Who's Going
Alexander McQueen, 30-something Party Crowd, Sexy Couples
Reason to Stay
Boutique Hotel, Designer Hotel, Village Center
Hotel Type
Boutique Hotel
Queue the lounge music. A smooth white wall envelopes the property succumbing to a motorized gate and two double doors that lead down to the linen-clad action of the main lobby newer and all-whiter after a thorough renovation by New York's Rockwell Group. Ivory white stucco walls, tumbled stone and tile floors under a thatch-roof ceiling let you know you're definitely on the Aegean. An expanded lobby area opens to Belvedere Bar, by mixologist Dale de Goff, cast in playful metallic ball-shaped chandeliers and leather-upholstered banquettes with lounging ladies in Kate Moss sundresses and guys in flowing white culottes. In all directions there is something going on as guests splash at the massive pool, to the right a sushi bar busies itself with dinner preparation and just lime slice's throw away is a DJ booth with buzzed-hair musicologist spinning electronic sets of classic Shaggy remixes.
Almost as big as the entire resort deck, Belvedere has always had a pool that takes center stage. By morning it's the perfect backdrop for guests taking their complimentary breakfast along the terrace or interior dining room as a few fit-types take a lap after their stints at the in-house fitness center. By 10am guests are marking their loungers with towels and unread books before actually occupying them sometime in the afternoon. Happy hour is enjoyed in sunglasses and a thick slathering of oil, taking in the many poolside views and fashion statements while sipping on pina coladas and daiquiris. By night the pool reflects the colored lights of the two neighboring eateries, including Nobu by Matsuhisa, and evening sky of Mykonos visiting celebrities.
The Room
Formerly clinical one-room spaces with white tile and no more than two-steps between Queen bed and stone wall, standard rooms redesigned by Rockwell now offer platform beds atop marble floors, chunky wood nightstands and comfy club chairs with views that range from building sides to rooftop views of the village. Suites are a different, albeit pricier, story with separate living and similar sleeping spaces that lead to furnished balconies that yield voyeuristic views of the poolside lounge scene and occasional ocean view.Rockwell went to great lengths to build-in many of the hotels quirky design challenges that’s resulted in clean lines accented by sleek LCD TVs and even all-you-can-eat WiFi. Suite residents are treated to an unpacking and packing service upon arrival and departure leaving time to enjoy that mini-bottle of Veuve Clicquot or high-end vodka in the recessed mini-bar. The all-white theme extends into the bathroom where even entry-level rooms are given a bathtub as well as a high-end assortment of Kiehl’s bath amenities that’s a welcome surprise from the usual collection of Korres products in almost all Greek hotels.
Preferred Room
Standard Suite
Special Features
Hip Scene, Designer Lounge, Destination Restaurant
Amenities
Pool, Spa, Restaurant, Lounge, Fitness Center, Sushi Bar, DJ