A Secluded Gem: Our Stay at Alissachni Mykonos

After spending two delightful nights in an adorable Airbnb in Mykonos Town, Alex and I headed south to check in to what would be our home for the next two nights: Alissachni Mykonos.

Location

Alissachni Mykonos is nestled in the picturesque hills of Psarou, just a 12-minute drive from the airport and a 15-minute drive from charming Little Venice in Mykonos Town.

A crucial thing to note about Alissachni’s location is that it’s not directly on or within easy walking distance of a beach. Positioned high up on the cliffs, there isn’t a straightforward way to access Psarou Beach—the closest beach to the resort. The walk down involves navigating windy roads and takes about 45 minutes. We made the trek one late afternoon, but I wouldn’t recommend it after dark due to the narrow, curving roads that make it challenging for both pedestrians and drivers to see each other.

If you choose to hire a car, it’s about an 8-minute drive down to Psarou Beach.

Arrival

While the resort offers free shuttle service to and from the airport/port, since we were coming from town, we hired our own driver to take us.

Immediately upon arrival we were tended to by the friendly staff, and our bags were handled for us, which was a nice break after spending the last five days hauling them up and down various stairs and hills ourselves!

The women at the front desk were incredibly wonderful and welcoming, and the woman that I had been corresponding with before our stay was actually there working, so it was nice to meet her in person. She informed us that my request for a particular room had been granted (woohoo!), and gave me a WhatsApp number I could text if we needed anything at all.

Vibe

Perhaps it was the calm presence of the front desk staff, but right away I felt a sense of relaxation that only deepened as we began to explore the property. Although not technically a spa resort, Alissachni Mykonos exudes a spa-like energy throughout. The subtle reed diffusers, natural materials, and soothing color palette create an aura of tranquility—this is certainly not the place you’ll find the hard-partying 20-somethings that the island often attracts!

And remember how I mentioned the property is perched up in the hills? While that means you can’t step out onto the beach, it also means you get to witness some of the most incredible views you have ever seen. Truly, my jaw dropped when we first walked into the outdoor dining and lounge area.

What I also loved is the fact that all of the staff genuinely seemed to care about our well-being during our stay. From the chef to the porter to the bartender, everyone exuded a sense of serene elegance without a hint of pretense. This attentive, down-to-earth service just added to the entire experience.

Room

Continuing with the intimate theme, Alissachni Mykonos offers a limited number of guest rooms, ensuring exclusivity for its guests. Each room includes a terrace with a jacuzzi or large plunge pool, and some boast panoramic views that are absolutely breathtaking. Naturally, those were the rooms I had my sights on!

After thorough research, I decided that the Deluxe Jacuzzi Suite would be the perfect fit for us. Given that it was May, I didn’t quite trust the weather to keep a plunge pool warm enough to be comfortable. Within the Deluxe room category, the Phivi Suite stood out with its larger terrace and stunning views, but since you can only book room categories, and not particular rooms, I made several (🙃) requests for that particular suite.

To my delight, we ended up in the Phivi Suite, which turned out to be one of the best rooms on the property. The view from the loungers and jacuzzi was simply outstanding, complemented by a shaded seating area perfect for lunch or catching up on work with my laptop. The bed was cozy and situated across from a window that opened up to the outdoor area.

The bathroom was spacious, featuring a shower with a unique, cave-like design that added to the luxurious feel of the suite.

Food & Drink

For our first night, we chose to dine at the resort’s restaurant, which features a Greek and Mediterranean menu. Our server, Rosa, was incredibly attentive and friendly, and quickly became one of our favorite people we met throughout our entire trip.

We started the evening with the cheese platter, which was full of local cheeses, and the catch-of-the-day ceviche, which was unlike anything I had tasted before—so light, yet so flavorful. For dinner, Alex opted for the filet, while I enjoyed the orecchiette pasta. Rosa helped us select a Greek bottle of red wine, introducing us to Xinomavro, a grape variety we had never tried before. It was fantastic, by the way, and I sought out Xinomavro on wine lists throughout the rest of the trip.

