
Cali Mykonos hotel review: one of the most luxurious hotels in the Cyclades
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Score 10/10Each of the 40 suites and villas has exterior space, an open-air shower and at least partial sea views, plus a green roof with pollinator-friendly plantings. Clearly designed on a nothing-but-the-best budget, even the entry-level Deluxe Suites are a generous 45 sq m, stretching to almost the same again outside (higher categories have private pools).
Every detail is top-notch: cut-stone floors, stained oak doors, incredibly comfortable Coco-Mat mattresses, and oversized sofas and loungers from STFN Labs, a well-known Athenian designer. Equally beautiful are the rain-shower-equipped bathrooms wrapped in marble, and the views of the sea and sculptural rocky surrounds framed by deep-set picture windows.
Score 9/10Breakfast — served à la carte with the morning sun glinting off the sea — offers choices of avocado toast, shakshuka, omelette or vegan breakfast wrap, plus strapatsada (scrambled eggs with feta) for local flavour. Daytime appetites are satisfied by sushi rolls, watermelon salad, souvlaki, calamari, dips and cheeseburgers (plus vegan options) enjoyed either poolside or in an open-air lounge, sheltered from wind and sun.
Highlights of the drinks menu include quality Greek wines by the glass, or signature cocktails such as the mastiha-based Polka Dot. Among standouts from the dinner menu's land, sea and vegetarian sections are seafood risotto and slow-roast lamb, all at reasonable-for-Mykonos prices. Further choice comes via the Lounge for sushi and staggering sea views (evening only).
• Santorini v Mykonos: which is better?• More great hotels in Mykonos
Score 9/10Cali's showpiece saltwater pool is an absolute one-of-a-kind stunner. At 130m long, it's the largest in Mykonos and gives the illusion of merging with the bay: an infinity pool indeed. Below it lies a gravelly cove flanked by the hillside's sculptural rocks that partially shelter it from persistent breezes. Two Axopar 37 speed boats float beside the adjacent pontoon, ready to whisk guests on island tours or to the south coast's beach clubs. Those into fitness will appreciate the gym's extensive equipment and there are classes in yoga, reformer Pilates and personal training available at an additional cost. There's no spa, but treatments can be arranged in-suite.
Score 9/10While the east coast, far from Mykonos Town, was once the unfashionable side of the island, its chilled-out vibes are now a valued commodity. Cali sits above the sea here, looking out towards Tragonisi islet, whose form resembles a slumbering dragon. Sandy Kalafatis beach is at the bottom of the hill, with smaller Agia Anna beach (home to see-and-be-seen Spilia restaurant) just beyond. Along with Elia, these nearby shores can be accessed by complimentary shuttle, which also runs a several-times-a-day service into town (a 25-minute drive away). Airport transfers take about 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
Price B&B doubles from £743Restaurant mains from £14Family-friendly YAccessible Y
James Litston was a guest of Cali Mykonos (calimykonos.com)
• What to do in Mykonos• Best places in Greece for couples

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The Independent
16 hours ago
- The Independent
The best beach hotels in Barcelona, with rooftop pools, Michelin-starred restaurants and epic views
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SLS Barcelona hotel Spain's first SLS outpost is shaking up Barcelona's hotel scene with its good-time vibe, creative dining, 471 playfully moody rooms with balconies and Med-view deck set around a glowing triangular pool. Freshly launched in 2025, it is part of the design-driven Ennismore group, so you know the look will be dazzling, down to the neon-lit lobby tunnel. The setting in the El Fòrum area means being quite far removed from the city-centre buzz (though perfectly located for Primavera Festival, which takes place in early June each year), but there are golden sands within a 10-minute walk and easy access to the Zona de Banys coastal swimming platforms next to Parc del Fòrum. 