The bar was set high. As one of a handful of must-stay Santorini properties acclaimed over the last several decades, Katikies became legendary. Its whitewashed aesthetic and playful stairways, its infinity pools and spectacular Oia views all contributed to its renown. Now Katikies Santorini has a sister property on an equally famous Cycladic sister island: Katikies Mykonos. Hotel Manager Christina Ntousia notes that with all the cross-travel between the two islands, a presence on Mykonos was necessary. At 2.5 miles away from Mykonos Town (Chora), Katikies Mykonos is just close enough to the revelry yet far enough to offer a measure of elegant seclusion. Perched on a hillside overlooking a crescent-shape beach on the quiet Agios Ioannis peninsula, the hotel features an amphitheater-like setting with stairways in homage to the original Katikies that offer an ever-changing vista of Agios Ioannis (St. John’s) Bay.
Of the 35 suites spread over seven categories, virtually every one has a veranda and either a private pool or jetted tub.”
With a spare, clean aesthetic that dares not compete with its sea view, Katikies Mykonos also dares you not leave your accommodation. Of the 35 suites spread over seven categories, virtually every one has a veranda and either a private pool or jetted tub. The suite décor eschews trendiness or novelty, opting instead for a classic Greek blue-and-white color palette with soft lines: for example, the unstructured blue headboard is enhanced by white piping, while the comfy chairs and daybed-like sofas reverse these colors. Additional white pieces and romantic, filigreed screens complete the look, with an arrangement of sconces and pendants providing the glow.
The décor of the boutique spa continues the décor of the suites with lacey ornamental screens, enveloping white sofas and a soothing trough-like fountain that hugs the angled walls. The treatments suites are perfect for couples, with twin massage beds, steam rooms and showers.
Katikies is so devoted to delivering a consistent brand experience to its loyal guests that even its dining venues carry the same names as their Santorini predecessors. Seltz Champagne Bar & Restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, features a Mediterranean and sushi menu that is available all day. “But at dinner, we offer a Greek menu with modern twists,” Ntousia says. “For example, you can have a Greek souvlaki or pastitsio, but in a more inventive way.” Mikrasia, for fine dining, offers a beach club-like experience with sand (for barefoot dining), fan palms and the hotel’s second swimming pool. Anatolian and Byzantine cuisine dominates, as guests enjoy a seafood-heavy menu (turbot, grouper, cod, squid) to the strains of Anatolian music.
The brand’s expansion is further evidenced by its more generous name: Katikies Resorts & Club. The “Club” is a supercharged VIP concierge service available to guests of the hotels; any desire can be booked online. Offerings include restaurant reservations, VIP access to museums and archaeological sites, high-end private transfers, bespoke tours and access to local travel pros. “It’s a company we have created inside the company,” Ntousia says.