The meal was delicious, but the real standout was the setting. Nearly all the tables in the restaurant offer stunning views of the Aegean Sea, which became even more spectacular at sunset. Unfortunately, being May, it got a bit too chilly to stay outside once the sun went down, so we moved inside to finish the last of the wine before heading back to our room for a good night’s sleep 😴.

Breakfast was included in our stay, and while there was a buffet with breads, pastries, cheeses, and more, the main meal was à la carte—a nice touch. The scrambled eggs I had were so good that I ordered them both days in a row! With black truffle, parsley, chives, and cream, they were easily some of the best eggs I’ve ever had.

Their full menu is also available for room service, which we indulged in later that day while lounging on our terrace. We kept it light and simple with a Greek salad and grilled octopus to share, along with a bottle of Prosecco.

Everything we ate during our stay at Alissachni was fresh, flavorful, and delicious. This is definitely a place that emphasizes delivering quality cuisine.

Facilities & Amenities

While each guest room boasts its own jacuzzi or large plunge pool, there is also a shared pool with loungers located in the same area as the restaurant and bar. We attempted to lay out by the pool and go for a swim one afternoon, but the late morning sun disappeared behind the clouds almost as soon as we arrived. We found that we were much better off enjoying the terrace and jacuzzi in our room instead.

Resort gyms are rarely ever anything to write home about, but the workout area at Alissachni is definitely unique in this regard. While small, it is equipped with a couple of treadmills and a spin bike, as well as free weights. The standout feature is that it’s open-air—the gym has a roof, but the side that faces the sea is completely open, allowing fresh Mediterranean air to breeze in while you work out. We both hit the treadmill for a bit before lunch, and getting my sweat on with the Aegean Sea right in front of me is something I won’t soon forget.

In-room massages are also available, and there’s a lovely boutique on-site featuring creations from Greek designers and jewelers.

Who It’s For

Alissachni Mykonos is an incredible destination for couples or solo travelers seeking a true getaway where the day’s agenda includes nothing more than enjoying breakfast, lounging in the sun, taking a dip in the pool, and sipping on cocktails. Its secluded location ensures an intimate setting free from distractions, perfect for a relaxing retreat.

The fact that it’s adults-only further enhances its atmosphere of tranquility. Come here to enjoy five-star service and amenities in a spectacular setting.

Who It’s Not For

If it’s your first time in Mykonos and you’re looking to explore the island’s famous sights and destinations, Alissachni may not be the most convenient choice for accommodations. While Little Venice, Mykonos Town, and the popular beaches, dayclubs, and nightclubs are all accessible by a relatively short drive, your cab fares around the island will add up quickly.

Pricing

Besides the fact that we were wowed by the property and setting, a big draw to Alissachni was also the price. It’s no secret that this island is expensive, and if you want to truly experience that chic Mykonos resort life, you’ll pay a pretty penny for it.

However, since Alissachni is located just outside the main hotel hubs, you get more bang for your buck. Traveling in May, right before the tourist season, also helped with nightly pricing—just one month later, and we would have paid a couple hundred euros more per night. Additionally, I was able to take advantage of my travel agent discount.

Prices for food and drink at the resort are on par with the rest of Mykonos. Expect cocktails to run around €20 and dinner entrees to average about €35. Knowing these prices in advance will help avoid surprises upon arrival. One thing I wish we had done before checking in was grabbing a bottle or two of wine from a liquor store to enjoy in our room. Once you’re on-site, there are virtually no options within walking distance to pick up any drinks or snacks. While the cocktails are absolutely delicious, and you would be crazy not to try a few of the bartender’s creations, it would have been helpful to avoid having to order through the resort every time we wanted something.

In Conclusion

Alissachni Mykonos was a slam-dunk stay for us. Having spent the last five nights out and about exploring Athens and Mykonos Town, we loved that we were able to truly sit back and relax during our time here. This is an absolutely wonderful hotel with beautiful rooms, welcoming service, top-notch food, and out-of-this-world views. I’d highly recommend it for couples or solo travelers who want to just get away from it all for a bit. You won’t be disappointed.

July 3, 2024