In the world of travel, the trend toward sustainability has become a priority for discerning travelers prioritizing both luxury and environmental ethics. Within the cosmopolitan shores of Mykonos, a select group of hotels is setting the standard for eco-friendly practices, merging the island’s burgeoning and renowned hospitality with a deep commitment to preserving its natural beauty. These sustainability-friendly hotels stand out for their exceptional service and stunning locations as much as for implementing innovative approaches to reducing environmental impact.
From employing solar energy and water-saving technologies to sourcing local, organic produce and minimizing waste, these places are at the forefront of a movement that values the health of our planet as much as guest satisfaction. This focus on sustainability addresses a growing demand among today’s travelers, who are increasingly aware of their environmental footprint and seeking ways to ensure their journeys contribute positively to the destinations they visit. Highlighting the best of Mykonos’ sustainable hotels not only showcases how luxury and ecology can go hand in hand but also inspires both the travel industry and travelers to prioritize the planet.
Disclaimer: Travel.gr does not have any affiliations with the businesses listed. Our recommendations are based on independent editorial research aimed at enriching your visit to Greece.
01
Bill & Coo Hotel
This highly favored barefoot luxury hotel puts sustainability at the forefront of its operations, incorporating environmentally conscious practices into almost every aspect of the guest experience. From using eco-friendly products and services to prioritizing extensive recycling, the hotel demonstrates a deep commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
Located in Megali Ammos, the hotel exudes understated luxury, with rooms and suites designed to maximize the stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Guests are treated to a culinary journey centered on locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that dining at the hotel supports the surrounding community and reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transportation.
Bill & Coo’s story began in 2006 on the outskirts of Mykonos Town and quickly established itself as a pioneer in combining luxury with eco-conscious living. The expansion to Bill & Coo Coast Suites in 2016, an adults-only haven on Agios Ioannis Beach, further cemented its reputation. In 2021, the introduction of three new villas offered guests even more options for privacy and comfort, while maintaining the commitment to sustainability and 24-hour service that defines the Bill & Coo experience.
02
Nomad
Nomad in Kalo Livadi serves as a retreat to a more conscious kind of luxury. Here, the vibe is stripped down to the essentials – 13 suites that combine simplicity with elegance, decorated in soothing earth tones and featuring Aliveri gray marble bathtubs, private terraces for al fresco dining, and the option for in-suite spa pampering. The building, created with an eco-friendly design, blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape and is constructed of natural materials from the surrounding area and outfitted with furnishings, linens, and fabrics sourced from organic sources.
Nomad describes itself as a bohemian sanctuary, and being a stone’s throw from the azure embrace of Kalo Livadi beach, is a place where nature is an integral part of the guest experience, with design elements that blur the line between inside and out, inviting guests to walk barefoot, feeling the earth and sand, the sun and wind as they move.
Sustainability isn’t an afterthought here – it’s woven into the very fabric of the Nomad experience. From a firm commitment to eliminating single-use plastics to a rigorous recycling and upcycling program, the hotel exemplifies an eco-conscious ethos. Dining transcends mere sustenance, offering a sensory journey through the best of Mediterranean cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and an additional vegan menu to cater to every palate.
Beyond its environmental initiatives, Nomad is deeply rooted in the community, employing locals, engaging in social initiatives, and supporting local artisans and producers. The hotel’s approach to energy conservation through its use of LED lighting, motion sensors and energy-efficient windows further underscores its commitment to minimizing its footprint on this idyllic island.
03
Cali
Cali is emerging as a flagship of sustainable luxury. This new addition to the Mykonos luxury scene invites guests to immerse themselves in a summer experience in harmony with nature while offering a glimpse into a modern lifestyle that honors its environment.
Cali boasts the island’s most impressive pool – a vast, saltwater wonder that stretches to the horizon and reflects the expansive blue of its private beach beyond. This place doesn’t just aspire to grandeur; it embodies it, with suites that are veritable temples of luxury. Imagine rooms clad in marble in every shade, including one that captures the essence of a Mykonos sunset in its creamy base and dusky pink veining.
The promise of wellness is deeply ingrained here, with facilities for Pilates, and yoga, a fully-equipped gym, and a spa designed to elevate every guest’s experience. Cali’s commitment to sustainability is exhibited in various ways – from using three natural springs as water sources to installing green roofs that provide natural insulation and cooling, every aspect is thoughtfully designed. The resort’s approach to waste management and its dedication to using sustainably sourced materials for construction also underscores its commitment to environmental conscience. In addition, the heated seawater pools are Cali’s way of conserving Mykonos’ precious freshwater resources.
04
Koukoumi
Located in the traditional village of Ano Mera, Koukoumi Hotel is leading the way as a unique sanctuary dedicated to sustainable and vegan living. This 5-star place, the first vegan hotel in Greece, redefines luxury through the lens of environmental awareness and ethical living. Koukoumi, which means “cozy shelter from the wind” in the Myconian dialect, embodies a philosophy where enjoying life does not have to come at the expense of animals, the environment, or our health.
Designed to reflect the island’s architectural heritage while incorporating eco-friendly practices, Koukoumi offers a tranquil retreat that balances simplicity, authenticity, and harmony. The 100% plan-based ethos extends beyond the menu, with plant-based spa products and activities that promote wellness and a cruelty-free lifestyle.
