The Report
"Mykkoonosssssss!"... That's the melodic way we chant the name of this mystical and magical Mediterranean island where the sun shines up to 300 days a year. If you are a world wanderer who is enticed with visions of hanging out in hammocks, sun worshiping, socializing and surfing the salty sea, then San Giorgio, Mykonos is your new home away from home. This newly renovated gem emanates the homey and welcoming vibe of staying the night at your besties (if your BFF had an insanely cool oceanfront Grecian paradise party pad, that is.)
This hotel is all about free-spirited comfort with a boho buzzin' twist that we are calling Bohemian Aegean. Our reporters are going gaga for the party panache factor, perfectly fuzed with 60's laid-back luxury. This beauty is also budget friendly with room rates starting at 150 EUR. Additionally, San Giorgio, Mykonos has collaborated with the Design Hotelsgroup, and as they say "what turned out to be a happy experiment is here to stay!" This collaboration has created an atmosphere and vibe that caters to gypsetters and jetsetters alike.
History Lesson.San Giorgio started back in the 90's, the decade of grunge rock and Beverly Hills 90210, when a local fisherman staked claim on Paradise beach to build this seaside hotel. Fast forward to 2012, and the neighboring club owners of Paradise Club, took over the 33-room property. Long-time buddies of Design Hotels, Thomas Heyne and Mario Hertel together with Markos Daktilidis, owner of Paradise Beach, joined forces with the brand to create this Mediterranean masterpiece that has become San Giorgio. Located a mere 300 meters from Paradise Club (ranked amongst the top five in Europe), San Giorgio is nestled between the beautiful beaches of Paradise and Paranga.
HOW WILL MY GUESTS GET HERE?:San Giorgio Hotel is a mere 10 minutes from the bustling center of town. The airport on Mykonos is serviced by domestic flights from Athens and direct flights from the UK. You and your guests may also opt to island hop and ferry over to the island on a car ferry or high speed catamaran.
The Scoop
We spotted the quote "My PHAT Greek Wedding" on the website of San Giorgio Hotel and instantaneously knew that this was the place to have a nag free nuptials and one heck of a good time. In addition to being an idyllic group getaway, San Giorgio Hotel can organize a multitude of celebrations including pool parties, dinner parties, social events, elopements, weddings and more.
Taking a walk down the aisle side in Mykonos is already enchanting enough, but add on the design driven surroundings complimented with lavish service of San Giorgio Hotel and you can host one heck of a shindig. Many of our reporters have years of event planning experience under our belts, and understand that planning a destination celebration isn't always easy peasy. Luckily, San Giorgio Hotel, understands these destination driven soiree struggles and is ready to work closely with you to plan the perfect day. If you wed here you can stay on to enjoy your honeymoon or island hop around the glamorous Greek islands with your gaggle of guests.
Going to the Chapel. Next to the white-washed walls of the main building, San Giorgio Hotel offers the use of an intimate and charming chapel that can accommodate up to 30 guests. This traditional chapel is even replete with a white bell-tower and ideal for a romantic wedding ceremony, elopement or vow renewal.
San Giorgio Hotel is also available for buyouts. This will elevate your hotel-as-home experience even further, as you and your guests take over all 33 rooms for a wedding or special celebration. The staff at the hotel are ready to assist you in creating the Greek gathering of your dreams. Your beach wedding or event can include dining, dancing and drinking the night away under the moonlight. From sunup to sundown the energetic ambiance of Mykonos will carry you into morning where you can sleep off your hangover next to the sounds of the melodic sea.
Designing an event here would not be difficult. There is no need to lug duffle bags full of wedding and event decor on the plane ride over. The hotel already offers a "gypset aesthetic." The Cantina Restaurant and Bar boasts a community-centric 30-seater restaurant with long wood feasting tables. A cultural kaleidoscope of accessories and eclectic design such as wooden benches, chairs and stools create a chic nomadic atmosphere perfect for a party. Additionally, the bar at San Giorgio Hotel, was clearly designed by pros. With serene white washed walls as the backdrop it is chock full of colorful cushions, exotic lanterns and handcrafted wood furniture that pays homage to the locale. The seaside sunbeds in the open air lounge can be enjoyed during the day for sunbathing and later, as the night progresses, used to lazily lounge on while sipping libations.
