Santa Marina Resort and Villas in Ornos, Mykonos

Essentials
• Location: The retreat is situated on a hilltop in Ornos, a brief 6-minute walk from the sandy beach.
• Hotel website: Hotel Website Link
• Hotel phone: +30 22890 23220
• Check prices for Santa Marina Resort and Villas

Santa Marina Resort and Villas – A very lavish coastal resort located in Ornos Bay with a semi-private beach area, two swimming pools, a playground, and an outstanding spa facility.

Providing refined, family-friendly accommodations, Santa Marina offers a wide assortment of spacious chambers, suites, and villas spread across a hillside with magnificent ocean panoramas throughout the property. The resort features two pools: one solely for adults and another connected to a kids` pool for families. Dining and beverages are wonderful at the beach or poolside, while room service is accessible around the clock. All rooms are elegantly outfitted and provide private terraces; top classification suites add private exterior pools and sleep up to four. Most villas have private pools, and the largest villa sleeps up to ten in its five bedrooms. The restaurants of Ornos are a brief walk away, and there is routine free transportation into Mykonos Town. If traveling with young children, this is the best hotel on Mykonos..

See Also

• The Best Accommodations in Mykonos
• Where to Stay on Mykonos
• Highly-Rated Lodging in Naxos

Santa Marina Resort and Villas – Location

• Location: Santa Marina is conveniently situated in Ornos, within a 5-minute walk of the main section of the beach and a 15-minute stroll to the kitesurfing area at Korfos Beach. Several excellent restaurants and upscale beach clubs can be reached within a 3 to 10-minute walk from the hotel, as well as 2 grocery stores and a pharmacy only a 15-minute walk away. Santa Marina is just a 10-minute walk to the bus stop for Mykonos Town (though the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service too), and a brief 5-minute walk to the water taxi connecting Ornos Beach to many of Mykonos’ finest beaches, such as far east as Elia Beach.
• Means of Transport: Conveniently located on a side road near the beach in Ornos, the hotel can be easily accessed by car, bus, or taxi. It is roughly 7 km from the Mykonos ferry port in Tourlos and 5 km from the Mykonos Airport to the hotel.

  “To arrive at the hotel using public transportation via bus, take the bus headed towards Fabrika departing from the airport or Tourlos ferry terminal, known as the ‘New Port’. During the peak summer months, buses run along these airport and ferry routes several times each day but less regularly, if at all, in winter. Disembark at the Fabrika stop in Mykonos town and catch a second bus traveling to Ornos beach. The initial bus from the airport or new port to Fabrika usually takes about 10 minutes, while the connecting bus to Ornos beach is estimated at another 10 minutes. The total travel time should be under an hour accounting for any wait at Fabrika to switch buses, costing approximately €4 altogether. Tickets may be purchased on board from the driver or at a staffed kiosk at the terminal using cash only. Schedules typically space buses around 30 minutes apart during busy summer hours and less frequently in mornings, nights and over winter.”
  Cabs are also available from the arrival point or air terminal, though there are only about 30 taxis assisting the whole isle, so there is often a prolonged wait; schedule a ride through a private vehicle service in advance to stay away from this (I employ and recommend Welcome Pickups). Taxis on Mykonos do not have meters, so be sure to agree on a cost with the driver before setting out. A taxi from the port or airport to the city center will cost roughly €20 to €25. Booking through a private vehicle service will cost only a bit more – about $38 (€31), but is worthwhile to avoid the wait and for the benefit of paying ahead.

  For those who favor self-driving, we recommend renting a vehicle either at the airport upon arrival, or in Mykonos Town. We strongly advise reserving a car in advance, particularly if you necessitate automatic transmission. Upon arrival at the resort, Santa Marina offers free parking.

• Close to: Ornos Beach. Water taxi to the southern beaches. Korfos Beach).

