Travel I
Checking In: Bill & Coo, Mykonos
WORDS: PHOEBE HUNT | IMAGES: BILL & COO
Mykonos is not known for doing things in halves. Love it or hate it, every mile of the best-known island in the Cyclades reveals yet more magical corners and luxury hangouts. This makes it all the more challenging for a newcomer to do something differently, and carve out an individually tailored experience.
This didn’t stop Bill & Coo’s founders from pursuing their vision for a place that breaks away from the glitzy party scene. The family-run Greek hospitality brand bucks the trend in the island’s more-is-more mentality with a delightfully minimal atmosphere. As the immensely personable staff will tell you on arrival, sliding a cocktail into your hand, it’s a place for walking around barefoot, for soaking up the views and energy of neighbouring Delos Island, and for jumping into the crystal-clear waters from the beautiful, exclusive stretch of beach.
The hotel’s main buildings are inspired by the typical island architecture, making use of local stone and Cycladic features. Though it was all constructed less than twenty years ago, there’s an eclectic irregularity to the buildings that makes it feel like a timeless hamlet. The interiors, meanwhile, are characterised by a light-filled open-plan living area, where guests can relax or be treated to a memorable meal or grill prepared by a private chef. Aside from the infinity pool ideal for a sunset dip before dinner, save time to indulge in the Valmont Spa, a true sanctuary of calm and well-being concealed below the main hotel.
The main hotel has 33 rooms and suites, each slightly unique. For the ultimate experience, opt for the deluxe suite with a plunge pool, or the honeymoon suite with a rooftop jacuzzi overlooking the ocean below. Inside the suites, the little touches are what sets this place apart among the rest of the island’s 5-star offering. Diptyque toiletries, an integrated sound system, a thoughtfully curated snack selection in the minibar… though it’s got all the trappings of other luxury dwellings, the owners are not afraid to do things slightly differently.
Meanwhile, the three new Bill & Coo Villas – tucked just behind the hotel for those who prefer a mini villa experience with all the hotel amenities - combine the authentic aesthetic of Mykonos with cleaner white lines and natural materials. Each one has a 120 sqm outdoor terrace and a private swimming pool, overlooking the sea and catching long hours of sunshine.
For those who fancy a private yoga session on your terrace, a massage before dinner, a chauffeur, a helicopter experience, a babysitter or myriad other services, you must simply ask. As the General Manager explains on our arrival: “These three beachside one-bedroom villas are the largest accommodation at the property, epitomising secluded luxury with the benefit of round-the-clock service from the dedicated hotel team.”
If you prefer to be right on the water, head to Bill & Coo Coast Suites, the hotel’s sister property. Located right on Agios Ioannis beach, it’s an ultra-private seaside retreat.
And then, of course, there is the food. A huge part of the Bill & Coo experience both for those staying in the hotel suites or villas, and Superyacht guests visiting the island for a day or two, are the exceptional dining options across the two hotels’ Sunset Lounge, Taverna and Beefbar Mykonos.
We paid a visit to the iconic day-to-night hotspot, Beefbar Mykonos, which despite the name offers sumptuous seafood and vibrant vegetarian dishes alongside the famous Kobe beef which the brand is known for. The menu is divided in 3 axes (Leaf, Reef, Beef) serving Mediterranean salads, mezze, locally sourced seafood and fish, as well as prime cuts of beef from around the world, including the world’s first Kobe Beef Gyros. This summer, the Reef menu has expanded due to popular lunchtime demand and will include the new signature dish, Drunken Sea Bass Ceviche - ouzo infused sea bass with chilli and coriander - as well as an impressive display with the fresh catch of the day.
Just meters from the water and cooled by a sea breeze, Bill & Coo’s latest restaurant opening offers a new night-time atmosphere and energy. Transforming from a lively beach bar where guests can unwind in the Cycladic sun by day to a glamorous restaurant with vibrant music and a lively ambience by night, there is no better place to ease into the laid-back lifestyle of Mykonos through the so-called “Bill & Coo way of life”.
As the last colours of the sunset drain from the sky and the stars come out, enjoy signature cocktails and sumptuous Mykonian bites, accompanied by chilled summer beats and even a spot of dancing. The new design concept – which launched this summer - draws inspiration from the Aegean Sea and Delos, the uninhabited island and legendary birthplace of ancient Greek god Apollo and goddess Artemis, which the bar overlooks. Conveniently, there’s also a jetty for guests’ arrival by private boat.
The Bill & Coo brand is continuing to build its reputation on the island by introducing a Michelin-star chef series throughout Summer 2023. The line-up includes renowned chefs Arnaud Bignon & Luca Piscazzi, who are cooking alongside Executive Chef Ntinos Fotinakis.
Bill & Coo’s strapline is “Mykonos Less Ordinary”, and indeed, driving around the headland from the main ferry port in Mykonos Town and seeing the twinkling Grecian lights perched on the horizon feels anything but ordinary.
Nightly rates at Bill & Coo Villas start from €1,400, inclusive of VAT and breakfast
