Hydra, Greece
Mandraki Beach Resort
The mythical hydra has many heads, but the island of the same name has only one sandy beach, and it’s on this idyllic stretch of sand that you’ll find the Mandraki Beach Resort, a modern luxury resort built on the site of a 19th-century naval fortification. It’s this curious history that explains the aesthetic; one part weathered stone and one part crisp, contemporary minimalism, it’s a look that conveys plenty of character without feeling heavy or overbearing. It’s a fitting aesthetic for this low-key, bohemian destination. While Mandraki offers what is unmistakably a luxurious experience, it’s an unpretentious one, and the tranquil vibe is helped along by the solidity of the construction and the spaciousness of the interiors. There’s nothing here smaller than a 22-square-meter suite, and at the upper end of the range they come with luxe extras like private pools, and the suite in the old watchtower adds extra space and a far-ranging sea view. Meanwhile Mandraki’s beach is lined with orderly rows of loungers, and guests are served by the Captain M restaurant, whose menu ranges from Mediterranean classics to bao buns and sushi, and whose atmosphere ranges from sunny beach-bar ease to casual glamour in the evenings.