Santa Marina Resort and Villas – The Basics

• Ages: The hotel welcomes guests of all ages. Visitors tend to be couples celebrating a special occasion or a birthday.
• Coastline: The hotel sits on a private section of Ornos Beach, one of the island’s best and most popular stretches of sand and surf, with golden sand, transparent blue water, and numerous great beach clubs and eateries. Ornos Beach is the initial stop on the Water Taxi route that connects most of the southern beaches including Platis Gialos,Paraga,Paradise,Super Paradise,Agrari, and Elia beaches. Korfos Beach, the only place for practicing kitesurfing in Mykonos, is about a kilometer north from Santa Marina. This shoreline lacks beach clubs, but there are numerous affordable eateries very nearby
• View: 106 rooms, suites, and villas have full sea perspectives over Ornos Bay. 8 rooms have partial sea views.
• Kitchens: All villas have full kitchens.
• Private Pools/Hot Tubs: Private swimming pools or infinity pools are included in the top category suites (Deluxe Seaview Suites with Pool and Two Bedroom Deluxe Seaview Suites with Pool). Of the thirteen villas, ten include private pools and one includes a hot tub.
• Parking: Free parking is available on site at the resort.
• Additional Services: Reception available 24 hours a day, 24-hour concierge, room service operating 24 hours daily, private beach, private marina, helipad, business center, playground, floodlit tennis court with coaching, babysitting, boutique store, jewelry shop, convenience store, scuba diving excursions, private chapel, wedding services, rooms cleaned twice daily.
• When to Book: The hotel operates from mid-April through late October. Reserve at least 3 months in advance (6 months is preferable) for stays during the peak season from June through September and about 2 months in advance for the low and shoulder seasons. Note that Santa Marina requires a 2-night minimum stay in the low season and a 5-night minimum (7 for villas) in the busy season.
• How to Book: Booking.com often has the best rates.
• Phone: +30 22890 23220
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: santa-marina.gr

Santa Marina Resort and Villas – Amenities

• Pool: The hotel has 2 infinity pools, both with poolside food and drink service. The Colonial Pool is family-friendly with an attached kids pool and hot tub near the playground. The Oasis Pool is a saltwater pool for adults only.
• Spa: Ginkgo Spa is a luxury, full-service spa and salon with a hammam, sauna, and 5 treatment rooms.
• Fitness Facilities: The resort provides an outstanding gym with state-of-the-art, modern equipment.
• For Disabled Guests: This is a very spread out resort with lots of staircases. Though there are some elevators, access to many rooms and the facilities is not always possible without using staircases. This hotel is not suitable for guests with moderate to severe mobility issues, but those with mild issues may opt to book a ground floor room to limit the need for staircases.

For Families: Santa Marina is open to guests of all ages. Family amenities include a family pool, kids’ pool, playground, babysitting, 24-hour room service, and direct beach access. The resort offers several spacious 2-bedroom suites and 2 to 5-bedroom villas which can sleep large families and groups up to 10.

• Recreational Options: Their beachfront eatery Buddha-Bar Beach regularly provides DJs and musical events during high season. Santa Marina also offers water sports gear and can arrange scuba diving and yacht tours departing from their private marina. The concierge team is always pleased to arrange tours and excursions, like day trips to the ruins of Delos and helicopter trips to nearby islands on select days.

Santa Marina Resort and Villas – Food and Drink

• Eateries: Buddha-Bar Beach Club – Open for lunch, dinner, and drinks, serving a Mediterranean-Asian fusion menu with excellent seafood, sushi, and refreshing signature beverages. Nightly DJs spin eclectic, chilled world music tunes until around 1 am. This is a popular sunset spot open to the public, so reservations are suggested. • Colonial Pool Restaurant and Bar – All-day restaurant serving Mediterranean dishes along with a few international favorites like pizzas and burgers. A kids’ menu is available too. Located next to the family and kids’ pools and the playground.
• Lounges/Bars: Oasis Pool and Lounge – Situated in the adults-only pool section and features excellent cocktails, wines, and beers along with light snacks from Buddha-Bar and Colonial. This lounge is open all day until around sunset. • The Santa Marina Beach Bar – Serves cocktails and light snacks on the beachfront until around sunset. The simple but delicious food selection is from Buddha-Bar.
• Breakfast: The hotel provides an exceptional breakfast buffet, including mimosas and bloody marys, that can be booked with the room. Colonial also offers an à la carte breakfast for an additional rate if booking the room separately.
• Room Service: Available 24 hours a day

