The refurbishment had to be deft, as Maria Vafiadis explains: “The challenge was to reinvent the Mykonos Grand for the next decade within a very limited budget. So, we introduced a few, carefully selected elements throughout the existing Hotel that would make all the difference for the clientele, many of whom are regular guests, as well as added a number of luxurious suites, each individually designed. The refurbishment has enhanced the sense of comfort and sensuality in keeping with the move away from minimalist constraint but the design is still very much at one with the classic forms and simple palette of the Island’s distinctive architecture.”

Reflecting this, sheer, white drapes now grace the Hotel’s 107 guestrooms creating a flowing canopy above each bed; the new curtains at the windows are similarly fluid, new lighting contributes to a more intimate ambiance, the chairs have been refreshed with new upholstery and walls have been re-painted. The envelope of each room and the blue mosaic clad bathrooms, however have not been refurbished. Yet the impression is now quite different – a more romantic, feminine version of this discreet island “home”.

Seven new suites have been created by extending the building and combining some of the existing bedrooms. As in the bedrooms, the designers have employed the unassuming hues of Mykonos in three different schemes – the signature blue and white, orange and white and beige on white. Apart from this, though, each suite provides a different environment designed to offer returning guests a choice of experience including degrees of open bathrooms, some with huge teak Jacuzzi bathtubs, private pools, an infinity pool, gardens and, one, with a roof terrace. The bathrooms are all fitted out in white Greek marble and blue mosaic.

The main pool area has also benefited from the addition of 10 exotic linen pavilions alongside it where guests can recline in style away from the midday heat. For sun seekers, the designers created a small island destination at the far end of the pool by introducing large recliners which, in the evening, can be easily converted into an arrangement of comfortable circular seating. As the sun sinks, sandblasted glass cubes are under lit to become glowing occasional tables and an “Olympian” fire burns against the darkening sea to create a truly memorable backdrop to a luxurious holiday.

The designers also up-graded the restaurant with new furniture, fittings and lighting.

“The Mykonos Grand has always wrapped its guests up in a sense of seclusion; it is a resort destination for the quiet connoisseur,” says Maria Vafiadis. “Our focus has been to enhance this by harnessing the beautiful natural environment and the pristine canvas of the Island’s traditional buildings.”