Santa Marina, Mykonos

Design & Atmosphere

Santa Marina Resort & Villas on Mykonos is a legendary luxury retreat that combines the island’s jet-set glamour with the exclusivity of a private peninsula. The design celebrates Mykonian charm elevated to a refined level: traditional Cycladic whitewashed buildings with rounded corners and stone details are spread across a gated hillside estate overlooking Ornos Bay. Winding paths lined with palm trees and bougainvillea connect the various levels of the resort, giving it a lush, oasis-like feel. The accommodations range from elegant rooms to expansive villas, all of which were renovated with contemporary chic interiors – think cool white and beige palettes, accented by blue textiles, handcrafted wooden furnishings, and modern artworks. Floor-to-ceiling windows in many units ensure that the sweeping Aegean Sea views are the star of the show, and several suites and villas come with private pools or hot tubs on sea-facing terraces for ultimate indulgence.

Santa Marina’s atmosphere is one of exclusive seaside elegance and unparalleled hospitality. As part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, service is polished, but the vibe remains relaxed – you are on Mykonos, after all. The resort uniquely boasts its own private beach, one of the only truly private sandy beaches on Mykonos. This cove, with its calm turquoise waters and upscale beach furniture, sets Santa Marina apart: guests and invited visitors only, so there’s a serenity here that public Mykonos beaches often lack. Despite being just a short drive from Mykonos Town’s buzz, the resort feels worlds away. There’s a sense of arriving at a privileged haven – indeed, high-profile guests like celebrities and business magnates are common, attracted by the privacy Santa Marina affords on this otherwise lively island. Yet, the atmosphere isn’t stuffy; it’s warm and welcoming with that “philoxenia” Greek spirit. Staff greet you with genuine smiles, and you might find yourself chatting with the manager over a cocktail at sunset – it feels personal and friendly.

By day, the resort exudes tranquil luxury: sunlit vistas, the gentle sound of waves at the beach, and guests lounging by the infinity pools or in private cabanas. By night, subtle lighting and the glow from yachts anchored in the bay create a magical ambiance. You can sense Mykonos’s cosmopolitan glamour too – perhaps in the chic attire of fellow guests heading to dinner at Buddha-Bar Beach or the sight of a helicopter descending on Santa Marina’s helipad bringing in VIPs. But importantly, the property’s scale (it’s expansive for Mykonos standards) ensures it never feels overcrowded; there are always quiet corners and the villas are particularly secluded for those who want utter peace.

In summary, Santa Marina’s design harmonizes natural beauty with upscale comfort, and its atmosphere balances Mykonos’s vibrant luxury lifestyle with a rare sense of retreat and exclusivity. It’s glamorous yet serene, luxurious yet unpretentious, embodying the best of Mykonos in one resort.

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Amenities & Services

Santa Marina offers a world-class array of amenities, befitting its status as a top Mykonos resort and a favorite among the international elite. First and foremost is the resort’s private beach – a rarity on Mykonos where most beaches are public. Here, guests enjoy a pristine stretch of sand accessible only through the resort’s security gate, lined with luxurious sunbeds and serviced by beach attendants who’ll bring chilled towels, cocktails, and snacks as you bask in the sun. The waters are gentle in Ornos Bay, perfect for swimming, and the resort provides water sports like paddleboarding, snorkeling gear, and jet-ski rentals for the adventurous (with appropriate discreet distance to maintain the calm for other guests).

For pool lovers, Santa Marina has not one but two infinity pools. The main Oasis Pool & Lounge is an adults-oriented infinity pool that seems to blend into the sea – it’s a centerpiece for relaxation with a DJ spinning soft lounge music in the afternoons, creating a trendy yet laid-back vibe. Private cabanas and a pool bar make it a social hub. The second pool, nearer the family suites, caters to all ages and has shallower sections for kids. Speaking of kids, the resort offers a supervised children’s playground and activities (especially in peak season), so families are well looked after, though Santa Marina primarily draws couples and groups of friends.