4. W Barcelona hotel It is impossible to miss the sail-shaped, five-star W Barcelona looming over the waves just south of Barceloneta. The shimmering building was designed by Ricardo Bofill, and is famous for its fun energy, including DJ nights on its beach-view deck and a glamorous 26th-floor cocktail bar serving Japan-inspired sips and snacks. There are sea views from two sun-drenched pools, as well as from all 473 sleek rooms and suites, which have full-length windows beaming in Mediterranean light and a clubby feel with suspended lamps, swirling-blue floors and Bluetooth speakers. The food-and-drink scene is a big draw too, from creative grill-based cooking at Fire to seafood rice dishes made for sharing at beachy Salt Restaurant. 5. Borneta hotel It might not sit quite on the beachfront, but Borneta is a soulful, boutique-style retreat in nearby El Born that will delight design-savvy travellers. While the arch-fronted building dates from the 19th century, there's an arty edge to the stylishly homey rooms, with Spain-sourced antiques, earthy tones and, for some, private terraces. Much of the look – creative tilework, wooden flooring – was inspired by Barcelonese homes. The excellent lobby bar and restaurant Volta pulls in a mixed crowd of local regulars and visitors. You'll glimpse the greenery of Parc de la Ciutadella just across the road from the tiled rooftop, which has a dip pool and pop-up fitness classes. Beach-wise, it's a 20-minute stroll through lively Barceloneta to the nearest sands. 6. Soho House Barcelona hotel A playground of design, arts and fun vibes awaits at Barcelona's Soho House, which borders the southern edge of the Barri Gòtic around a 20-minute walk from Barceloneta's buzzing beach. Within a rose-pink 18th-century building are 56 divine rooms with suitably stylish Catalan design features such as vaulted ceilings and floral-patterned textiles. A wealth of facilities and communal spaces includes a sought-after rooftop pool and cocktail lounge looking out on Port Vell; a farmhouse-feel underground spa by Cowshed; and creative, light-flooded restaurant Cecconi's, best known locally for its Italian-influenced Sunday brunches. 7. Sofitel Barcelona Skipper hotel Popular Platja del Somorrostro sits just a block away across the palm-fringed promenade from Barcelona's five-star branch of the upscale French brand Sofitel. Lush greenery frames the angular main pool, though the big highlight is the twinkling, more grown-up ElCielo rooftop pool overlooking the Med. A splash of Parisian elegance sweeps through the maritime-inspired rooms, which are all richly decorated with cobalt-blue velvet curtains, rugs and cushions and have luxe Diptyque products in the white-tiled bathrooms. Luxury, Premium and Suite categories include their own terraces, with coastal panoramas to enjoy from upper floors. 8. Serras Barcelona hotel One of the city's best-loved luxury boltholes also happens to be just a 15-minute stroll away from the Barceloneta beaches, at the foot of the Barri Gòtic. Part of a small boutique-hotel label, Serras Barcelona is set in a 19th-century building on Passeig de Colom, making it ideal for both beach time and cultural adventures. Soak up Port Vell panoramas from the sunny rooftop, where a metallic plunge pool sparkles amid potted greenery. Like many of Barcelona's top hotels, it's strong on gastronomy too, with smart Catalan tapas on the roof terrace restaurant, Informal, and Italian-meets-Catalan cuisine with a slow food focus at lobby-level Agreste. There are 28 dreamy rooms, all with balconies, decorative hydraulic tiles and perks, such as complementary yoga mats. 9. H10 Port Vell hotel Set right on the Port Vell marina, this four-star branch of reputable H10 Hotels (a well-known Catalan chain) offers understated, contemporary-feel stays in a historical building within 15 minutes' walk of Barceloneta's beachfront. Rooms are crisply styled in clean whites and have welcome extras like Rituals toiletries, but most guests make a beeline for the royal-blue rooftop dip pool. Select a Port room if you'd like a balcony with waterfront panoramas. The surrounding streets burst with tapas bars and vermouth counters. Address: Pas de Sota Muralla 9, 08003 Barcelona Why trust us The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent's expert travel writer, Isabella Noble, who lives in Spain and has a deep knowledge of the country. She has lived in Andalucía and Barcelona and has authored several guidebooks on the country. 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Daily Mail
17 hours ago
- Daily Mail
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Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- Daily Mail
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