I’ve finally made it through the deluge of photos from our trip to Mykonos! I don’t know how I managed to amass so many in six short days. The fact that every single place you go is totally picturesque probably has a lot to do with it.

It’s also suprising that there’s so much to share from an island that’s so small {you can drive from one end to the other in 30 minutes!}. There’s so much good stuff that I actually had to break this recap into three parts! But I figured I start with the star of the show: our Instagram-worthy accomodations, the San Giorgio Hotel.

We were invited to join 30 bloggers from around the world {so cool!} to experience a week at the recently renovated hotel. The San Giorgio aims for understated luxury – and they pass with flying colors! Granted May is still considered the slow season so the island’s famous clubs and all night parties had yet to pick up steam. {But I didn’t mind one bit. I guess I really am an old maid at heart}. I loved the empty beaches, the quiet afternoons sitting on the nearly deserted pool deck and generally feeling like we owned the place. Even though the the boutique hotel is owned by Thomas Heyne and Mario Hertel, of world renowned Paradise Club-fame, the San Giorgio has only 33 rooms so you’re never going to feel like you’re at a massive resort. And that was exactly Thomas and Mario’s goal. They wanted to change the definition of luxury with San Giorgio. Rather than focus on souveniers typically hauled home in a suitcase, they wanted you to be able to sit back and enjoy an experience you’ll remember for years to come.

There are almost too many amazing things about the San Giorgio I know I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. Pool-side bar whipping up ah-mazing cocktails {like rosemary mojitos!}? Check! Delicious breakfasts made with locally sourced organic ingredients and the best frappe I’ve ever had? Check and check! Rooms with your own private veranda complete with hammock? You betcha. There are also no TVs and yes, you can request wifi, but how lovely does a week without it sound?!

But of course what I really really loved most of all was the decor {duh}.

The owners partnered with interior designer Michael Scklinger to create a perfectly curated collection of pieces that appear like they’ve always been right where they are. The rooms are comfortable, certainly, but in an organic and natural way. No over accessorizing or styling required. The focal point in each is the built-in canopied bed – that I had to drag myself out of everyday. I’m officially obsessed with mosquito netting. Hello romantic. The accessory furnishings were mostly vintage – many sourced on Mykonos or neighboring islands. Locally made metal lanterns and woven pendants light each room. Simple textiles cover cushions for pops of color and basic grass mats serve as rugs. Many of the tables around the pool were constructed from salvaged timber. And it’s all lovely.

But what really got me hooked was the how the hotel felt. There’s zero formality or stuffiness about this place. Only relaxed elegance, subtle, not pushy attention to detail and a laid back kind of friendly that was completely sincere, not jaded. It included things like hand-drawn maps about how to circumnavigate the island, being taken to where the locals eat – best grilled chicken of my life! – and truly being treated like not simply hotel guests, but friends. In fact, I’m now Facebook friends with many of the staff!! It truly was a special experience.

Thanks again to the San Giorgio Hotel and their amazing staff for having us. We’re already plotting our return. Next up for you – a recap of the rest of my favorite Mykonos discoveries and then what to wear!

photography by me {eek!}