Dining at Santa Marina is exceptional and draws non-guests as well. The resort’s crown jewel of cuisine is Buddha-Bar Beach Mykonos, a franchise of the famed Buddha-Bar. Set right by the water, it delivers a glamorous dinner scene with Pan-Asian & Mediterranean fusion dishes, creative cocktails, and a loungey soundtrack – perfect for those Mykonos nights when you want the scene without leaving your resort. Additionally, Mykonos Social by Jason Atherton is a relatively new addition, helmed by the Michelin-starred chef, offering refined yet unpretentious Mediterranean fare with local ingredients – a testament to the resort’s culinary clout. For daytime bites, the beach and pool menus offer everything from fresh Greek salads to sushi and gourmet burgers. Come sunset, you might head to Ginkgo Lounge Bar on the terrace for champagne or a signature cocktail while overlooking the Aegean’s golden horizon.

Wellness and fitness are strongly featured: the resort’s Loti Spa is a full-service retreat with treatment rooms (and couples’ suites) offering ESPA therapies, facials, and bespoke Mykonian salt scrubs. The spa facilities include a traditional hammam, steam room, and sauna, plus indoor relaxation pools. There’s also a state-of-the-art fitness center with personal trainers available; alternatively, many guests opt for private yoga or Pilates sessions on a yoga deck by the beach for a mindful workout with sea views.

One unique amenity is the resort’s small marina and jetty. Santa Marina is one of the few Mykonos hotels with its own pier where guests can dock their own or chartered yachts. This ties in with their ability to arrange yacht rentals, speedboat trips to Delos island or around Mykonos’s hidden coves, and even transfers to beach clubs. They can also arrange luxury car rentals or chauffeured cars to explore the island (but many guests find little reason to leave this enclave).

Of course, Santa Marina has all the expected five-star services: 24-hour room service, a high-end boutique (selling resort wear, jewelry, and essentials), on-site chapel for weddings, and concierge that’s renowned for pulling off any request – from last-minute restaurant reservations at fully-booked hotspots to private helicopter charters (leveraging their private helipad on premises). The resort’s helipad means they can facilitate direct helicopter transfers, be it from Athens or other islands, which is an incredible convenience on party-heavy Mykonos where skipping the airport can save a lot of time and privacy.

Security is tight but polite; the property is gated, which is crucial given the celebrity clientele. Privacy cabanas and VIP areas ensure even the most famous guests can relax without intrusion.

Finally, intangible but important: Santa Marina’s service culture. The staff are highly trained (this is a Luxury Collection property after all) and many have been with the resort for years, giving it a family-run warmth beneath the polish. Whether it’s a welcome drink of homemade lemonade and local treats, pool attendants who remember your name and preferences after one day, or housekeeping leaving little touches like beach bags or Mykonos guidebooks in your room, service at Santa Marina is personalized and anticipatory.

In sum, Santa Marina provides every amenity one could desire – private beach, pools, top-tier dining, spa, fitness, water sports, marina, helipad, kids services, event facilities – encapsulating the full Mykonos luxury resort experience. It’s entirely possible for a guest to spend their whole holiday on-site and want for nothing, indulging in the myriad offerings this resort has refined over decades.

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Privacy & Suitability

Santa Marina is renowned as a haven for those seeking both the social vibrancy of Mykonos and the privacy of a secluded retreat. This makes it uniquely suitable for a range of luxury travelers.

For couples and honeymooners, Santa Marina is a dream. The romantic setting of a private peninsula with sunsets over the Aegean provides endless moments – whether it’s a couples’ massage followed by a champagne toast in a private cabana, or a starlit dinner on the beach arranged just for two. Many suites and villas are designed with romance in mind: private pools, outdoor showers, and daybeds on terraces allow couples to soak up the magic of Mykonos in seclusion. The resort is large enough that if a couple wants to be largely on their own, they can find quiet corners (like the far end of the beach or the upper-level infinity pool during off hours). At the same time, if they want to taste the Mykonian buzz, Buddha-Bar provides a built-in nightlife experience without leaving the property. This flexibility is ideal for couples who may want some nights “out” and some nights “in” with privacy.

