Muddy Stilettos


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7-3-1000x667.jpg" alt="Panoramic views from Once in Mykonos" class="wp-image-113273" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7-3-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7-3.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Panoramic views from Once in Mykonos</figcaption></figure>



<p>High on a hillside (yes, your calves may feel it if you choose to skip the shuttle buggy), <a href="https://www.onceinmykonos.com/">Once in Mykonos</a> is a luxe boutique bolthole with panoramic sea views, just 10 minutes from the airport and the buzzy bars of Mykonos Old Town. It overlooks Ornos Beach – perfect if you want to dip a toe in the island’s famously wild scene, then retreat somewhere calm and smug with a cold drink and a cucumber slice over each eye.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1-5-1000x667.jpg" alt="Infinity pool at Once in Mykonos" class="wp-image-113278" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1-5-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1-5-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1-5.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The cliff-side infinity pool at Once in Mykonos is perfect to cool down in</figcaption></figure>



<p>Wafty white curtains? Tick. Cliffside infinity pool? Double tick. An actual helipad in case your chopper’s in for a service? Of course. Once in Mykonos is a polished grown-up Greek fantasy – a former private villa turned adults-only sanctuary. You’ll find super-friendly service, crisp cocktails and a parade of glam guests drifting between cabana and sun lounger, many of whom are allegedly famous (though the sunglasses are large enough to conceal all identities).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillow-talk">PILLOW TALK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/5-4-1000x667.jpg" alt="Bedroom at Once in Mykonos" class="wp-image-113275" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/5-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/5-4-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/5-4.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Many of the bedrooms at Once in Mykonos boast sea views and private terraces</figcaption></figure>



<p>The bedrooms are&nbsp;<em>bougie</em>&nbsp;with a capital B. We’re talking giant beds, rainfall showers, floor-to-ceiling sea views, and terraces so private you can do your morning yoga in your pants. Some rooms even have their own plunge pool or hot tub – ideal for a cheeky twilight dip (no judgement here). Décor is neutral, plush and non-shouty – like a very chic influencer who’s gone on a digital detox.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/6-4-1000x667.jpg" alt="Breakfast at Once in Mykonos" class="wp-image-113274" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/6-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/6-4-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/6-4.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The breakfast offerings at Once are incredible</figcaption></figure>



<p>Greek food, but not as your yiayia made it. Breakfast is à la carte and dangerously good – the flaky spanakopita, whipped yoghurt and honey, and excellent strong coffee will ruin you for sad Weetabix forever. The restaurant serves up a contemporary take on Mediterranean cuisine, where the lamb is slow-cooked, the taramasalata is white (not luminous pink), and the Aperol spritz is always within arm’s reach. Research purposes, obviously.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spa">SPA</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/10-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-113280" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/10-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/10-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/10.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Yoga with a view at Once Mykonos</figcaption></figure>



<p>Trot down past the pool and you’ll find the spa – sleek, scented and blissfully quiet. I sampled the very trendy ‘Welnamis’ sound therapy (binaural beats and a vibroacoustic waterbed – don’t ask, just enjoy), which allegedly rewires your brain. Did it work? Well, I haven’t thrown my phone into the sea yet, so maybe. There’s also a fab menu of massages and facials if you prefer a more hands-on approach to relaxation.</p>



<p>Outdoor yoga with sea views is also on offer – equal parts smug and soothing, especially when done while still nursing last night’s cocktails. Stretch, breathe, forgive yourself for the poolside fries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/9-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-113279" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/9-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/9-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/9-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Enjoying the refreshments on a Don Blue Prime boat tour</figcaption></figure>



<p>Yes, there’s a Soho House. Yes, it’s fabulous. But the real scene-stealer is <a href="https://www.santannamykonos.com/">SantAnna Beach Club &amp; Restaurant</a> – a sun-drenched party palace with butler service, Europe’s biggest seawater pool and more beautiful people than you can shake a pair of Gucci sliders at. Come for lunch, stay for the sunset, leave at your own risk.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-2025-06-18T072946.690-1000x667.jpg" alt="SantAnna beach club" class="wp-image-113285" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-2025-06-18T072946.690-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-2025-06-18T072946.690-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-2025-06-18T072946.690.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">SantAnna beach club, a 10 minute drive from Once in Mykonos</figcaption></figure>



<p>We also hopped on a <a href="https://donblue.gr/">Don Blue Prime Yachting</a> tour to the nearby islands of <a href="https://www.onceinmykonos.com/a-tour-to-remember/">Delos &amp; Rheni</a> – part history, part high-living, all topped off with wine and swimming stops. Saltier water than expected, but 10/10 would dive in again.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/12-1000x667.jpg" alt="Fruit platter, SantAnna beach club" class="wp-image-113282" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/12-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/12-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/12.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Fruit platter served up beachside at SantAnna</figcaption></figure>



<p>Mykonos after dark is a whole&nbsp;<em>thing</em>. There’s something for everyone, from candlelit clifftop cocktails to full-on dancing at Tabu (yes, like the one in London). Some of us bowed out at 3am for a precious, child-free kip. Others were still at it come sunrise. Mykonos, baby – sleep is optional.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-kid-friendly-but-not-a-problem">NOT KID FRIENDLY (BUT NOT A PROBLEM)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-2025-06-18T092650.554.jpg" alt="Miranda at SantAnna" class="wp-image-113294" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-2025-06-18T092650.554.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-2025-06-18T092650.554-600x600.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-2025-06-18T092650.554-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-2025-06-18T092650.554-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Muddy&#8217;s Miranda enjoying the cabana at SantAnna Beach Club</figcaption></figure>



<p>As a parent, I love my child. But as a holidaymaker, I also love not hearing Peppa Pig at breakfast. Once in Mykonos is gloriously adults-only, which means peace, poolside calm, and the rare joy of finishing a sentence without interruption. Sorry, not sorry.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessibility">ACCESSIBILITY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/3-2-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-113271" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/3-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/3-2-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/3-2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The hotel is set into a cliffside</figcaption></figure>



<p>Worth noting: the hotel is carved into the hillside, which makes for spectacular views – and a fair number of steps. There’s a buggy on standby, but not all rooms are step-free, so check in advance if that’s important.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p>If you like your Greek holidays chic, serene and just a little bit showy, Once in Mykonos is a winner. It nails that tricky balance between peaceful retreat and party access. Whether you’re sipping cocktails with your best mates, honeymooning, or just treating yourself&nbsp;<em>because you deserve it</em>, this is a stylish base with serious wow factor.</p>



<p><strong>GOOD FOR:</strong> Loved-up couples, glam groups, stylish sun seekers, anyone who wants the buzz of Mykonos without the 4am beach drum circle right outside the window.</p>



<p><strong>NOT FOR:</strong> Families with kids, anyone needing mobility support, or those who prefer rustic taverna vibes over five-star polish.</p>



<p><strong>THE DAMAGE</strong>: EasyJet holidays offers seven nights at the 5* <a href="https://www.easyjet.com/en/holidays/greece/mykonos/ornos/once-in-mykonos">Once in Mykonos</a> in Mykonos on a Bed &amp; Breakfast basis for £2,166 pp including 23kg of luggage, transfers and flights from London Gatwick on 8 July 2025.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-getting-there">GETTING THERE</h2>



<p>Direct flights from major UK airports to Mykonos (3.5–4 hours). You’ll be poolside in 10 minutes flat – quicker than finding your passport at Border Control.</p>



<p>WORDS: MIRANDA LUKE</p>


Review: Once in Mykonos – Greek glamour & zero kids

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