Travel
Casa Cook: a welcome retreat from the buzz of Mykonos Town
Head of Digital, Amy Moore, shares a review of her stay at Casa Cook on the sun-drenched shores of Mykonos.
The Cycladic island of Mykonos, nestled in the centre of the Aegean, has long been a hotspot for those seeking a chic escape.
The island’s main town – Mykonos Town (or Chora, to the locals) – offers a slice of quintessential Greece: think crystal clear waters, cats lazing in the sun and white-washed buildings adorned with colourful windows and blooming bougainvilleas.
The town feels peaceful in the day, offering opportunity to wander the winding streets, sample local pastries and visit the vast array of shops. From small trinket stalls to designer stores, you won’t leave empty handed.
By night, it’s easy to see why this rocky isle has been dubbed as Greece’s answer to Ibiza. Crowds from the plethora of Champagne bars spill out into the streets, laughing with new-found friends and sipping bubbles under a starlit sky.
Casa Cook Mykonos – a welcome retreat
A short drive away from the main town (as most places here are, the island being just 33 square miles), is Casa Cook Mykonos.
This boutique, adults-only hotel, comprises of just 26 rooms and is a welcome retreat from the buzz of Mykonos Town.
With such an intimate setting, it’s little surprise that ‘paréa’ – meaning ‘to be in the company of friends’ – is at the heart of Casa Cook’s philosophy. The small team of staff embody this, being friendly, laid-back and attentive at all times.
The space has been designed to feel like a local village; many of the rooms are tucked down winding avenues, sitting within white-washed buildings, with views that look out over the Aegean. Earthy tones weave throughout, with rustic interiors. These, many made from locally-sourced materials, add interest to an otherwise laid-back, minimalist design.
The rooms
The calm décor of the hotel continues into the rooms. Each space is uniquely designed to provide a different experience to all that stay.
There are five different room types to choose from, with varying degrees of space and facilities. I stay in a Living Suite, a spacious room comprising of 48m² inside space.
Stepping through the front door brings you straight into the living area. Here, find a space that’s perfect for winding-down with a glass of wine and a book. Wooden shutters, stone details and linen curtains add to the cool, cave-like interior. It’s certainly a welcome relief from the intense Greek sunshine.
The bedroom sits away from the living area, and features a king-sized bed, with French doors that open up onto a huge outdoor terrace. With comfy seating and expansive views of the sea, it quickly becomes a favourite spot for a morning coffee.
Some of the other rooms also include options for a private pool or jacuzzi while a villa, set over two floors with its own private pool, offers the ultimate chillout space.
The facilities
The pool sits at the heart of the hotel and is surrounded by comfy sun loungers. Though only small, it’s ideal for cooling off and enjoying a couple of lengths on a lazy afternoon. The main bar is located to one side and offers an impressive array of cocktails, spirits, wines and soft drinks.
The wellness offering doesn’t disappoint here either, with an array of treatments available. Choose from massages, facials and scrubs. With just two treatment rooms, the quiet spa space is sure to help stressed shoulders drop an inch or three.
For those seeking something a little more active, head to the gym. This small-yet-perfectly-formed space is fully equipped – ideal for a strength-building workout.
Alternatively, start the day with a yoga session. Booked in advance, these hour-long classes are great for easing out any lingering tension and working up an appetite ahead of breakfast.
The food
Speaking of which, the food is one of the true highlights at Casa Cook.
Kick things off for breakfast with a platter piled high with fresh fruit and traditional pastries (the cream-filled bougatsa, encased in crispy filo, is utterly irresistible). Alternatively, opt for one of the many dishes from the main menu – eggs cooked every which way, and yoghurt bowls, teeming with fresh fruit and crunchy nuts and seeds.
The generous portion sizes meant I was rarely hungry for lunch, but you can eat all day if you wish. Whether it’s a fresh Greek salad, flatbread or something a little more indulgent, feel free to order food at the main restaurant or kick back with a plate poolside.
Evening meals are quite special here at Casa Cook, too. Head chef, Giorgos, brings his own twist to sharing dishes of Greek cuisine. Ingredients are sourced locally, with herbs grown on site, adding quality and flavour to the abundance of dishes – from homemade bread, cheese and honey to fresh seafood and summer salads.
Beyond Casa Cook Mykonos
It’s fairly easy to explore the island, either via taxi or by hopping on one of the many buses.
Mykonos town is just under 5km from the hotel. Head here for a little more buzz, and don’t forget to stop off at the island’s iconic windmills. Once used to mill wheat, the now-retired mills overlook the main town, offering an excellent photo opportunity.
Just a short wander from the windmills is La Petite Taverne. This taverna is ideal for those seeking traditional Greek fare. Expect fresh salads laden with feta and drizzled with olive oil, creamy tzatziki and fava dip to start. Mains follow and include crispy pastries, stuffed with cheese and spinach, and fresh seafood. Plus, if there’s room for pudding, go for a slice of portokalopita, spongy cake drenched in a zesty orange syrup. Delicious!
And, for a tempting bite closer to the hotel, head to Kuzina in Ornos Bay. The bay is worth a visit in itself; a playground for the mega-rich, yacht after yacht takes anchor in the blue waters.
Inside, Kuzina has a laidback, bohemian feel, sitting on the beach and overlooking the bay. Start your meal with sharing platters, or opt for something a little bigger from the main menu. Each dish explores a fusion between Greek and Asian cooking. Choose from an array of meat, fish and pasta dishes. Best enjoyed with good company and a glass of crisp, white wine – a bottle of Malagousia goes down a treat.
Plus, don’t skip the beaches on Mykonos. Take a boat trip or hire a car to discover white sands and crystal clear waters. The beaches further away from the main town tend to be a little quieter. Head here to escape the crowds.
Rooms from €264 per night. For more information, visit Casa Cook Mykonos.