Families also find Santa Marina exceptionally accommodating. The resort strikes a nice balance by having family-friendly amenities without compromising on luxury adult experiences. Multi-bedroom suites and villas (some with full kitchens and private pools) allow families to spread out. The resort’s Kids’ Club (seasonal) offers activities like arts and crafts, treasure hunts, and Greek dancing lessons, giving children a chance to have fun and giving parents some downtime. The presence of a safe, private beach with shallow waters is a massive plus – kids can play freely under watch of lifeguards, and parents don’t have to worry about the party scene or crowds you’d find on public beaches. Restaurants have children’s menus, and babysitting services mean parents can slip away for a romantic evening or a spin to nearby nightlife. Reviewers often note that despite being family-friendly, Santa Marina remains tranquil and doesn’t feel overrun by children – the layout naturally segregates areas, and many families spend days on excursions, so couples shouldn’t fear a “noisy” atmosphere. In fact, TripAdvisor reviews mention that Santa Marina manages to cater to kids while still feeling exclusive and adult-oriented.

High-profile guests (celebrities, VIPs, executives) are a core clientele at Santa Marina, drawn by its reputation and privacy measures. The resort’s helipad means they can arrive and depart discreetly, and the sprawling property provides multiple layers of privacy: villas at the top of the hill have their own gated entrances and pools, and the entire resort is on a private peninsula with security controlling access. Santa Marina has hosted celebrity weddings and A-list vacations (rumor has it a certain Hollywood couple chose it for an anniversary getaway), and the staff is well-versed in ultra-discretion. For example, they can organize private sections at Buddha-Bar or even in-villa private chef dinners if VIP guests want to avoid public dining. The combination of a private beach (no paparazzi can lurk like at Psarou or other public beaches) and the helipad (no need to go through public airports) gives famous guests an envelope of security. The resort’s experience with such guests means nothing is too unusual a request – from yacht parties to 4 a.m. spa treatments, they handle it.

Groups of friends – often those seeking the Mykonos experience with added luxury and privacy – find Santa Marina ideal too. A group can rent a multi-bedroom villa (like the 4BR villa with its infinity pool and sea views) which becomes their private party pad, while still enjoying resort services. They can socialize at Buddha-Bar or the beach during day, then retreat to their villa pregame in privacy. The resort’s concierge can get them VIP tables at top clubs or organize a private yacht to take them to Scorpios, etc., so they have that seamless Mykonos party experience without the logistic headaches. Then the next day, they can nurse their hangovers in peace at Santa Marina’s quiet beach or spa – it’s the best of both worlds for luxury partygoers.

Santa Marina is also suitable for events like weddings or corporate retreats, precisely because of the controlled environment and full-service nature (there are meeting rooms, event planners, and the chapel for ceremonies). However, they typically ensure events don’t disturb other guests – buyouts are possible for big weddings, or events are held in secluded parts.

In essence, Santa Marina’s versatility is one of its strengths. Its scale and design allow for the cohabitation of different types of guests – couples can find romance, families can enjoy fun, and VIPs can stay under the radar – all without impinging on each other. Few Mykonos properties can claim that. And yet, if one wants to tap into Mykonos’s legendary scene, Santa Marina is but 10 minutes from Mykonos Town and even closer to hotspots like Nammos or Scorpios, which is another reason it’s favored: you’re near the action when desired, and in a serene bubble when not.

The resort’s membership in Luxury Collection and affiliation with Virtuoso/Amex Fine Hotels indicates it upholds high standards across all these dimensions, so virtually any luxury traveler will find Santa Marina not just suitable but exceptional for their needs.

