Mykonos is loud. It’s expensive, it’s windy, and if you pick the wrong spot, it’s basically a non-stop EDM festival that you didn't buy tickets for. But honestly? Tucked away in Agios Ioannis, Anax Resort and Spa feels like a different universe. Most people flock to the beach clubs at Nammos or Scorpios, but those who actually want to breathe—and I mean really breathe—end up here. It’s a five-star property that manages to feel like a private estate rather than a corporate hotel chain.
I’ve seen plenty of "luxury" resorts that are just white paint and overpriced feta. This isn't that.
The Reality of the Agios Ioannis Location
Agios Ioannis isn't the party center of the island. That’s a good thing. You’ve got a view of Delos island, which is essentially the birthplace of Apollo in Greek mythology, and the sunsets here are arguably the best on the entire island. Because the resort is built into the cliffside, every single room faces the Aegean. No "garden view" scams here where you're staring at a parking lot or a dumpster.
You’re about a ten-minute drive from Mykonos Town (Chora). The resort runs a shuttle, but let’s be real: you’ll probably want a car or an ATV if you plan on exploring. If you stay put, you have access to a semi-private beach area. The water is crystal clear, though like most of Mykonos, it’s a bit rocky. Wear the flip-flops.
What Actually Happens Inside Anax Resort and Spa
The architecture is aggressively Cycladic. White, curvy, and minimalist. But it’s the scale that gets you. The infinity pool looks like it’s spilling directly into the sea, and because the resort isn't massive, you don't have to wake up at 6:00 AM to "claim" a sunbed with a towel like you're at a cut-rate all-inclusive in Mallorca.
The Rooms are Massive
In Mykonos, space is the ultimate luxury. Most hotel rooms in the town center are basically glorified closets. At Anax Resort and Spa, the entry-level rooms are larger than most suites elsewhere.
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- The Maisonettes: These are split-level. Perfect if you’re traveling with someone but don't want to be breathing their air 24/7.
- Private Pool Suites: Honestly, if you can swing the extra cost, do it. There is something about waking up and stepping straight into your own infinity pool while the rest of the island is still hungover and sleeping.
- The Bathrooms: They use high-end Greek toiletries (usually APIVITA or similar brands) and the showers actually have decent water pressure—a rare feat on an island that has to ship in most of its fresh water.
Anax Resort and Spa: The Anasa Wellness Center
The spa is called Anasa. It’s not just a room with a massage table and a scented candle. They have a hammam, a sauna, and a gym that—while not huge—is actually functional. Most people go for the signature massages using local olive oil and herbs. It’s pricey, obviously. You’re in Mykonos. But compared to the spa prices at the Santa Marina down the road, it’s actually somewhat reasonable for the level of service you get.
The therapists here actually know what they’re doing. They don't just rub oil on you for 50 minutes; they actually work the knots out. If you’ve spent the previous night dancing at Cavo Paradiso, your calves will thank you.
Eating and Drinking (Without Getting Scammed)
The main restaurant is Kyma. It’s fine dining, Mediterranean style.
- The Breakfast: It’s a spread. We’re talking local honey, thick Greek yogurt that actually tastes like something, handmade pastries, and eggs made to order. It’s included in most rates and you should eat enough to skip lunch.
- The Sunset Bar: This is the crown jewel. Even if you aren't staying at the resort, people try to come here for a drink. The mixologists are legit. Try anything with Mastiha—it’s a resin from Chios and it makes a cocktail taste like a pine forest in the best way possible.
- The Price Point: Look, a salad is going to cost you 20+ Euros. A cocktail is 18-25. That is just the "Mykonos Tax." If you want cheap eats, head into town for a 5-Euro gyros at Sakis. But for a romantic dinner, the Kyma terrace is hard to beat.
The Service Nuance
Service in Greece can be... relaxed. At some high-end resorts, "relaxed" turns into "invisible." At Anax, the staff seems to find that middle ground. They remember your name. They know if you prefer sparkling water over still.
There’s a specific kind of hospitality in Greece called philoxenia. It basically means "friendship to strangers." You feel that here. It doesn't feel like the staff is just waiting for a tip; they genuinely seem proud of the property. When the Meltemi winds pick up (and they will, it's Mykonos), the staff is out there instantly securing umbrellas and making sure you aren't getting sand in your drink.
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Common Misconceptions About Staying Here
Some people think because it's in Agios Ioannis, they'll be bored. "It's too quiet," they say.
Wrong.
You’re literally five minutes away from Ornos Beach, which has some of the best restaurants and beach clubs on the island (like Pasaji or Buddha Bar). You get the quiet when you want to sleep and the chaos when you want to party. It’s the best of both worlds.
Another misconception is that it’s "adults only." It’s not. It’s "adult-oriented." You might see a few kids, but it’s not the kind of place with a splash pad and a kids' club. It’s sophisticated. If your kids are the type to run around screaming, this probably isn't the vibe for you.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Stay
If you’re booking Anax Resort and Spa, don't just pick the cheapest room on a third-party site. Call them. Email them. Ask about the specific view from the room.
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The resort is tiered down a cliff. Rooms higher up have a wider panoramic view, but rooms lower down are closer to the pool and the sea. Decide what you value more: the "big" view or the convenience of being three steps from the water.
Also, check the wind forecast. If the North wind (Meltemi) is blowing hard, the pool area can get chilly. The resort has glass barriers to block most of it, but it’s still something to keep in mind for your packing list. Bring a light jacket even in July.
Actionable Steps for Your Mykonos Trip
If you're ready to book, follow this specific plan to ensure you don't waste money or time:
- Book Directly: Often, the resort will throw in a free airport or port transfer if you book through their official website. Taxis in Mykonos are a nightmare and can cost 50 Euros for a 10-minute ride.
- Timing Matters: Aim for June or September. The weather is perfect, the water is warm, and the resort won't be at 100% capacity. July and August are "peak chaos" months.
- Rent a Vehicle: Arrange a car rental to be delivered to the hotel. It gives you the freedom to hit the eastern beaches like Kalafati or Elia without relying on expensive private drivers.
- The Delos Trip: Take the boat from the nearby Ornos pier to Delos. It’s one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and it’s right across the water from your balcony.
- Dine at Hippie Fish: It’s a short walk from the resort. It’s where they filmed Shirley Valentine. Great food, great history, and much cheaper than the resort’s fine dining for a casual lunch.
Anax Resort and Spa isn't just a place to sleep. It’s a strategic choice. You stay here because you want the Mykonos experience without the Mykonos headache. You get the white-blue aesthetic, the luxury service, and the Aegean views, but you also get a quiet sanctuary to retreat to when the rest of the island gets a little too loud.