Santa Marina Resort and Villas – Rooms

• Room Types: Superior Rooms • Superior Seaview Rooms • Deluxe Seaview Rooms • Seaview Suite • Deluxe Seaview Suite • Deluxe Seaview Suite with Pool • Two Bedroom Seaview Suite • Two Bedroom Seaview Suite with Pool • 2 Bedroom Villa with Jacuzzi (Villa Coral) • 2 Bedroom Villa with Private Pool (Villa Crystal) • 3 Bedroom Villa (Villa Topaz) • 3 Bedroom Villa with Private Pool (Villas Pearl, Emerald, Sapphire, Lapis Lazuli, and Horizon) • 4 Bedroom Villa with Pool (Villas Amethyst, Diamond, Tanzanite and Ruby) • 5 Bedroom Villa with Pool (Villa Turquoise)
• Smoking Rooms: Smoking is not permitted in any room. Smoking is allowed on outdoor private terraces and in some exterior common areas.
• Best Room: The best room for couples is the Deluxe Seaview Suite with Pool. These roomy 60 sqm suites offer 1 bedroom with a king-sized bed, deep immersing baths, oversized rainfall showers, spectacular Aegean Sea views, and private pools on terraces or in gardens.
• For Families: Santa Marina is open to guests of all backgrounds. Family amenities include family and kids’ pools, a playground area, babysitting services, and a pristine, private, sandy, and shallow beachfront. The best options for families are either the Two Bedroom Seaview Suite with Pool (for a group of 4 people) or any of the villas for larger parties or more extended stays. Two Bedroom Suites with Pools offer 95 square meters of space with king-sized master bedrooms and second bedrooms with 2 single beds. Both bedrooms include private bathrooms. The suite boasts a garden with an infinity pool overlooking the sea. Villas vary in size, anywhere from 2 to 5 bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom, plus fully equipped kitchens, butler assistance, and more privacy, as the villas are separate from the main hotel area. All villas feature gardens, 1 has an outdoor hot tub, and 10 have outdoor pools.

