GREEK RETREATS

Relax and unwind at some of the Greek islands' best wellness destinations, offering sun, sea - and spas

- LAURA MULLEY, ZOE CRIPPS, LAUREN GOODWIN-GRAFTON

MYKONOS

Mykonos Theoxenia

Over the last few years, Mykonos has earned a reputation as the most glamorous of the Greek islands, a place where the rich and famous come to enjoy the blue seas and pretty towns by day, and party at upmarket restaurants and beach clubs at night.

One of Mykonos’s most popular areas is Little Venice, a maze of narrow, whitewashed walls opening up into cave-like bars and boutiques — but there’s an oasis of calm to be found right in the middle of it all.

THE HOTEL

Mykonos Theoxenia is one of very few five-star hotels in the area – and certainly the most central – located just behind the island’s famous windmills, a top sunset-snapping spot. This makes it an ideal base for anyone who wants to explore the winding streets, world-class restaurants and vibrant nightlife, yet stroll back to a relaxing hideaway to recharge afterwards.

Originally built in the 1960s, Theoxenia’s architecture has a chic, open-air feel, with rooms set around a stylish (and quiet) pool lined with the comfiest sun beds we’ve ever laid on; we happily spent most of our days here.

Most of the rooms have balconies and sea views; we loved drifting off to the sound of waves crashing into the rocky shoreline below our Sea Front room. These do overlook a public footpath so if it’s absolute silence you’re after, book a Sea View or Garden View room.

SPA TIME

A treatment in Theoxenia’s underground spa, So Spa!, is well worth the money. Our 60-minute full-body aromatherapy massages felt like they lasted much longer (in a very good way), and my masseuse’s firm hands left my muscles feeling looser than they had in months. It’s ideal for after a flight, a late night or a long few months at work. Poolside massages are also available.

LOCAL CUISINE