SANTA MARINA RESORT AND VILLAS

Mykonos, Greece

ITH its azure sea, dazzling whitewash and blue buildings clustered on s u n ny h i l l s i d e s , Mykonos is pi c t ure - postcard Greece. And in its own mini “village” on a private peninsula in the south-west of the island, the Santa Marina Resort is a chilled, exclusivefeeling spot for anyone visiting the “Island of the Winds”.

Given Greece’s economic turmoil it might not seem the prime time to visit, but as Mykonians were keen to stress to me, the island depends on tourism in the summer, so don’t be put off — just bring plenty of cash.

Now is also an opportune time to visit as the hotel is fresh from a three-year revamp, which saw the 100 rooms and suites upgraded (the 12 villas are next) and culminated in the opening of the Buddha Bar Beach — a new restaurant, bar and entertainment space.

Before I can venture down to dip a toe in the Aegean, there are steps to be negotiated (this is not the place for anyone with limited mobility). From the drop - off point I’m direc ted up to reception via a wide stone staircase dotted with lanterns and display cases showing off wares available in the hotel’s two boutiques (designer, natch).

It’s up again to get to the room, housed in a pleasingly Cycladic building. Then it’s back down past the spa, gym-witha-view, tennis court, helipad, children’s play area and the two spectacular — if cold, as I later discover — infinity pools on different levels. Unlike the winding streets of Mykonos Town or the island’s crowded “party” beaches, space is not an issue at Santa Marina.

Nowhere is that more evident than on the 150m-long sandy beach, furnished with cushion-scattered daybeds and curving around to a pier lined with roomy covered loungers. It’s more appealing — and sheltered — than the pools, which were empty during my stay early last month. As part of the new Buddha Bar set-up, music on the sands comes from Dubai import DJ Dimi.el — a chilled backdrop for a sundowner, but given that the hotel is geared up for