RACIL’s Insider Guide to Mykonos

Designer Racil Chalhoub, a Beirut-born, Paris-raised globetrotter now based in London, has made Mykonos her annual summer sanctuary. Blending effortless glamour with Cycladic charm, she shares her curated picks for experiencing the island’s magic like a true insider.

Where to Stay

Belvedere Hotel A timeless favorite, Belvedere epitomizes understated luxury. Its poolside martinis and sunset views over Mykonos Town set the tone for sophisticated evenings. For villa stays, Racil recommends properties with panoramic vistas of Delos, the UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in mythological allure

Culinary Hotspots

Breakfast & Brunch

• Poolside Bliss: Start mornings with fresh Greek yogurt, honey-drizzled figs, and freddo cappuccinos at Belvedere’s poolside lounge.
• Spilia Seaside: A cliffside gem where lunch transforms into a celebration. Dive into grilled octopus or lobster pasta while waves crash below 6.

Dinner with Flair

• Sea Satin Market: A fusion of Mediterranean flavors and seafood delicacies, perfect for sunset dinners.
• La Maison de Catherine: Racil’s go-to for refined French-Greek cuisine in a romantic garden setting 

Hidden Gems

• Fokos Taverna: Tucked away on a remote northeastern beach, this rustic spot serves organic lamb chops and stifado (beef stew) under olive trees.
• Kiki’s Tavern: Unpretentious and cash-only, this Agios Sostis beach shack offers grilled meats and local wine 

Beach Life

Party Vibes

• Scorpios & Alemagou: Iconic beach clubs where bohemian decor meets pulsating DJ sets. Check schedules for full-moon parties 
• Nammos Beach: A glamorous hub for sushi platters and champagne showers, with luxury boutiques like Dior and Gucci nearby

Serene Escapes

• Hippie Fish: A laid-back Psarou Beach spot for chilled rosé and Aegean dips.
• Kalo Livadi: Pristine waters ideal for swimming, followed by seafood paella at Solymar 4 11.

Nightlife & Sunset Spots

Pre-Dinner Drinks

• Belvedere’s Pool Bar: Sip espresso martinis as the sky turns pink.
• Caprice Bar: Snag a seat by the blue-framed window in Mykonos Town for Instagram-worthy sunset snaps 

Late-Night Revelry

• Guzel & Void: Dance to deep house beats in Mykonos Town’s labyrinthine streets. For sunrise afterparties, head to Thalami, a hidden bar favored by locals 5 6.

Shopping & Style

Boutique Treasures

• The White Shop: A Mykonos Town gem specializing in handcrafted linen dresses and ceramic tableware.
• Nammos Village: Browse high-end labels like Loro Piana or Chanel’s seasonal pop-up 4 7.

Local Souvenirs

• Shell Necklaces: Find handmade designs from a street vendor near Matogianni Street.
• Evil Eye Bracelets: Symbolic charms sold at traditional kiosks 7 8.

Wellness & Adventure

Active Escapes

• Waterskiing at Kalafatis: Glide across turquoise waters, then refuel at Yiammas Taverna with freshly caught fish 
• Hiking to Armenistis Lighthouse: A serene trek offering panoramic views of the northern coastline 

Relaxation

• Sundays Beach Club: Unwind with yoga sessions or a silica-mud massage at this Kalafati retreat 

RACIL’s Mykonos Essentials

• Packing List: Flowy kaftans, crochet cover-ups, Muzungu Sisters totes, and flat sandals for cobblestone streets.
• Soundtrack: A mix of chilled house, Greek rembetika, and ’70s disco.
• Best Time to Visit: Mid-June to mid-July or early September to dodge August crowds 

Why Mykonos?

For Racil, the island’s magic lies in its duality—days melt into nights seamlessly, blending relaxation with unbridled energy. Whether dancing until dawn at Alemagou or savoring solitude at Fokos, Mykonos offers a freedom found nowhere else. As she puts it: “Here, time dissolves. You live by the rhythm of the sea and the pulse of the island.”

Insider Tip: Rent an ATV to explore hidden coves like Fokos or Lia Beach, where turquoise waters meet untouched shores