Chilled boho vibes rule the roost at this adults-only white-on-white sanctuary clustered around a very gram-worthy pool on a hillside overlooking the upscale buzz of Ornos’ golden sands. Previously a Kensho property, it now belongs to the celebrated family-owned Myconian Collection who opened their first hotel here back in 1978. They have 14 properties dotted across the island, and you can expect the Collection’s usual hip style and friendly service, along with complimentary beach beds on Ornos Beach close by – a perk not to be sneezed at when you consider that they usually cost upwards of €30 per person.
Why stay at Kove Mykonos?
If your vibe is wall-to-wall sound-surround, along with a smattering of boho chic style, across 35 elegant rooms clustered around a central pool backed by glass walls (to protect from the winds that gave this island its nickname), this hip hideaway is for you (probably not so much if you like peace and quiet, however). From raucous laughter at reception (so loud I couldn’t hear myself being checked in) to the steady throb of music by the pool, this is a space for party hounds. Daytimes are spent chilling on sunloungers by the main pool, swinging in basket chairs near the second (smaller) rooftop or lapping up the cool atmosphere (along with plenty of vitamin Sea) at Ornos Beach, whilst DJs down on the beach or around the pool set the tone at night.
What are the rooms like at Kove Mykonos?
Clustered around the pretty heated pool framed by driftwood furniture and surrounded by wind-rattled bamboo canes, there are 35 rooms spread over five floors - there are lifts to go up and down, or you can get fit by using the narrow stairs. Rooms have lots of quirky detailing: handcrafted furniture, chunky wooden desks, solid egg-shaped wooden stools; showers in the middle of the room with stone walls on two sides and carved wooden panels on the others; and their own (very nice) brand of toiletries.
If, like me, you hate air con, they also have the strangest fans I’ve ever seen in a hotel – they look like wicker baskets, but they actually cool the room very well. Standard rooms are small and don’t have balconies, so these are really just rooms to dump your stuff and get out to the pool or down to the beach. If you plan to spend more time in your room, Deluxe suites – either with a whirlpool bath or small plunge pools – will fit the bill. If you really want to splurge, go for one of the two Infinity suites on the fourth and fifth floors. One has its own pool, and both have owl’s-eye 360-degree views over Ornos Bay to Delos, or inland over windmills and the island’s classic pigeon houses, Complimentary bottles of syrupy Muscat de Lemnos and loukoum (Turkish Delight) sourced from the island of Syros add a local touch. Only a few rooms (on upper floors) have sea views, so make sure to ask.
What is the food like at Kove Mykonos?
You can sit inside behind large windows (you’ll appreciate them when the winds are blowing), or sit outside on the covered terrace overlooking the pool. Candles on tables and copper hanging lamps create atmosphere. The menu is small – there’s a snack menu for lunchtime with club sandwiches (€25) and prosciutto pizzas (€21).
In the evening, there are a few more elaborate dishes, including rack of lamb with roasted mashed potatoes with mustard and lemon (€52) or grilled fresh calamari (€31). I had the Black Angus burger (€29) –tender meat and salad in a bun with a pile of chips on the side. Portions are huge - I couldn’t eat it all, so shared with the hotel’s resident cats.
Breakfast is a nice display, although there’s not as much choice as in other hotels: yoghurt made in Mykonos is creamy and delicious with some of their homemade spoon sweets. They also have honey-doused pastry baklava, spanakopita spinach pie, and other local treats, alongside mounds of fresh fruit, pastries and fresh juice. There’s also a small egg menu.
What’s the service like at Kove Mykonos?
Perhaps because they’ve only just rebranded, the hotel service is an odd (not always comfortable) mix of self-conscious hip or too chummy chat – ‘I want you to tell me all about that!’ One receptionist cried, when I mentioned a well-known hotel; another receptionist, who used the royal ‘we’ when talking about facilities, was much more formal. Hardworking restaurant staff strike the right balance – friendly and helpful without trying to be ‘your best mate’. Also be warned – staff sometimes enter the room when the ‘Do Not Disturb’ light is on.
What are the pools and facilities like at Kove Mykonos?
The spa is small but sparkling clean, with some fun detailing. There’s a circular domed roof hammam, like something you’d find in Istanbul, and a small grotto with heated plunge pool and colour-changing relaxing beds. Candlelit treatment rooms are cosy and soothing. They have some great signature packages, including the KOVE Lovers, which includes a chill-out massage, express facial, and hand and scalp massage for €260. They also have LED masks, deep tissue and CBD massages from €85.
I had the Method Glow facial using Augustinus Bader products. It claims to boost circulation, firm tone, and renew cells. After the hour-long treatment, my skin definitely felt tighter and smoother.
There’s also a well-equipped gym, whilst two outdoor pools are perfect ‘gram material. Sunloungers overlook the largest pool, which has flowers and grasses planted around it, and natural boulders incorporated so you can see them at the bottom while you swim. On the upper level, there’s a glass-walled area with a smaller pool – perfect for sunset sipping – surrounded by sofas and chairs. The views over Ornos Bay and the island are spectacular.
They don’t have a car park at the hotel, but they have one nearby – leave your keys at the desk, and they’ll park it for you.
What’s the area like around Kove Mykonos?
It’s close to Ornos beach so there’s plenty of nightlife nearby. There are daily cruises to the mystical island of Delos, birthplace of Artemis and Apollo, from Mykonos town’s old port, which is 10 minutes drive away.
Why you should book as stay at Kove Mykonos?
If you’re seeking a lively base close to Ornos Bay’s beach clubs - and only 10 minutes from Nammos at Psarou - that will look good on TikTok or Insta, this white-on-white oasis will hit the spot.
DETAILS
Address: Ornos, 84600, Mykonos, Greece.
Price per night: Starting from €268 per night
Closest transport: Mykonos airport is four kilometres away – the hotel can arrange your transfer. KTEL buses that run between Chora and many of the best-known beaches.
Book now: Click here