The Wild Hotel by Interni

From the masterminds behind the iconic Myconian restaurant, Interni, The WILD Hotel is a 40-key island hideaway built into a natural amphitheatre-like clifftop with views over the Aegean and private access to a secluded beach below.

The WILD overlooks a former fishing village that was once home to the most courageous fishermen of Mykonos known locally as “the wild ones” for their fearless spirit and unconventional lifestyle. Today, it is a tranquil picturesque spot that is reminiscent of the island in a simpler time and offered the perfect location for the Varveris family’s long-term aspiration to create a characterful hotel that embodies the raw beauty and eclectic spirit of the island.

Pouring 40 years of experience across design, retail and hospitality into the project, Nikos Varveris, together with his sons Alexandros and Filippos and architects Sofia & Matina Karavas, collaborated to open this jewel of a hotel in 2019 that marries nature-based design with pared-back luxuries and a bohemian spirit for travellers seeking an unpretentious retreat to relax and unwind.

“The WILD Hotel is an expression of our family philosophy and embodies everything we love about this beautiful Cycladic island and its original ethos stemmed from the artists and free spirits who discovered it first” says co-owner Alexandros Varveris.  “The hotel is like a living entity and a work in progress that will evolve with us over time as we collect new artwork and antiques, listen to our guests’ desires and get inspired by our own travels to dream up new experiences.”

At the heart of The WILD Hotel is a desire to connect its guests to the lesser explored and uncrowded parts of Mykonos. From the isolated beaches of Kapari and Frangia to cultural excursions to Rizes Folklore Farmstead or the sacred island of Delos, The WILD Hotel can tailor-make experiences via their in-the-know experience managers. Whether this be a visit to a local Myconian farm to learn the art of traditional Greek bread making, intimate picnics and visits to local fish markets to source the freshest produce on the island before meeting with chef to discuss how it should be served for lunch that day.

Traditional Greek architecture and an earthy colour palette are combined with contemporary design features and artisanal objects to bring a fluidity to the space. High-end furniture and sleek shapes are blended with handmade lamps, collectable antiques, woven textiles and handcrafted floors. Although everything has been thoughtfully curated, it is its decidedly unpolished finish and rugged aesthetic that cultivates a relaxed atmosphere that encourages both privacy and connection. A clifftop infinity-edge swimming pool runs the full length of the property surrounded by pink-cushioned pool loungers and panoramic sea views.

Its 40 bedrooms and suites – many with private terraces and plunge pools – range from 21 to 75m2 and new for this season, The WILD will unveil a new 100 square metre two-bedroom pool villa perfectly poised at the cliff edge framed by pine trees on the one side and spectacular sea views to the other to offer the ultimate private paradise. The villa will blend seamlessly from outdoors to indoors embracing The WILD’s back to nature philosophy and allowing for alfresco entertaining and relaxing outdoors without exposure to the elements.

Embracing the abundance of fresh local produce and family-guarded traditional recipes, The WILD Hotel holds provenance and quality as highest priorities. TAVERNA, in the centre of the property, is traditional at heart but contemporary in spirit with refreshingly unpretentious atmosphere.  On the menu are flavours from Mykonos and around Greece with light and crisp savoury phyllo pies, fresh grilled vegetables and meat sourced from the island farms, local Myconian cheeses, seafood and catch-of-the-day from the neighbouring bays.

2022 sees the official launch of its second restaurant, RAW, a dramatic multi-level vertical dining courtyard shaded by pine trees and with mesmerising views over the hotel’s secluded beach. An innovative menu is divided into ‘Land’ and ‘Sea’ with dishes such as roasted shrimp marinated with coffee and vanilla; Tamarisk wild greens with spearmint, citrus and poppy seeds; Bloody Mary sea bream ceviche; beluga lentils with miso-marinated mushrooms; and grilled rib-eye with aubergine puree, chimichurri sauce and grilled bok choy. With signature cocktails like The Wild – with mezcal, mandarin puree, black salt and egg white – RAW is set to be a sublime spot for sundowners too.

The WILD’s small but perfectly formed spa has been created for rejuvenation of mind, body and soul. Housed in a serene space of local stone and natural wood, two treatment rooms and an open-air hydro massage pool are nestled into cave walls of the surrounding cliff with a no-nonsense treatment menu including hydrating facials, hot stone and Ancient Greek massage, head and foot treatments.

A sea-facing gym is equipped with top-of-the-range fitness equipment and a team of wellness experts are on-hand to offer one-to-one or group sessions such as yoga, Pilates, tennis, martial arts and personal training.

Next up is a beautiful traditional sailing boat that is being refitted to launch in 2023 to take guests on island-hopping day trips to nearby secluded spots such as Rinia Island or romantic over-night cruises exclusively for guests of The WILD Hotel.