Review: Bill & Coo Mykonos Hotel (Greece)

Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.

Today: Review of Bill & Coo Hotel, Mykonos (Greece)

Hotel website: Bill & Coo Mykonos
Location: Google maps
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso

An intimate seaside retreat on a sunny stretch of Agios Ioannis beach where barefoot luxury is the norm, the adults-only The Coast Bill & Coo offer a sanctuary of relaxation, with a seaside location, grounding energy, and fragrant gardens full of lavender, olive trees and prickly pear. Crystal clear waters just perfect for swimming and a beautiful, exclusive beach club are mere steps from the suites. Featuring white washed walls, light oak finishes and airy fabrics, all suites have sea views, with the ground floor suites featuring the additional privacy and luxury of private pools, plunge pools and terraces. The Coast Bill & Coo is the sister property of the famous Bill & Coo Mykonos Hotel, which is located on a hill close to Mykonos Town.

Bill & Coo Mykonos features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Mykonos.

Have you ever stayed at Bill & Coo Mykonos ? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

The Coast Bill & Coo is hyped as one of the most luxurious hotels on the famous Greek Island of Mykonos. Located in the heart of the Aegean Sea, Mykonos is one of Greece’s most popular holiday destinations. Offering idyllic beaches, azure seawaters, spectacular landscapes, and picturesque whitewashed villages, the small island attracts more than a million visitors each summer. Known as an island that never sleeps, an endless adult playground, and one of the world’s most sought after gay tourist destinations, Mykonos has gained a place among the best party destinations of Europe, attracting renowned DJs and fashionistas. Since Brigitte Bardot, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Grace Kelly visited in the 1960s, Mykonos also became a favored holiday spot for the rich and famous, with hip new hotels opening each year.

The Coast Bill & Coo enjoys a beachfront location on the cloistered bay of Agios Ioannis. Named after the red-domed chapel at the water’s edge, Agios Ioannis Beach looks out to the island of Delos. It was here that the award-winning film “Shirley Valentine” was filmed, in 1989, before Mykonos became the hot destination it is now. The bay is somewhat shielded from Mykonos’ famed winds and its clear waters make it particularly good for swimming and snorkeling. Set along the northern most and most secluded part of the beach, the hotel is conveniently close to some of the island’s most renowned attractions (such as Mykonos Town) and beach clubs, yet isolated enough to provide a feeling of seclusion and privacy. Both Mykonos’ airport and seaport are just a 20 min drive away (depending on traffic).

The developers of The Coast Bill& Coo drew on their knowledge of local traditional building materials and the surrounding landscape and approached the Cycladic design of the hotel as if it were a prism through which to view the local area. Materials are pared down, colors are faded, and edges are honed. The overall effect of these smooth, tactile forms is that of a continuous flowing surface that takes on various textures and functions throughout the hotel. Luminous whitewashed walls, polished cement, solid wood, crafted stone and marble and natural fabrics and fibers work together harmoniously and are punctuated with blackened brass details and carefully selected decorative elements. Furniture is custom designed and constructed with solid materials to ensure that authenticity of design.

The Coast Bill & coo is basically a small collection of pavilions – housing the private suites – supported by shared hotel services and common spaces in a secluded spot on the Mykonian coast. Located at the heart of the site, the communal areas are limited to a reception area, a restaurant with bar, a pool, and a small gym. Stepping down a stone staircase, guests arrive at the reception desk – a double-curved cement capsule that floats in front of a wall of carved chestnut panels. Next, guests pass into the open plan bar and dining room, which looks out over the intimate poolside zone which is llined by a few loungers. An intricately woven rope pergola shades the seating area and a path of Ironwood planks leads from the pool past the custom-built sun-loungers and gazebos to the sea.

The Coast Bill & Coo features 25 suites (plus one villa), each boasting a unique arrangement of open plan interior spaces and a nice sea view from the terrace. Some of the newer suites can also be seamlessly connected for larger parties, transforming into one standalone villa, ideal for families and groups. During my holiday, I stayed in a beachfront suite with pool. Set on the ground floor, the suite featured a separate sitting area and bedroom with ensuite bathroom, equipped with two wash basins and a shower. The suite featured contemporary interiors, with white-washed spaces, curved walls and earthy tones, bringing a sense of calm and tranquillity to every corner. Both the sitting room and bedroom opened to a partly shaded terrace with a lounge ara, two sun beds, a hammock and plunge pool.

The Coast Bill & Coo is one of the very few hotels on Mykonos with its own private beach club. Positioned at the far end of picturesque, sheltered Agios Ioannis, the private beach club is a short stroll from the main hotel site, and set just below the Beef Bar Restaurant (more on that below). Under canvas canopies, double sunbeds with plush sofas are located on two elevated terraces along the private beach cove, while sun-loungers on the beach level offer the perfect spot for afternoon sunbathing. Guests of Bill&Coo are granted priority access to the beach club, and can make use of the reservable, complimentary sunloungers (from sunrise till sunset). The helpful, friendly staff are on hand to serve finger foods and drinks. A small jetty in front of the beach club is the departure point for boat trips to Delos or day-long yacht tours.

