Hotel nestled in a natural amphitheater in an untouched part of Mykonos is our next destination

Island hopping in Greece is our favorite summer sport – whether we’re just daydreaming about it or actually sipping cocktails with a view of the endless turquoise. It’s the kind of game where there are no real winners, and you don’t even mind, because it feels better to have a reason to hop over to one more Greek island you haven’t explored yet.

Folegandros, the charming loner of the Cyclades, and Hydra, just a half-hour boat ride from Athens, are perfect when all you want is to disappear into a quiet cove. Samos is a true haven for seasoned hedonists, while Patmos was the island of choice for a Vogue editor’s wedding. And Mykonos? That’s where you’ll find us most often, drawn in by irresistible tavernas where long golden afternoons are spent grazing on meze and sipping cocktails without a care.

Just a ten-minute drive from the main town, perched on the cliffs above Kalafatis beach, lies The WILD Hotel – yet another reason we keep returning to Mykonos. With its new restaurant Mezé led by a freshly appointed chef, a thoughtfully curated wellness program, The WILD Hotel by Interni continues to embody the true spirit of Mykonos this summer with refined authenticity and a deep sense of place, as the hotel team puts it.

Everything you see here is a treat for the eyes — perfectly simple, in seamless harmony with the wild beauty of the Cycladic landscape. The endless blue of the Aegean Sea, the enchanting Mykonos light, the glow of the Greek summer — it’s all waiting here for you, tied together by a single thread: Peace. Freedom. Privacy. Where do we sign to stay forever?

The location of The WILD Hotel is magical in itself. Set within a natural amphitheatre on the cliffs above Kalafatis Beach, it overlooks a tranquil bay that was once home to the “fearless fishermen of Mykonos, known as the Wild Ones.” That sense of freedom can be felt in the textures, organic shapes, eclectic design, the scent of night-blooming flowers, and the bursts of bougainvillea pushing through the stone and façade. Barefoot luxury here takes on its finest Greek hues — both in design and in the hedonistic spirit that awakens the moment you step onto a Greek island. (After all, where else would you rather greet the dawn than in Greece?) The WILD is an invitation to experience Mykonos at its most authentic — wild at heart, captivating, untouched, and beautiful.

Architecture and design as the embodiment of the soul of Mykonos

The hotel is owned by the Varveris family group, who envisioned WILD as their perfect Mykonian hideaway, in partnership with architects Sofia Apergi and Matina Karava. With just 39 rooms, suites, and villas – and its own private beach – it offers the rare luxury of true privacy. Built in harmony with Cycladic architecture, using local materials and artisanal craftsmanship, WILD blends effortlessly into the rugged landscape. Its human-scale structures and clean lines reflect a deep commitment to authenticity and style. Here, luxury is subtly redefined – it’s about simplicity, originality, and the perfect balance between contemporary design and tradition.

All accommodations are arranged amphitheatrically and face the sea, offering uninterrupted, breathtaking views. Whether it’s a cozy suite or a spacious villa with one or two bedrooms, dining areas, or private pools, each space has its own unique character. Natural materials in earthy tones set the tone: high-end designer furniture, handcrafted lamps, artisanal objects, antique accents, soft leather, cotton, linen, hand-laid floors, and premium tiles. Thoughtful touches – from woven baskets and compact speakers to oversized sofas and loungers – elevate the experience to a whole new level. So much so that you’ll want to call this hotel your home on Mykonos.

Rooted in the richness of local ingredients and family traditions, The WILD celebrates origin and quality at every table. At the heart of the property lies the Taverna – traditional in essence, yet modern in spirit. Its relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for a menu inspired by the island and greater Greece: crispy savory pies, roasted vegetables and meats from Mykonian farms, local cheeses, fresh seafood, and the daily catch from nearby coves.

Perched above a secluded cove, Mezé, the hotel’s latest culinary concept, is a love letter to the Greek tradition of meze – a joyful and communal experience of small plates meant to be shared, passed around, and savored slowly. The ambiance and flavors invite connection, conversation, and genuine hospitality. Both restaurants are led by Chef Haralampos Papathanasiou, who honors the purity of Aegean ingredients and embraces a seasonal, natural approach to taste.

Wellness with a view

Physical and mental well-being are at the heart of the experience. WILD Spa, carved into the cliffside, offers treatments in rooms made of natural wood and stone, as well as an outdoor hydro pool. Guests can choose from a wide range of treatments, including facials and hot stone massages, using Team Dr Joseph products that combine ancient botanical wisdom with modern skincare technology. An infinity pool stretches along the cliff, surrounded by handwoven nets and lounging cushions. A fully equipped fitness center with sea views is also available.

A new collaboration that defined the summer at The WILD Hotel

When visionary hoteliers Alex and Philip Varveris met designer Rianna Kounou two years ago, they were instantly captivated by her devotion to traditional Greek craftsmanship. Inspired by her passion for regional textiles and ceramics, as well as the impeccable authenticity, artisanal precision and attention to detail that define the Rianna + Nina brand, they envisioned a special collection that honors heritage while embracing a refined, modern aesthetic.

This summer, that vision came to life in the form of a capsule fashion-meets-design story. Vibrant patterns and bold materials now adorn the beach loungers and hotel pool, while bespoke artistic plates create a captivating tablescape at the Taverna, the hotel’s Mediterranean restaurant. At The WILD Hotel, even the smallest details are designed to create lasting memories, says Alex Varveris. Rianna’s design pieces transform everyday moments – from table settings to in-room amenities – into immersive celebrations of Greek culture.

Here, you can do everything, but you don’t have to do anything

At The WILD Hotel, every detail contributes to a truly immersive experience. Feel the sand beneath your feet, swim in crystal-clear waters, lounge by the infinity pool, savour handmade pies and freshly grilled fish, or retreat to the privacy of your own terrace and pool. For those seeking a deeper connection with the Cycladic spirit, curated excursions are available — from exploring the sacred ruins of Delos to discovering the untouched beauty of Rhenia and the hidden beaches of Frangia, Kapari or Tragonisi, all reachable by traditional kaiki boat. And if all you want is a bit of peace with no extra plans, the privacy of your suite — and a view you’ll want to keep just for yourself — is the hotel’s ultimate luxury. In the end, you might just be tempted to jump off that cliff that’s been smiling at you the whole time, entertaining guests far younger than you.

Photo: Salva Lopez, Andromache Margalia, Yiorgos Kaplanidis, Mikel Ponce