Meet the family that owns much of Mykonos

I’m sprawled in the sun on a daybed by the saltwater pool, soaking up 180-degree views of magnificent Mykonos. The pop of whitewashed houses against the brown volcanic hills and the endless blue of the Aegean Sea lulls me into a blissful trance. I’m in no hurry to go anywhere.

Poolside at Deos.

From where I lounge, I can see a luxury cruise ship anchored some distance offshore. An orange tender boat is ferrying privileged passengers to visit the beaches, boutiques and tavernas of Mykonos. Poor them. They’ll have to leave in a few hours, while I have days ahead of me, wrapped in the hospitable embrace of an extraordinary family and their incredible group of hotels.

I’m at Deos, the latest addition to the family-owned Myconian Collection’s 14 luxury hotels in the most stunning locations on Mykonos. Unveiled in 2024, Deos’ minimalism, quiet luxury (hello, Augustinus Bader facials) and superb sea views have landed it on hotel “hot lists” right away.

If Deos is an overnight success, it owes much to the decades of hard work and vision of Myconian Collection’s founder, George Daktylides, and his wife, Eleftheria.

In the 1960s, when rustic Mykonos was starting to gain the attention of bohemian artists and writers, the Daktylideses saw the island’s tourism potential. George had returned from military duty and needed to fund his dream of marrying and starting a family. He convinced his brothers to invest in a bus to transport workers and materials to the island’s mines. Before long, they had a fleet of 25 vehicles, the island’s only public transport network at the time.

Details at Deos.

The rich and famous were beginning to notice Mykonos, stopping by on their yachts for a swim on the way to the ancient ruins of Delos. Photos of Jackie Kennedy (not yet an Onassis), chic in a sleeveless sundress on the Mykonos dock, were beamed around the world. Wealthy Greeks began to build holiday homes, picking up the land for next to nothing, while the gay community and fashion crowd partied on after sunset.

Room with a view – a villa in the Myconian Collection.

George knew it was time to build a hotel, and when the 25-room Kohili opened in 1979, he became one of the island’s tourism pioneers. He dug the foundations himself, operating a Caterpillar excavator he picked up secondhand. A year later, he opened Korali, another boutique hotel.

Fast-forward 45 years and George’s four talented sons are continuing their parents’ legacy by expanding the collection (there are now 14 properties) and honouring all that is great about the island.

Vangelis, Panos, Markos and Marios are each tasked with opening and operating stunning contemporary hotels that employ hundreds of people. The hotels are designated members of leading accommodation collections, including Relais & Chateaux, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Leading Hotels of the World.

Vangelis Daktylides – the family hospitality is based on authentic Greek culture and person-to-person connection.

Educated at the best hotel schools in Switzerland, the brothers have an international perspective on the business, while never forgetting their local roots. The day I meet Vangelis at Deos, he quietly waits in the background until I’ve finished eating my delicious souvlaki lunch, not wanting to disturb me. This is a very busy man who oversees the operation of several hotels and the opening of several more.

The family continues to acquire land in the best locations on Mykonos, always relying on their father for advice. Everywhere we go, locals speak of George in a reverential way, evidence of his kindness, generosity and the high regard in which he is held.

From the humblest of origins to today’s continually expanding hotel empire, the Daktylides family hospitality is based on authentic Greek culture and person-to-person connection. The warm welcome received by visitors and guests in all of the group’s hotels says “when you’re here, you’re with family”.

As corny as that might sound, it’s deeply touching in action, a heartfelt embrace in a world where some hospitality and tourism experiences feel increasingly curated, formulaic and somehow empty. After a few days immersed in the Myconian Collection’s Mykonos, I’m daydreaming about a long summer sojourn in the Cyclades.

THE DETAILS

FLY
Fly to Mykonos International Airport from Athens on Aegean (en.aegeanair.com) or SKY Express (skyexpress.gr), from Paris on Transavia (transavia.com), or from London on British Airways (britishairways.com).

STAY
Myconian Collection owns and operates 14 luxury hotels on Mykonos. Each has its own style, decor and personality, featuring state-of-the-art Thalasso spas, terrace bars and acclaimed restaurants. Many rooms and suites have private infinity pools and spectacular views of the Aegean Sea. Rooms at Deos from €440 ($725) a night. See myconiancollection.gr

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The writer travelled as a guest of Myconian Collection.