WHAT WILL MY GUESTS EAT & DRINK?: The cuisine is composed of fresh from the market fare. The ever-changing menu is based on local, seasonal ingredients used to create a Mediterranean feast with a twist. Some of the delightful dishes include Mussels with Smoky Bacon & Cider, Aegean Kakavia (a local fish stew) or Roast Carrot and Avocado Salad with Orange and Lemon Dressing.
Bonus
San Giorgio, Mykonos offers major perks morning, noon and night. You and your guests or group getaway gang, will have fun from sunup to sundown.
Morning. You can press the snooze button on your alarm as often as you please, but really, why are you even setting your alarm? When you do climb out of bed you will be greeted with Greek yogurt, fruit, freshly baked breads, Mykonos sausages, cheese and homemade marmalade. Mornings at San Giorgio can also be spent doing the complimentary sports program run by Olympic-level long jumper Kofi Prah.
Noon. Choose from a plethora of onsite activities. Lounge on a sun bed by the pool, partake in a yoga or boxing class, or get a relaxing massage.
Night. The owners of San Giorgio, Mario and Thomas, will gift you with complimentary access to the VIP area of Paradise Club. As personal friends of the proprietors, world-renowned DJs like Armin Van Buuren, Moby and David Guetta have become contributors to the public spaces of the hotel. Impromptu chilled-house sets and White Parties are an exclusive experience for guests. These monthly events take place in the hotel’s open-air lounge.
STYLE FOR YOUR SETTING
We are so inspired by the whitewashed walls of Mykonos mixed with colorful bohemian pops. The punched metal lanterns and rustic washed woods that adorn the hotel serve as the perfect palette and inspiration for event decor at San Giorgio Hotel. Our sister company, Canvas & Canopy Environments designed this eclectic bohemian tablescape above, that would be a perfect fit for an event at this venue.
1. FOSSILS: Greece is rich with ancient history and ruins, so set your tables with polished fossils and stones alongside neolithic containers. 2. MUTED PALETTE WITH POPS: Layer your dining tables with a nuetral palette. Bring in patterns and pops of color with the napkins, gold flatware and colorful flowers. 3. LOUNGE: The free-spirited venue vibe calls for floor lounges with patterned pillows and tons of candlelight. Photos by Jose Villa Photography; Design by our sister company Canvas & Canopy Environments.
Inside Scoop
MUSIC TO OUR EARS: After you sip, savor and socialize at your San Giorgio Hotel celebration, you can continue the party over at the Paradise Club next door. Because the owners own both properties, you will get access to enjoy the mix of happy House music at the open-air lounge setting of the club into the wee hours of the morning.
Highlight Reel
- Flawless bohemian design and cosmopolitan character
- Access to one of the best clubs in Europe that is right next door.
- An array of activities at your fingertips morning, noon and night.
- Budget friendly with rooms starting at 150 EUR
- Seaside views, an onsite restaurant and spectacular lounge bar
- A full service team ready to help you plan the event of your dreams
- A member of the Design Hotels group
- Each room has weighty cotton matelassé quilts, spacious bathrooms and organic bath products.
Around Town
Established in 1980 Caprice is a longstanding establishment. Caprice bar, was ranked in “Newsweek” magazine among the 10 best bars worldwide and located in Little Venice. You must indulge in their famous fruit sticks that accompany the legendary Caprice cocktails while watching the sunset (Photo via www.caprice.gr)
Take a trip to a Fokos Taverna (described as a jewel of Cycladic architecture). A tad remote but well worth the trip. Follow signs for Fokos from Ano Mera, keeping the wind turbine on your right! The road winds through farmlands, past a dam where you may spot aquatic birds and down into the untamed beauty of the beach where traditional Greek cuisine awaits. (photo via www.fokosmykonos.com)
Take an adventure on the sparkling seas aboard the Delos and Rhenia Cruise. First, sail towards Delos Island and explore the ancient site. Then carry on to the Island of Rhenia where you will dock by a deserted beach, swim in the crystal clear waters, and sunbath on the sandy beach. Traditional Greek lunch is provided on the boat, with ouzo, wine, & juice. (photo and info via www.azzurrotravel.gr)
San Giorgio Hotel is a proud member of Design Hotels. All photos provided courtesy of San Giorgio and Design Hotels.
