The Greek island of Mykonos has long been synonymous with cosmopolitan glamour, pristine beaches, and vibrant nightlife. Yet, behind the island’s dazzling reputation lies a rich cultural heritage and a tradition of heartfelt hospitality, qualities that the Myconian Collection has nurtured from the beginning. Founded in 1979 by Mykonos natives Eleftheria and George, the Collection began life as a simple three-star, bed-and-breakfast-style hotel. Today, it is a constellation of 14 five-star properties under affiliations such as Relais & Châteaux and other luxury hotel groups.
According to Anastasios Naoum, Commercial Director, Myconian Collection, the brand’s growth has been driven by a commitment to preserving local authenticity without compromising on modern standards of luxury. He shared, “We started with a small bed-and-breakfast when Mykonos was still off the global tourist radar. Since then, we have worked relentlessly to evolve the offerings, from opening our first five-star hotel in 1992 to building a portfolio that caters to discerning travellers from around the world.”
Staying True to Roots and Luxury
Indeed, part of what sets the Myconian Collection apart is its family-run ethos and intimate knowledge of the island. Naoum believes this personalised approach resonates strongly with repeat clientele, who now account for around 30 per cent of the group’s annual business. Further emphasising what sets the group apart, he added, “Guests sense the warmth and care that come from a family’s decades-long dedication. Beyond that, we have been here longer than many other operators on the island. That experience translates into consistent quality, real insider knowledge, and a service culture that feels genuinely Greek.”
Cultural and Culinary Exploration
Located across six prime sites in Mykonos, the Collection has developed a reputation for offering travellers both the excitement of the island’s famous party scene and the tranquillity of lesser-known cultural corners. Naoum highlighted that Mykonos is more than just beaches and nightlife, pointing to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delos as an example of local heritage that surprises first-time visitors. “Delos is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis in Greek mythology and just a short boat ride away from Mykonos,” he explained. “It is an ancient city frozen in time, and exploring it adds a meaningful historical and cultural dimension to any stay. We make sure guests know about such treasures.”
Cultural immersion plays a key role even within the Collection’s own spaces. Naoum described how the group’s 32 restaurants offer a contemporary take on traditional Greek and Mediterranean cuisines, incorporating fresh, local ingredients. He shared, “We learned early on that taste is one of the most meaningful ways to connect and share our culture with others. Our carefully curated menus showcase authentic Greek flavours, such as traditional salads and cheeses, alongside a wide variety of vegetarian specialties. These options are especially cherished by guests from India and other regions where dietary preferences play a significant role in their dining experience.”
India in Spotlight
While the United States currently stands as its top source market, accounting for about 20 per cent of arrivals, European countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France follow closely behind. Naoum adds that Asia, including India, has emerged as a promising market. “It is an exciting moment for us. We see huge potential in India, particularly with the prospect of direct flights to Greece starting in 2026. Our presence and partnerships in the market have grown considerably,” he added.
Sustainability
Sustainability and community engagement are at the core of Myconian Collection’s brand philosophy. The Myconian Collection has built its own desalination plants to offset water scarcity on the island and uses recycled materials whenever possible. Beyond environmental efforts, the group supports local infrastructure, donating a newly built elementary school that houses 220 students and provides accommodation for teachers and funding key medical equipment and expansions for the local hospital. “Before anything, we are natives of Mykonos,” Naoum emphasised. “This island is more than just a tourist destination for us; it is our home. Contributing to its well-being and preserving its authenticity is at the heart of everything we do.”
What’s Next?
As Mykonos continues consolidating its position as a premier luxury destination, the Myconian Collection remains a force shaping the island’s hospitality narrative. Naoum concluded, “We are forging more international partnerships, especially in emerging markets like India. Our goal is to ensure that when travellers from New York, Mumbai, or Melbourne, think of Mykonos, they instantly associate it with the warmth and authenticity of the Myconian Collection.”