The hotel’s culinary experience, led by a vegan chef, is a celebration of flavors where Mediterranean traditions meet innovative and healthy plant-based creativity and has received great acclaim since it first opened. Koukoumi aims to redefine vegan cuisine, making it a vibrant journey of taste and sustainability.
05
Grace Mykonos
This 5-star boutique hotel, standing above the tranquil beach of Agios Stefanos, combines indulgence with a deep-rooted commitment to conservation, offering a hospitality experience that’s both lavish and mindful.
At the heart of Grace Mykonos is a deep commitment to preserving the natural world, demonstrated through the adoption of eco-friendly practices. The hotel features 25 rooms and suites that combine modern comforts with a bohemian flair, all with a focus on sustainability. The interior design, with warm, earthy tones, captures the essence of the island’s natural elements while private terraces and balconies look out to magnificent views of the Aegean Sea, enhancing the guest’s rapport with Mykonos’ allure.
Grace bolsters its eco-conscious vision by integrating activities such as yoga, kayaking, and sailing for an added feel-good factor that encourages a deeper connection with the environment and supports a gadget-free, sustainable lifestyle.
The dining experience here aims to honor the island’s produce, with the ANAMA restaurant presenting dishes that showcase the culinary and nutritional wealth of the Mediterranean. The hotel’s emphasis on local, sustainable ingredients showcases the splendor of Mykonian cuisine and reaffirms its commitment to preserving the island’s environment, with dining options ranging from intimate breakfasts to sunset dinners.
06
Rocabella
Rocabella seamlessly blends luxury with an eco-conscious outlook inspired by the natural light and scenic seductiveness of the island. Designed by Aphroditi Bonatsou of Stone and Walls, the hotel embraces the natural contours of Mykonos, incorporating local materials such as wood, stone, and sisal in homage to classic Cycladic architecture. The 24 rooms and suites offer tranquility, some leading to an expansive infinity pool with stunning views of the sea and eco-friendly, solar-heated water.
At the heart of Rocabella’s philosophy is a strong commitment to sustainability. The hotel uses LED lighting, energy-saving appliances, and locally sourced materials and ingredients to reduce its environmental impact. Innovative solutions to food waste, such as donating excess food and emphasizing recycling, reflect the hotel’s commitment to the earth. Communication methods are also environmentally conscious, with wooden QR cubes and digital suite pads replacing paper.
Rocabella’s Wellness Shala, inspired by the spiritual ambiance of Delos Island, accommodates both small and large groups and is decked out with Aladastra mats from Greece for a holistic practice environment.
Dining at Reeza, the hotel’s restaurant, offers a contemporary take on Greek culinary traditions, providing a fresh perspective on local, seasonal flavors against the picturesque backdrop of Town and the nearby islands. The hotel’s tradition-inspired breakfast, recognized for its innovation and homage to Greek traditions, invites guests to start their day with a taste of authentic Mykonian hospitality with many ingredients sourced from small producers.
07
Myconian Ambassador
Spawling atop a hill, Myconian Ambassador Relais & Chateaux also brings together top-tier luxury with a deep commitment to sustainability, offering a peaceful rapport with the surrounding nature. This eco-luxury sanctuary prioritizes environmental harmony, adopting green practices throughout its operations.
The hotel’s architecture pays homage to Cycladic tradition while embracing modern aesthetics, perfectly situating itself by the sandy expanse over Platis Gialos. From its sumptuous rooms and suites to the pool deck, every element is designed to accentuate the natural beauty of the Aegean without disruption.
Dining becomes an exploration of Mediterranean flavors under the guidance of Executive Chef Ilias Maslaris, who champions a farm-to-table approach, celebrating local produce and fostering sustainable dining experiences.The culinary team works magic with the freshest local ingredients, including using Delos’s famed fleur de sel, creating dishes that embody the essence of the Mediterranean.
08
Kalesma
Kalesma Mykonos is located in Aleomandra, a place rich in mythological history, and offers a refined interpretation of the classic Greek island residence. With 25 studios and two large villas, this boutique hotel pays homage to Cycladic culture while embracing modern luxury. The architecture and interior design draw on the island’s natural beauty, using materials such as sandblasted stone, bamboo and chestnut against a crisp white backdrop. Local artisans contribute to the unique decor, blending traditional styles with modern sensibilities.
Away from the bustling nightlife of Mykonos, Kalesma promises a serene escape. Its commitment to sustainable practices is evident throughout, from LED lighting and motion-sensing technology to the use of solar power and electric vehicles for transportation. The hotel values its connection to the local community, emphasizing the importance of local sourcing and minimizing waste in its culinary offerings.
Sustainability extends beyond energy conservation to include the use of natural building materials and a focus on water conservation through efficient practices and rainwater harvesting. Kalesma also prioritizes wellness, offering activities such as yoga and meditation along with spa treatments that use organic products. This commitment to sustainability and wellness ensures that guests at Kalesma Mykonos can enjoy a luxury experience that is both enriching and mindful of the planet’s well-being.
We Know What We’re Talking About
Alexia Amvrazi knows Greece like few others. She’s the Editor-in-Chief of the International edition of Travel.gr, the co-author of the guidebook ‘111 Places in Athens You Must Not Miss’, the former presenter of a 10-year daily radio show about Greek life at AIR FM and, for the past 15 years, the mastermind behind the always up-to-date Fodor’s Athens guide. She has a knack for recognizing beauty and potential and is a true citizen of the world.