Mykonos is loud. It is expensive, occasionally exhausting, and packed with people trying very hard to be seen. But then there is Ornos Bay, where the vibe shifts. If you have spent any time looking into high-end Greek hospitality, you’ve definitely seen photos of the place. Santa Marina a Luxury Collection Resort Mykonos isn't just another hotel on the cliffside; it is a sprawling, 20-acre private peninsula that basically owns the most coveted real estate on the island. It’s the kind of place where the helicopters landing on the private pad aren’t for show—they are just how the guests get to lunch.
Most people come to Mykonos for the beach clubs, but the irony is that the best beach on the island is tucked away behind the gates of this resort. Honestly, the private beach at Santa Marina is the only one in Mykonos where you aren't fighting for a sunbed or listening to three different DJs competing for your eardrums at the same time. It’s quiet. It’s exclusive. And it’s the home of the world’s first Buddha-Bar Beach, which, depending on who you ask, is either the pinnacle of Mediterranean cool or a very expensive place to eat sushi in your swimsuit. (Hint: it’s both).
The Peninsula Privilege: Why Location Actually Matters
Look, "luxury" is a word that gets thrown around until it means nothing. In Mykonos, every villa with a splash pool calls itself a five-star experience. Santa Marina is different because it feels like a village. It doesn't just face the water; it is surrounded by it on three sides. This gives you a level of privacy that is basically impossible to find at the newer hotels in Mykonos Town or the crowded south coast.
When you stay at Santa Marina a Luxury Collection Resort Mykonos, you’re staying at a property that has been family-owned for decades. That matters. The late Elias Papageorgiou bought this land when Mykonos was just a rocky outcrop for backpackers and bohemians. He had the foresight to grab the entire peninsula. Today, his daughter Christiana Papageorgiou runs the show. That family touch is why the service feels human, even when you're paying thousands of dollars a night. It’s not corporate. It’s personal.
The rooms are scattered across the hill. There are 101 rooms and suites, plus a collection of villas that are basically mansions. If you’re staying in one of the higher-tier suites, you get a private pool that looks like it’s spilling directly into the Aegean. The architecture is that classic Cycladic white-and-stone look, but inside, it’s all silk, wood, and high-end tech. It’s understated. It doesn't scream. It just exists perfectly.
The Buddha-Bar Factor
We have to talk about the food. Buddha-Bar Beach Mykonos is the heart of the resort. It’s a global brand, sure, but here it feels native. During the day, it’s a chilled-out spot for Wagyu sliders and local seafood. At night, it transforms. The music gets deeper, the crowd gets better looking, and the cocktails—created by world-class mixologists—are dangerous.
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Is it expensive? Yes. A lunch here will cost you more than a dinner at a decent spot in London or New York. But you’re paying for the fact that you can swim in the crystal-clear water of Ornos Bay, walk ten feet to your table, and have a DJ from Paris playing a set while you eat sea bream ceviche.
If you want something a bit more "Greek," there is Mykonos Social by Jason Atherton. Atherton is a Michelin-starred heavy hitter, and his take on Mediterranean food is sophisticated without being pretentious. Think local tomatoes that actually taste like the sun, grilled octopus, and desserts that look like art. It’s a nice counterpoint to the high-energy vibe of the Buddha-Bar.
What Most People Get Wrong About Mykonos Resorts
A lot of travelers think that staying "close to the action" means staying in Mykonos Town. That is a mistake you only make once. The Town is a labyrinth of tourists and cruise ship passengers. Staying at Santa Marina means you are only 10 minutes away by car, but you are worlds apart in terms of sanity.
The resort has its own fleet of boats. This is the real way to see the island. You don't take a taxi to Delos or Rhenia; you have the concierge arrange a Riva to pick you up at the resort’s private pier.
- The Spa: The Ginkgo Spa is one of the few places on the island that actually takes wellness seriously. They use ESPA products and have a traditional Hammam.
- The Pools: There are two main pools. The Colonial Pool is for families, and the Oasis Pool is an infinity-edge masterpiece that is strictly for adults.
- The Gym: It’s actually good. Most hotel gyms are an afterthought. This one has Technogym equipment and a view that makes you forget you’re on a treadmill.
The Reality of the "Luxury Collection" Label
Being part of the Marriott Luxury Collection gives Santa Marina a certain backbone of reliability. You get the points, you get the standards, and you get the global booking system. But honestly, Santa Marina feels like it’s using the Luxury Collection for logistics while keeping its own soul. It doesn't feel like a Marriott. It feels like a private estate that happens to let you check in.
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The staff-to-guest ratio is high. If you need a specific bottle of wine or a last-minute table at Nammos, they make it happen. They have "The Lab," which is basically a high-end concierge team that specializes in the impossible. They know the island's secrets because they live there.
Is It Worth the Price Tag?
Let's be real. Santa Marina is one of the most expensive hotels in Greece. In peak season (July and August), the rates are eye-watering. You are paying for the private beach. You are paying for the security of a gated peninsula. You are paying for the fact that you might see a Hollywood A-lister at the next table and nobody is going to ask them for a selfie.
If you are a budget traveler, this isn't for you. If you want the "authentic" gritty Greek experience, go to a smaller island like Tinos or Sifnos. But if you want the Mykonos dream—the one with the turquoise water, the white linen, and the feeling of being completely insulated from the outside world—this is it.
Nuance and Limitations
It’s not all perfect. Because the resort is built on a steep hill, you’re going to be riding in golf carts a lot. If you like walking everywhere, your calves are going to feel it. Also, because Ornos Bay is popular, you will see a lot of yachts anchored out in the water. It’s a beautiful view, but it’s not "isolated." You are in the middle of the world’s playground.
Also, the wind. Mykonos is the "Island of the Winds." Sometimes, the Meltemi (the north wind) blows so hard it can make sitting on a beach annoying. Santa Marina’s position in Ornos Bay actually protects it better than many other spots, but you can't escape nature entirely.
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Actionable Advice for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book Santa Marina a Luxury Collection Resort Mykonos, do not just pick the cheapest room. The entry-level rooms are great, but the "Saga" suites or the villas are where the magic is.
Timing is everything. If you can go in June or September, do it. The weather is still perfect, the crowds are thinner, and the service is even more attentive because the staff isn't under the August crush.
Book your dining early. Even as a guest, Buddha-Bar Beach fills up fast, especially for sunset dinners. Tell the concierge the moment you book your room.
Use the boat. Don't spend your whole time on the peninsula. Have the resort take you to the uninhabited island of Rhenia for a private swim. It’s the best thing you’ll do in Greece.
Check the ferry schedule. If you are arriving by sea, the resort is a short drive from the new port. If you are flying, the airport is barely 10 minutes away. Use the resort’s private transfer service; Mykonos taxis are a nightmare and there are only about 30 of them for the whole island.
Final thought: Pack light, bring your best sunglasses, and be prepared to never want to leave the peninsula. Once you're inside, the rest of the world feels like a very distant memory. It's an expensive habit to start, but it's one of the few places that actually lives up to the hype.