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Helicopter Access

Santa Marina distinguishes itself as one of the few Mykonos resorts offering on-site helicopter access, underscoring its commitment to top-tier convenience and privacy for guests. The resort features its own private helipad, located on its peninsula property, allowing for direct helicopter transfers to and from Mykonos. This means guests can skip the often crowded Mykonos Airport or the busy ferry port and instead arrive in style, landing right at the resort. Many VIP guests and those who value time (or discretion) take advantage of this service, flying in from Athens International Airport in about 35-40 minutes, or even hopping over from other islands (Santorini to Mykonos by helicopter is roughly 45-50 minutes).

The process is seamlessly integrated: the resort’s concierge coordinates timing and logistics with helicopter charter companies (like Helistar or Air Business International), so that upon touchdown, a luxury car or golf cart is waiting to transport guests and their luggage down a short path to the reception or directly to their villa. Check-in can be handled privately, swiftly transitioning guests from helicopter to holiday mode.

For departures, similar coordination ensures you can maximize your stay – imagine having a leisurely final lunch by the beach and then boarding a helicopter for an afternoon flight connection in Athens, with zero stress about traffic or early ferry schedules. Santa Marina’s helipad is actually a boon not just for resort transfers but also for island excursions: guests sometimes opt for a helicopter tour of the Cyclades or a quick day trip to see the Acropolis. The concierge can arrange, for instance, a morning flight to the UNESCO site of Delos for a private guided tour from above (not landing, as Delos has no heliport, but combining with a yacht tender), or a scenic flight around the Mykonos coast and neighboring Tinos.

The helipad facility has been highlighted in reviews and media as a feature for those “in the know.” And importantly, Santa Marina manages helicopter operations with minimal disturbance to other guests – flights are usually brief and scheduled, and any noise is short-lived and often seen as part of the resort’s allure (seeing a chopper come and go with VIPs adds to the sense that this is a place where notable people come).

This direct helicopter capability also adds a safety net – in case of emergencies or urgent needs, having direct air access is reassuring on an island, though fortunately Mykonos also has an airport just 10 minutes away.

For the ultimate luxury traveler, Santa Marina even supports arrivals by private jet to Mykonos Airport followed by a quick heli-hop to the resort, avoiding any potential traffic or attention on the road. Or for those coming from other jet-set hubs like Santorini or Crete, helicopter is by far the fastest connection.

In Mykonos, only a handful of establishments have the space and allowance for a helipad (due to regulations and land constraints), putting Santa Marina in a very elite category. This means heads of state, celebrities, and ultra-wealthy individuals often choose Santa Marina because they can literally land at their doorstep, so to speak.

In summary, the helicopter access at Santa Marina provides unparalleled speed, ease, and privacy – you can essentially start your Mykonos experience the moment you board the helicopter, sipping champagne as the Aegean spreads out below, and land directly into the lap of luxury at Ornos Bay. It’s the kind of feature that might seem extravagant, but once experienced, it redefines convenience on a busy island like Mykonos.

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Advantages of Helicopter Arrival

Utilizing helicopter transfers to Santa Marina amplifies the luxury experience of a Mykonos holiday. The most obvious advantage is time efficiency. Mykonos is well-connected by air and sea, but summer congestion can make travel in and out a headache. A helicopter bypasses all of that: you eliminate layovers in Athens, multi-stop island flights, or lengthy ferry rides. If you’re flying into Athens, instead of waiting for a domestic flight or ferry (and dealing with their schedules), you can hop on a helicopter and be at Santa Marina in under an hour. It’s literally doorstep-to-doorstep service. This is especially valuable if you’re coming off a long international flight – imagine landing in Athens and, rather than a further 5-6 hours of connections, stepping onto a private helicopter and soon being welcomed at Santa Marina’s front desk with a cold drink. For departure, it allows you to cut things fine: you could enjoy Mykonos until the last possible moment (say, a final morning swim or spa treatment) and still catch an early afternoon intercontinental flight via Athens, since the helicopter can get you there swiftly.

