MYKONOS: CAVO TAGOO

A GLAMOROUS REFUGE OF SUN AND SEA

CAVO TAGOO MYKONOS

By Karina Y. Sotelo

Glittering against the cerulean waters of the Aegean, Cavo Tagoo is an escapist’s dream carved into a sprinkled-white cliffside on the western coast of the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos. An ultra-exotic and boho-chic blend of the Greek traditional and the modern: sensuous, whitewashed curves of classic Cycladic architecture and sophisticated minimalistic design, stylish furnishings and eccentric artwork with splashes of bright color and exuberant golden accents. This sexy five-star boutique features only top-notch amenities, including a commodious exhibition-style lobby, an intimate spa, a gift shop and gymnasium, but above all, an unrivaled glamorous pool scene. Guestrooms propose an otherworldly and revolutionary pool experience, each appointed with a combination of plunge pools, private heated-whirlpools, glasswalled infinity-pools and the island’s most legendary cave pools. The star attraction, though, is the main pool area: a classy and cutting-edge display of a 100-foot aquarium bar and an open-face seafront restaurant that partly rests upon a fresh saltwater infinity pool modernly topped with plush sunbeds that, at first sight, looks as if supernaturally floating above water and gently sailing off into the boundless velvety-blue Greek sea.

Designed to awaken the soul and stimulate the senses, the accommodations—a collection of 80 classic rooms, premium suites, and private villas—are architectural masterpieces brimming with euphoric experiences, luxurious comforts and stunning views of the sea and beyond. From the exterior, the rooms seamlessly blend into the organic aesthetic, dramatically clinging onto the edge of a jagged rock formation and cascading down the hills in resemblance of stacked sugar-cubes or melting marshmallow-like structures. Inside, each space is a modish expression of the free-spirited island that it surrounds, ingeniously infusing the raw elements of stone, bamboo, wood and water. Reflective-gold fixtures

extravagantly juxtapose the monochromatic walls, ceilings and floors; the gemstone-blue hues of the Aegean act as a resplendent contrast and kaleidoscopic panorama.

In addition to the breathtaking sea views, guestrooms are enhanced with an insanely exotic feature: pools (but not just any pools, really cool ones). Private villas are multi-pooled treasures, singly with a lottery of en-suite and outdoor heated tubs, plunge pools and infinity-edge pools. Honeymoon rooms are made extra-romantic with intimate Jacuzzis positioned precisely to gaze out at the endless horizon. Provocative gestures are also found throughout the suite intended to spice up the mood. The most obvious, are the matching bathrobes explicitly embroidered with the words “after-sex” on them. Unearthly encounters will manifest in the cave pool rooms, too. In these creatively designed rooms, guests will get lost in the splendor of serpentine-shaped pools that are concealed by mind-blowing white rock tunneled archways; and will spend all their days fixated on sparkling waters (both of the pool and of the Aegean Sea) and bathing in the sun, forgetting the existence of everything else.

Guests are greeted by a handsome staff fashionably dressed in crispwhite attire and primed to serve. Service is superb and deeply rooted in ancient Greek traditions of hospitality, where every guest is treated with the highest honor and generosity. Should guests decide to venture out to the charming streets of Chora (located only a short walk away from the property) or even sail out to sea, a well-seasoned concierge team will curate personalized activities and excursions, by land and sea. But here, guests do not need to go far to be transported to a different place, the hotel’s on-site spa will grant access to an ultra-relaxing journey. Drawing inspiration from ancient and new world wellness practices, therapies and rituals, the temple-like spa uses sea minerals and Mediterranean ingredients to relax, heal and even beautify the mind, body, and soul. Breakfasts are glorious. Every morning, a team of culinary geniuses prepare an exquisite and ultra-lavish spread of freshly baked pastries, cakes, baguettes, fruits, cheeses, smoked salmon, cured meats, and the most velvety Greek yogurt imaginable. Eggs are made to guests’ liking, coffees and natural juices are pressed to order. An Asian-influenced menu is offered for lunch and dinner and is served poolside or at the hotel’s open-air restaurant—Zuma. Room service is also available (and recommended), fizzy drinks and cocktails are delivered to your suite on a tray that floats on water. The fruit platter—a showcase of vibrant and sweet tropical fruits—is, quite literally, the cherry on top to a true Mykonian escape.

No matter where guests find themselves at this glamorous refuge, whether indulging in a transformative treatment, taking a dip or worshipping the sun—they will be summoned to fully surrender to island living—unleash all inhibitions and deepen their connection to the sun and sea.