of Naxos opposite – you can choose between pizza-like ladenia from Kimolos, stuffed vine leaves dolmades, ladles of creamy sheep’s yoghurt and lashings of fruits, nuts and seeds, along with the usual eggs, bacon and pastries combo. For lunch there are mini souvlaki skewered chicken chunks served with salad; meze spreads – tarama, tzatziki and paprika – served with fresh baked bread; club sandwiches, and a few pizzas. My Greek salad – juicy ripe tomatoes, sugary red onions, and slabs of fresh feta cheese, sprinkled with oregano and capers, and drizzled with EVOO – was full of flavour. Reinvented Greek classics star on the evening menu, including a luscious shrimp linguine swimming in an aniseed-scented ouzo bisque and pasticcio, a pasta dish made with feather-tender shredded beef and a lemony béchamel sauce.
What’s the service like at Anemelia?
The property is fairly new so these guys are really keen to make sure that you have a good time (at times a bit over-keen, asking you a dozen times if you need anything, when you’re by the pool and just want to relax) but it comes from a good place. Service in the restaurant is prompt and friendly, although items sometimes get forgotten (including plate, knife and fork for my salad).
What are the pools and facilities like Anemelia?
There’s one main pool at the bottom of the hotel near the restaurant. It’s a decent size and you can lounge on the sunbeds and enjoy views over the surrounding hillside and tall grasses waving in the wind to the distant sea. The Azalea Spa is really just a well-equipped gym with rowing machines, running machines and other state of the art equipment (they provide trainers for an extra charge) next to a room with lava-black walls and a small heated pool that you have to pay to use – €60 for 30 minutes – where they also have two treatment beds. Spa treatments include facials (including special ones for teens), deep tissue and hot stone massages 50 minutes €120.
What’s the area like around Anemelia?
It wouldn’t win awards for prettiness – it’s a combination of scrub-covered hillside, other hotels or hotels in the process of being built. Having said that, the immediate surroundings of the hotel are peaceful and Elia Beach’s fine golden sands are less than one kilometre away. You can walk but they also have a shuttle – you need to book 15 minutes in advance. At Elia they have beach bars and watersports; unusually for Greece, there’s also a small area for nudists. Ornos and Psarou’s sandy beaches are around 25 minutes drive depending on traffic (at its peak from mid July to mid August).
Why you should book a stay at Anemelia?
If you’re seeking a haven of calm close to the island’s sights where you can cocoon, chow down on healthy treats, pop into the spa for a treatment or maybe hop on a transfer and spend a lazy day at the beach before heading back for one of Anemelia’s signature Mastixa cocktails – well, this one definitely fits the bill.
DETAILS
Address: Elia, Ano Mera, 84600, Mykonos, Greece.
Price per night: Starting from €427 per night
Closest transport: Mykonos airport is nine kilometres away – the hotel can arrange your transfer. KTEL buses run between Chora and many of the best-known beaches.