Santa Marina Resort and Villas – Local Transport

• Ambling: Santa Marina is situated in between two coastlines, Ornos Beach and Korfos Beach. The hotel overlooks Ornos Beach to the south, around 500m from the primary shoreline; Korfos Beach is to the north about a 15-minute stroll (1.1km) away. Ornos Beach is among the finest coastlines on the island for swimming, relaxing, and eating, with several excellent dining places and beach organizations along its edge. There is likewise a Water Taxi here that stops at most of the southern coastlines of the island. Korfos Beach is not as gorgeous as Ornos, but it is popular for being the sole kitesurfing coastline on the island. There are a few dining places, grocery stores, and a pharmacy near Korfos Beach.
• Transport: One of the closest spots to catch public transport to Santa Marina is about 750m away near the center of Ornos Beach. From there, buses travel to Mykonos Town, where passengers can disembark at Fabrika and walk to destinations like Little Venice, the Old Port, and the main Chora area. At Fabrika, a second bus can also be taken to the New Port (Tourlos Ferry Port), Airport, and beaches such as Agios Ioannis, Platis Gialos, Paradise and Paraga. Alternatively, one can disembark at Fabrika and walk to the Old Port to board a bus towards the New Port, Ano Mera village, as well as beaches like Kalafati, Agios Stefanos, Kalo Livadi, Elia and Panormos. There is no direct bus link between Fabrika and the bus terminal in the Old Port; the journey on foot between the two locations takes approximately 15 minutes (1 km). Ticket costs range from €1,60 to €2,30 depending on the destination. During peak season especially, buses tend to fill up quickly and may lack capacity for additional riders. Only 26 public vehicles service the island. Check the KTEL website for current timetables which are updated every couple of weeks.”
• Transport: There is no dedicated taxi waiting area in Ornos. The closest taxi queues are located in Mykonos Town at Fabrika and the Old Port, so reaching them may not be very convenient. In addition, both taxi stands usually have lengthy wait times because only 30 cabs service the whole island. Therefore, it is best to arrange a taxi pickup in advance to avoid delays. The driver can meet you directly at the hotel. A small additional cost is charged for reservations made beforehand (around €5 Euros) as well as transporting bags, generally just a couple euros. A cab ride from the airport or ferry terminal to Santa Marina should cost about €20-€25.
• Water Taxi: The New and Old Ports and several beaches are linked via a boat system. The Sea Bus connects the New Port and Old Port with routes running about every 30 minutes, all wheelchair accessible, and all €2 one-way per person, while a Delos round-trip costs €20. Water taxis also connect the southern beaches, with routes connecting the main beaches at Ornos and Platis Gialos with the more remote beaches at Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia. An all-day, all-beach pass costs €20.
• Motorized vehicles: Scooters serve as the primary mode of transportation for locals, while all-terrain vehicles or ATVs hold great popularity among tourists, but for those unaccustomed to the landscape, these can prove to be highly hazardous to operate. The roads on the Greek island of Mykonos weave in zigzag patterns, travel up and down hills, squeeze through narrow passages, and contain many potholes, sometimes constituting dirt paths, with most regions outside of Mykonos Town lacking street lights. Plus there are aggressively reckless drivers to contend with, some of the world`s worst. Renting a car presents a much safer choice than a scooter or ATV, while likewise granting easy access to remote beaches across the island.

Santa Marina Resort and Villas – What’s Nearby?

Best Nearby Restaurants

• Pasaji: The finest beach club in Ornos offers top-notch sushi, meats, refreshments, and shisha served on the sand or in their open area dining hall.
• Kuzina: This upscale beach club and restaurant offers a Mediterranean menu paired with sushi alongside a lovely beach, cocktails, and DJ music.
• Kostantis Restaurant: Kostantis offers tasty breakfast, lunch, and evening meals with particularly good Greek seafood, alongside staples like hamburgers. Just past Kuzina along the beach.
• Markos Falafel: Relaxed Lebanese-Greek establishment serving vegan, vegetarian, and meat dishes at great prices. The finest falafel, shawarma, and souvlaki in Mykonos, and likely the most inexpensive beer.
• Funky Kitchen: Highly notable Greek-Mediterranean restaurant, combining traditional flavors and cutting-edge techniques while highlighting seasonal, locally grown ingredients. Many inviting vegetarian and gluten-free dishes available. Reservations suggested.
• To Maereio: Cozy restaurant serving traditional Greek dishes and excellent wine in a popular spot. They don`t accept reservations, so arrive early or enjoy a drink on the patio while waiting.
• M-eating Restaurant: Inventive, Greek fine dining with an informal atmosphere. Known for their lamb and beef dishes, fresh seafood, and their Mykonian onion tart.

Best Nearby Bars and Breweries

• Galleraki: Scenic spot for sunset cocktails and a lively surroundings late into the night. The best perspectives are from their upstairs balcony, so reserve beforehand or arrive early to obtain a spot there.
• Scarpa Bar: Known for serving the freshest fruit cocktails in Mykonos, especially their signature beverages like the Roger Rabbit (vodka, carrot, lime, peach, passionfruit). Their namesake Scarpa drink is considered the most Greek taste you`ll find (mastiha, vanilla, beet, lemon, yogurt). Sunset views and house music until dawn.
• Katerina’s Cocktail Bar and Restaurant: Owned and operated by one of Greece`s first female sea captains, Katerina`s provides stunning sunset views from its upstairs bar or waterside restaurant below, serving fresh seafood and refreshing beverages in both locations.
• 54 Cocktail Bar & Sunset Lounge: Gay/straight bar and dance club with an awesome DJ, friendly staff, and fantastic cocktails. The party starts late here, so arrive around 9 or 10 for a chill vibe or after midnight for a livelier atmosphere.
• Mykonos Brewing Company: The island’s sole brewery offers craft beer tastings in their compact taproom Mondays through Saturdays. Guided tours by appointment are only €5 per person.
• Skandinavian Bar Disco Nightclub: One of the oldest night spots in Mykonos, Skandinavian contains 2 bars on the lower level, a boisterous dance club and bar upstairs, and an outdoor courtyard.
• Jackie O’ Bar: Most lively bar in Mykonos, Jackie O’ opens at sunset for relaxed drinks, remains active all night with dancing, and holds nightly drag performances. They operate a sister venue at Super Paradise Beach Club also worthy of a visit.