Privacy and comfort are paramount benefits, in line with the resort’s ethos. Mykonos Airport, though small, gets extremely busy in peak season with charter flights and crowds – not an ideal scenario for a celebrity or anyone who values a calm environment. Helicopter travel means you have your own space, just you and possibly your family or friends, and the pilots. There’s no check-in line, no jostling with other travelers, and no waiting for luggage; everything is loaded in your chopper and comes off with you at Santa Marina. For high-profile guests, this is often the only way they’ll travel – it avoids the chance of paparazzi spotting them at public terminals. But even non-celebrities appreciate the VIP treatment: it makes you feel special, which is a delightful way to start or end a vacation.

The scenic value of the helicopter journey itself is considerable. The Cyclades from above are breathtaking – you see the famous blue-roofed churches of Mykonos, the mosaic of islands in the Aegean, and the brilliant contrast of white villages against brown hills and turquoise waters. Many guests treat it as a sightseeing tour. On approach to Santa Marina, you might circle the peninsula, glimpsing the resort’s pools and beaches from above, which builds excitement. It’s essentially a sky-high preview of what awaits, much more exhilarating than looking out an airplane window at 30,000 feet or being stuck in a ferry seat.

Another advantage is flexibility. Helicopter charters can often be scheduled exactly when you need them, even accommodating last-minute changes if, say, you decide to extend your stay an extra day (and who wouldn’t, at a place like Santa Marina?). Ferries and commercial flights lock you into their timetable and often sell out in advance in summer. With a helicopter, you have more leeway; plus, should there be a strike or cancellation in other transport modes (not unheard of in Greece), your plans remain unruffled.

From a safety and health perspective, especially in times of global concerns, a helicopter offers a more controlled environment – just you and known personnel, which some travelers may prefer.

Finally, there’s something to be said about the impression and thrill it provides. Arriving at a luxury resort by helicopter is almost cinematic; it’s an arrival story you’ll tell friends, and it sets a tone of exclusivity for your trip. Santa Marina’s staff are used to greeting helicopter arrivals and they do it so smoothly – within minutes of landing, you could be strolling the private beach or dipping in your villa pool. The transition from travel to relaxation is virtually instantaneous, which psychologically is huge – no travel stress linger, you dive straight into holiday mode.

For Santa Marina as a resort, offering helicopter access cements its status as a cut above – it’s saying to guests, “We know you value your time and privacy, and we provide for that.” For the guest, taking advantage of that says, “I’m going to do this trip the best way possible.” In short, the advantages of helicopter travel to Santa Marina come down to maximizing luxury: saving precious time, ensuring privacy and comfort, delivering spectacular views, and affording the ultimate convenience and wow-factor arrival. Once you’ve experienced it, it’s hard to go back to any other way of island hopping.

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Awards, Affiliations & Sustainability

Santa Marina has a storied legacy on Mykonos and has received numerous accolades that cement its position as one of Greece’s top resorts. It is the only hotel in Mykonos to be a longstanding member of The Luxury Collection (Marriott), giving it global recognition for excellence. It consistently features in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards (often ranked among the top resorts in Europe or Greece) and has been named in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best lists as well. Forbes Travel Guide has distinguished Santa Marina, awarding it a 4-star or potentially 5-star rating in recent years, which is testament to its service and facilities (and indeed, Forbes specifically praises the helipad and private jetty enabling VIP arrivalsforbestravelguide.com). The resort is also part of Virtuoso and other luxury travel networks, meaning it’s recommended by elite travel advisors and comes vetted for quality.

Over the years, Santa Marina has bagged awards like Greece’s Leading Resort by the World Travel Awards multiple times, and it’s frequently mentioned in lifestyle pieces as the go-to resort for celebrities on Mykonos. The Buddha-Bar Beach, being a hotspot, has drawn its own acclaim as one of the trendiest dining and nightlife venues in the Cyclades.

