In Mykonos, the most cosmopolitan island of the Cyclades, the new chapter of Numo Hotels & Resorts offers a new take on authentic hospitality offering a distinctive high-aesthetic resort.
Following the success of Numo Ierapetra in Crete, Numo Hotels & Resorts introduces its second project, this time in the Cyclades. Numo Mykonos will debut in Q2 2024 on the east of the island, at Kalafati. This beach, a favourite among surfers worldwide, served as the base for the island’s first surf club, its name revealing its special connection to maritime art; “kalafatis” refers to the craftsmen who sealed cracks in old wooden ships.
This boutique resort is inspired by the authentic, carefree era of the 60s and 70s that shaped the island’s DNA, as well as its surrounding environment. “Numo Mykonos is our next significant step,” says Spyros Kouris, Managing Director & Partner at Numo Hotels & Resorts. “As with Numo Ierapetra, our goal is to redefine unique locations, creating strong ties with the respective communities while bringing out their best. We chose the island of Mykonos, one of the most popular destinations in the world, to leave our creative mark while simultaneously showcasing the Numo brand’s personality to a demanding yet dynamic audience,” he adds.
Design at its best
The hotel continues Numo’s core design philosophy, one inspired by the locale, nature, and traditional materials, showcasing them in a modern and imaginative way. Housed in an authentic Mykonian building, this is a space respectfully remodelled to preserve and highlight traditional Cycladic elements; seen in its curves, the stone-built main arch at the reception, traditional built-in lounges, and striped floors in the bedrooms.
The building’s history and architecture provided the main guidelines for interior designer and creative director Ioanna Mitropoulou and her office, Hotel IM, who renovated the hotel in collaboration with the architectural office What The Studio by Marianthi Tsomlektsi and Simos Antoniadis. “In the common areas, the design is unified and extroverted, making the overall experience appealing, as if a good friend is welcoming you to his private villa,” explains Ioanna Mitropoulou. “The minimalist Cycladic design was enhanced with new techniques, using traditional, local materials such as plaster and granite dust in new applications by local craftsmen. Marble from all over Greece played a significant role in enhancing the spaces, and we find it in various textures and colours, such as the green Pocahontas from Argos at the statement reception desk, the green marble of Tinos around the main pool, and the yellow marble of Thebes in the bedroom sinks.”
Unique touches can be seen across the property, such as the handmade lighting fixtures made from reeds and rattan, and crafted by top artisans in Crete, inspired by the straw hats with large brims that “dance” in the Mykonian wind. Or the handmade Chamotte tiles by Patricia Urquiola for Mutina at the Màre Màre pool bar and the Italian “clostrà” (ceramic coverings) that provide privacy and shade in gardens and balconies. Paths to the rooms pass through small private gardens with low vegetation from Cycladic grasses, such as golden stipa, and succulents.
Effortlessly luxurious bedrooms
The resort offers 27 rooms, divided into eight categories of rooms and suites. All are decorated in a relaxed and effortlessly luxurious style with black and white striped marble floors, statement brass light fixtures, decorative objects selected by ceramic workshops in the Cyclades, and built-in beds and sitting areas inspired by vintage aesthetics and traditional Mykonian architecture. As for the colour palette, it is the choice of the landscape itself! The emerald and blue-green shades of the Kalafati waters meet the golden tones of the sand, while bold strokes of orange and terracotta evoke the island’s sunsets. Straw and wood details complete a setting of quiet luxury and relaxation. A special mention goes to the Evergreen Absolute Suite, which epitomises the quiet luxury style that permeates the resort, with a private garden and pool and a view of Kalafati.
Cuisine and wellness at the forefront
At Numo Mykonos, the aim is for guests to experience an authentic Mykonian culinary journey. At the all-day Anemoessa Restaurant, Nikos Kourkoutas, executive chef at Numo Ierapetra, designed a menu based on organic raw materials from small, local producers, marrying authentic Greek cuisine with unexpected gastronomic elements, resulting in dishes like the Caesar salad with crispy louza and Mykonos kopanisti dressing, and moussaka with fresh seafood, burnt béchamel, and Mykonian cheese – just two of the exciting dishes to enjoy.
At Màre Màre bar, Numo Mykonos collaborated with Konstantinos Theodorakopoulos, beverage drink director of Athens-based bar, The Bar In Front Of The Bar, honoured as one of the world’s top 100 bars in The World’s 50 Best Bars awards. Together, they created a series of signature cocktails and beverages rooted in Greek tradition, like the Mount Supreme tea with herbs and fruits from Olympus. True to Numo’s philosophy of sustainability and zero-waste techniques, Konstantinos Theodorakopoulos sources raw materials from producers who cultivate using natural farming leaving the smallest possible environmental footprint.
A stay at Numo Mykonos, the island’s new “jewel,” is transformed into a holistic relaxation experience. At Etherea Boutique Spa, mind and body are rejuvenated through soothing treatments, massages, and techniques that utilise the Mykonian sun and mother earth’s organic products while at the Ensoma Fitness Area, workouts can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors. Finally, fashion lovers will find elegant resort, beachwear pieces by Greek designers, and unique design objects in the Mosaique boutique.
