Tripla

Santa Marina - 5 star - 8.9/10

While Mykonos has earned its reputation as a party island meant for the young and the reckless, the Santa Marina offers refuge and showcases a quieter, more family-friendly side to the island. Only two-and-a-half kilometres south of Mykonos Town, Santa Marina’s location allows you to be close enough to the action but far away enough to enjoy the island as a family. So if you’re looking to relive the days of your youth without actually leaving the little ones at home, Santa Marina may just be the place you’ve been searching for.

Top Tips
• The Santa Marina houses a whopping 101 rooms and suites spread over several levels and it’s safe to say that there is no shortage on luxury throughout. Styled to perfection, the beautifully appointed rooms and suites are all fitted with comfortable signature beds and inviting mattresses for a memorable sleeping experience made even better by stunning views of the sea. For those travelling as a family or in larger groups, we recommend booking either the Family Sea View Suite with it’s 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms or one of the 13 private villas that have up to 4 bedrooms. For those looking for more decadence, do yourself a favour and reserve the Presidential Villa which is centred around its own private pool and beautiful views of Mykonos. Pro tips: while all the rooms are gorgeous and equally well-fitted, previous guests have recommended booking a room on a higher floor for even more spectacular views.
• While there are lifts within the hotel, it is worth mentioning that because of it’s steep steps and slopes, and lack of accessible rooms, Santa Marina is not a suitable accommodation if you or anyone you are travelling with has mobility issues.
• The piece de resistance of Santa Marina has to be it’s very own private beach. As the only private beach in the entirety of Mykonos, it provides an unrivalled space to swim and sunbathe in seclusion next to the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Pro tip: if you plan on lazing the day away in the sun, we suggest requesting the complimentary umbrellas, chaise-longues, and beach towels from the hotel. Be quick though, as there are only a limited number of chaise-loungers and umbrellas available.
• If you’re travelling with small children, you’ll be happy to know that Santa Marina will be happy to cater to any of their wants and needs.Firstly, the hotel has a playground that was built to cater to children from 3 years onwards and operates in a safe, specially configured outdoor area. On top of that, kids can also enjoy the waters of the Colonial swimming pool area, with a specially designed section for parents to enjoy the sun and refreshments from the bar while keeping an eye on the little ones. Lastly, the private beach of Santa Marina Resort & Villas features shallow, crystal clear waters and golden sand for the little ones to play all day long.
• After a long day of lounging by the two sizable infinity pools and sandy private beach, why don’t you treat yourself to a well-deserved retreat to Gingko spa? Designed to offer a state-of-the-art spa experience in a 423 square metre area, you will be pampered to oblivion with their offerings of exclusive massage therapies, face and body treatments and other signature rituals.

Santa Marina While Mykonos has earned its reputation as a party island meant for the young and the reckless, the Santa Marina offers refuge and showcases a quieter, more family-friendly side to the island.

The Henry Jones Art Hotel - 5 stars - 9.3/10

Set in the ‘Old Wharf’ on Sullivan’s Cove which has been prime real estate since Hobart’s earliest days, the Henry Jones Art Hotel is a clever mix of colonial and contemporary architecture, underscored by an ever-changing lineup of Tasmanian artwork. Run by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff, the Henry Jones Art Hotel offers its guests discreet luxury and acts as the perfect homebase for wayward travellers. With the beating heart of Hobart right at its front door, you’ll have your finger on the pulse of local living.

Top Tips
• At the Henry Jones Art Hotel, no two rooms are the same. While there is a common thread of local artwork that runs through each of the rooms, they all have their own distinct, individual styles and vibes. That being said, previous guests have recommended booking one of the second floor Waterfront Spa suites. These rooms offer commanding views of the harbour with Hobart city and Kunanyi/Mount Wellington just beyond the horizon. Top that all off with your very own Kohler elliptical spa, and you’ll be sitting pretty throughout your entire stay.
• If you or anyone you are travelling with has mobility issues, you’ll be glad to hear that the Henry Jones Art Hotel are more than happy to accommodate. Not only is the entire hotel wheelchair accessible, they also have some accessible rooms, with one equipped with an adapted bathroom.
• Staying at the Henry Jones Art Hotel is much like staying in an art gallery. With 500 pieces of contemporary Tasmanian art on display and all available for purchase, the hotel is truly an art-lover’s dream come true. With their Art and History Tour experience, the hotel gives its guests the opportunity to experience their art collection in more depth, and to share in the stories of the Henry Jones site and those who shaped its past. Pro tip: tours operate daily at around 4pm and are complimentary for in-house guests. Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting the hotel concierge.
• If you so happen to be around the Henry Jones Art Hotel on a Saturday, you’re in luck! Australia’s largest outdoor market, the Salamanca Market, happens just a few minutes’ walk from its front steps. You’ll find the market by following the sounds of enthusiastic buskers in Salamanca Place and the smell of fresh morning coffee brewing. Wander through stalls held by Tasmanian producers and designers. Here you’ll find the biggest selection of locally made products including hand-worked glass, stylish clothing, bespoke jewellery, organic produce, artworks, bath and body care, ceramics and leather goods, handcrafted cheeses, breads, wines and spirits, and delicious hot foods.
• The piece de resistance of the Henry Jones Art Hotel has to be its waterfront location. With plenty to discover right on its doorstep, you’ll need at least a day or two to take full advantage of it. There truly is something for everyone; whisky lovers can settle in for a nip of single malt at Lark Distillery, art lovers can wander the galleries of Salamanca Place, foodies can venture up into historic Battery Point for a bakery treat at Jackman & McRoss or grab fish and chips from a floating punt, and movie buffs can head out to the State Cinema for an arty flick and a glass of red.

The Henry Jones Art Hotel Set in the ‘Old Wharf’ on Sullivan’s Cove which has been prime real estate since Hobart’s earliest days, the Henry Jones Art Hotel is a clever mix of colonial and contemporary architecture, underscored by an ever-changing lineup of Tasmanian artwork.