Best Nearby Cafes

• Choriatiko: Part of a popular Greek bakery chain, Choriatiko operates around the clock with a great selection of breads, pastries, sandwiches, coffee, and treats.
• Bowl Restaurant Café: Health-focused menu of fresh, seasonal, local, natural juices, and superfoods. Mostly plant-based, veggie, and gluten-free choices with a few light fish and meat dishes.

Nearby Shopping and Cool Shops

• Optique Boutique: Stylish eyewear and sunglass boutique with attentive staff well-suited to matching customers to their most flattering silhouettes.
• Information on Soho Soho, a designer store with 4 branches in Mykonos, 2 of which are in Mykonos Town, 4 km away.

La Réserve Hotel & Spa   Hotel phone: +33 1 58 36 60 60

• Elena Makri: Luxury women’s retailer by the former Vogue editor-in-chief. Clothing, shoes, and accessories that take inspiration from classical Greece.
• Rarity Gallery: Truly extraordinary collection of contemporary works of art and exhibits, free entrance, and no pressure to make a purchase.
• Nammos Village: Luxury retail complex at Psarou Beach featuring high-end fashion and accessories from designers such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and others, plus a spa, supervised playground, and cafe (not to be confused with the nearby Nammos Restaurant).
• Ilias Lalaounis: Famous jewellery shop providing exceptional works by the late renowned goldsmith.

Nearby Attractions

• Water Taxi: The water taxi is an excellent way to visit multiple spectacular beaches in a single outing. The boat departs from Ornos Beach and stops at Platis Gialos, Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia Beaches. Boats operate hourly from Ornos from 10 am to 4 pm and return hourly starting at Elia Beach from 11:45 am to 5:45 pm. The fee is €20 for an all-day pass permitting access to all beaches.
• Korfos Beach: Located directly north of Ornos Beach, Korfos Beach is the only kite-surfing beach in Mykonos that provides ample wind and waves for much of the summer season.
• Mykonos Farmers: Wonderful dairy farm offering farm tours and a variety of cheesemaking classes.
• Mykonos Town aka Chora: The capital of the island, the Chora has a charming network of pedestrian streets, historic sights, restaurants, bars, and shops. One of the best-known attractions are the 17th-century Windmills of Kato Mili, which were once part of an old flour mill. The windmills mark the beginning of the Little Venice neighborhood, which contains lively bars and restaurants offering sunset views set in converted 19th-century fishing homes. The oldest landmark is Paraportiani Orthodox Church: a complex construction comprised of 5 churches built over the course of 2 centuries starting in 1425. Paraportiani separates Little Venice from the Old Port, a beautiful coastal region with restaurants, bars, shops, and a beach, plus transportation to Delos Island. All of the attractions, dining, shops, and nightlife are about 9 to 12 minutes` drive from the hotel.

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Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores

• AB Food Market: Well-supplied food shop with a decent choice of pantry basics, beer, wine, bread, and more. Convenient parking available, too.
• Pharmacy: Small friendly pharmacy for basic needs located between Great Greek Earth and AB Food Market.
• Great Greek Earth: Excellent small store selling fresh fruits and veggies at affordable prices. Stop here for produce before going to the main market for groceries.

Santa Marina Resort and Villas – The Hotel