The Coast Bill & Coo is the sister property of the original Bill & Coo Mykonos Hotel. Both properties are known for their laidback luxury and chic, modern design. The original Bill & Coo Hotel is set on a hill close to Mykonos Town and offers a vibrant social scene. Embodying a Cycladic style with white-washed walls, curved architecture and earthy interiors, Bill & Coo Hotel features a dazzling infinity pool, a fine dining restaurant (Yevo) and the only Valmont Spa on the island. Compared to the original Bill & Coo Hotel, the newer The Coast Bill & Coo provides a more secluded, adults-only experience, and enjoys a more enjoyable, seafront location, right next to its won private beach club. Access between the two locations – which are only 5 minutes by car from one another – is included for all guests, with a complimentary private transfer service between the properties.

The Coast Bill & Coo features three dining concepts:
- CooZest, the restaurant by the pool, took on a new chef last summer – Chef Olga Eleftheroglou – who has revamped the menu to create signature Greek dishes in a casual setting; think slow-cooked lamb leg, shrimp giouvetsi or baked cod with roasted tomato sauce. Daily à la carte breakfast is also served at CooZest.
- Located right next to the property, above the beach club, is Beef Bar. Prime cuts are flame-grilled, seared, or served raw in sharing platters and elevated street food – such as the signature Kobe beef gyros – make a statement. Guests can select from a Beef, Reef, Leaf menu as prepared by Chef Yiannis Babalis and his team, while enjoying the vibrant vibes as the in-house DJ plays in the background.
- Not to be missed is a fine-dining experience at the award-winning Yevo Restaurant, located at the main Bill and Coo Hotel (this is 3 km or 1.8 mi from the hotel, but complimentary transfers between the two properties are included). Under the direction of Executive Chef Aggelos Bakopoulos, each dish at Yevo is an invocation of the Cycladic spirit, dranwing from the fertile bounty of the Cycladic Islands.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Bill & Coo Mykonos is an expensive property, but you should know that going in. Room rates are in line with what you would pay at Mykonos’ other high-end properties, but they are definitely a lot higher compared to 5-star hotels on other, less famous Greek islands. Mykonos has become a very expensive destination – so you’ll probably want to make sure first that the island lives up to its reputation of a Greek paradise before committing. Whether Mykonos is overrated largely depends on one’s personal preferences. Some travelers will find it too crowded and expensive, while others love its lively atmosphere and natural beauty. IMHO, Mykonos is definitely worth visiting but only if you are willing to spend (a lot of) money.

The Coast Bill & Coo does no feature a spa on-site, but as already mentioned, guests are welcome to use the Valmont Spa at Bill & Coo Mykonos (complimentary shuttle transfer is provided).

The Coast Bill & Coo Mykonos has 25 suites. The property’s original 15 rooms – dating from 2016 – are the only ones to enjoy a seafront location with proximity to both the beach club and pool. The other 10 suites are located in a new complex which is reached by crossing the road behind the hotel. Although these suites do not enjoy a seafront location, they have a more and impressive design, compared to original suites. Also, not all suites have their own pool: out of the 25 accommodations, 20 have either an outdoor Jacuzzi or private plunge pool, so make sure to book the suite that best fits your preferences.

MY VERDICT

Location: 9/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: 8/10
Rooms: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Breakfast: 8/10
Spa: 7/10
Service: 8/10
Wow factor: 8/10
Value for money: 6/10
Overall experience: very good 8/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Save money: get complimentary VIP perks at Bill & Coo Mykonos when booking via Virtuoso:
- Room upgrade
- Daily breakfast
- Early check-in & late check-out
- $100 USD food & beverage credit
- Stays of 7+ nights will receive an additional $200 USD Food & Beverage credit (for a total of $300 during stay)

Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like Bill & Coo Mykonos (and/or receive many free perks).

Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Mykonos are the autumn months of September and October: the weather is still great, the tourist crowds have left, the sea temperature is at its warmest, and the hotel rates are within reasonable range. The spring months of April and May, before the summer rush comes, are also a great time to visit, although the sea is cold and you may encounter some cloudy days. Mykonos is a very popular holiday destination for Europeans in June, July and August: expect hordes of tourists, nonstop parties and soaring hotel rates at this time of year. Summers also see a lot of windy days, with the Meltemi blowing for long periods, especially in the afternoons (sometimes gale force like winds).

HOW TO GET THERE

Bill & Coo Mykonos is a 20 min car ride from the ferry harbor and from Mykonos’ international airport. Click here for a constantly updated list of airlines that offer direct flights to Mykonos.