In terms of sustainability, Mykonos isn’t particularly known for eco-tourism (it’s more known for luxury and nightlife), but Santa Marina, by virtue of being family-owned and operated for decades, has a sense of stewardship. The owners (the Daktylides family) have worked to integrate sustainability where possible in a high-end context. For example, the resort has invested in state-of-the-art wastewater treatment and desalination to ensure it’s self-sufficient in water and not overtaxing the island’s limited natural water (like many Cycladic islands, Mykonos struggles with water scarcity in summer). The expansive gardens of Santa Marina, lush with palms and flowers, are maintained with a drip irrigation system to conserve water and planted largely with indigenous or well-adapted species that thrive in the climate, thereby reducing excessive watering.

Santa Marina’s architecture of white buildings reflects heat naturally, reducing cooling needs, and many of the newer renovations have included energy-efficient systems like key-card master switches to cut power when rooms are not in use. They also use LED lighting extensively and are likely exploring solar energy for parts of their operation, though due to aesthetic and space reasons, solar panels might be limited to less visible areas.

The resort partakes in the preservation of Mykonos’s cultural heritage by supporting local events or traditions; for instance, they occasionally host or sponsor exhibitions of Greek art or local craft pop-ups within the resort, giving guests a taste of Greek culture and supporting artisans.

Santa Marina’s commitment to local community is also notable: many staff are local islanders (or from nearby islands), and the resort being open since the 1980s has been a consistent employer and contributor to the Mykonian economy beyond tourism – the owners also have invested in local infrastructure and support charities on the island.

Green initiatives in a resort like Santa Marina may not be overtly advertised, but subtle ones exist: elimination of single-use plastic straws (they moved to paper/biodegradable early on, especially at beach and bar venues), recycling programs behind the scenes (Mykonos’s recycling is still developing, but the hotel likely segregates glass, paper, etc., sending to mainland if needed), and perhaps initiatives like linen reuse programs for guests (common in luxury hotels now).

Affiliation-wise, Santa Marina’s membership in Marriott’s Luxury Collection brings in a certain set of brand standards that include sustainability benchmarks (Marriott has global environmental goals to reduce carbon, water, waste). Additionally, Santa Marina is part of a local initiative of Mykonos hoteliers aiming to maintain the island’s charm amid development – for instance, controlling light pollution so that starlight is visible, or ensuring noise from venues like Buddha-Bar is managed to not disturb beyond the property (soundscaping has been implemented to keep music within bounds – important for local relations and general environment).

While Mykonos isn’t an eco-destination, Santa Marina’s private beach has essentially the quality measures of a Blue Flag beach (cleanliness, safety, etc.), though as a private beach, it doesn’t fly the flag publicly. Santa Marina likely ensures their beach is free of litter (I suspect daily cleanings) and their water sports operate with care for marine life (e.g., limiting jet ski distance to avoid reefs, though Mykonos isn’t known for coral or such).

One could say Santa Marina’s sustainability focus is on sustaining the luxury experience and local community in a responsible manner in a high-demand location. They do this by controlling capacity (even in peak summer, Santa Marina’s clientele is limited by its room count and exclusivity, preventing overuse of local resources on their patch), and by heavily investing in self-sufficiency (water, power backup, etc.) so that they are not draining the island’s resources.

Additionally, Santa Marina often partners with other local businesses (boat charters, excursion providers) that follow legal and sustainable practices, indirectly encouraging an overall standard.

While Santa Marina might not win “green” awards, it wins luxury and service awards, and quietly meets sustainability where it can. Its longevity is itself a testament: in an island where many things are transient or seasonal, Santa Marina has sustainably operated for decades, adapting to modern expectations and maintaining Mykonos’s allure. For the future, one could see Santa Marina possibly engaging in island-wide initiatives like beach cleaning drives or supporting Mykonos’s marine conservation (there are efforts to protect local sealife and reduce plastic in the sea, which a beachfront property would be aligned with).

In summary, Santa Marina’s trophy cabinet is filled with awards for being among the best resorts and its membership/partnership in top luxury and travel networks. Behind the scenes, its sustainable practices and community engagement ensure that it not only remains a beloved resort for guests but also a respected institution on Mykonos, balancing the island’s pristine allure with the demands of luxury hospitality.

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