The steep escarpment at Aghios Ioannis (Saint John) is fast becoming the ‘in’ location for luxury resorts on the island of Mykonos. Southwest facing with unspoilt views towards the uninhabited island of Delos, it’s just a fifteen-minute bus ride away from the designer shops, restaurants and lively bars of Chora, the main town of Mykonos.

Built around twenty years ago, it was the first hotel in St John and hence the one with the best location. It’s a resort hotel with all that this denomination entails, but it is one of the most efficient we have ever visited.

Built down the hill in terraced layers with all the buildings whitewashed in typical Mykonos style, it is very well maintained and looks newer than it is. At the top layer is the reception and the White Bar. At the bottom is the pool, spa and restaurant area which leads down to the beach. Around 100 rooms and suites are in between, connected by a series of lifts and walkways. The upper rooms have more extensive views; the lower rooms are nearer the facilities.

For its relatively small size, the facilities are extensive, even surprising. The property has a full-sized squash court (some cities  don’t even have one of these), although one wonders how much it gets used. Another surprise is an outdoor amphitheatre sometimes used for yoga or pilates. In these days of uniformity and homogeneity, it is refreshing to find hoteliers who can think outside the box. The hotel provides a good range of off-site activities as well, from private boat charters, water sports, and self-guided trips to party venues at Paradise and Super Paradise beaches, ensuring that there will never be a dull moment spent here.