Experiencing the splendour of Greek Summer at The Wild by Interni * Mykonos

The bliss of finding a hideaway in the most cosmopolitan island of Greece

Here is what happens when two families -long time devotees of Mykonos- discover an idyllic hidden bay. (Believe it or not, there are still hidden beaches on the island!)

I remember it was about five or six years ago when after a meal at the longtime favourite Spilia Tavern, I had taken a stroll towards an adjacent slope and I ended up staring in awe at a tranquil picturesque little bay with crystalline waters, hidden behind the hill. I immediately took a photo of the beach and the few swimmers there and uploaded it on Instagram, thinking how lucky they were and trying to figure out how on earth they had managed to get down there.

Six summers later, I am swimming in the very same bay as a guest of the dreamy boutique hotel that has been added to the place in perfect harmony with the laid-back mood that the landscape evokes.

The Wild by Interni is the epitome of bohemia

Undoubtedly, The Wild was created as a natural extension of the landscape in my story. This may be so because the people who created it had in mind a secluded, unpretentiously luxurious hotel that blends authenticity with contemporary hospitality trends. Specially made for a modern eclectic traveler, The Wild by Interni offers a traditional Cycladic experience.

So this is how the story goes… The owners spotted this unique spot, one of the few ones on the island that remained pure and untouched, somewhere near popular Kalafatis beach. There was this group of simple huts inhabited by the bravest fishermen and divers of Mykonos. The wildest ones (hence the name of the hotel The Wild).

Varveris family, owners of leading design companies Moda Bagno and Interni, have already been involved in the restaurant business with famous Interni Mykonos, The Grand by Interni at the rooftop of Grand Hyatt Athens and Twentyone, the restaurant of the hotel with the same name (of the group YES! Hotels). Hospitality in Mykonos, the island they know and love, was the next step and the partnership with architects Sophia Apergi and Matina Karava (Airtec) proved to be ideal, in designing together a destination hotel.

During its 3rd summer, this peculiar post-covid19 summer of 2020, The Wild by Interni reopened at the beginning of July with a press trip. All 10 of us, Greek media representatives could not believe our luck and jumped at the chance to leave behind the memories of the lockdown in order to experience The Wild in the best possible weather conditions.

Paradise at its best. No filter needed, no watches either. No thoughts, no worries. I was guided to my room, a junior suite with a private plunge pool (decorated with blue and green ceramic tiles) and a view to the private beach – already the trademark of the hotel. Soon after, we were all enjoying the warm, hospitable waters. There we were in a modern hotel but there were moments we thought that time had gone into reverse. We were lying on the beach on white cotton hammam towels by Interni  – a gift to us from the hosts, soaking up some sun,  watching 3-4 young boys diving from the rocks, recalling images of our childhood; nibbling at local cheese and juicy tomatoes and other greek traditional finger food that kept coming from the hotel taverna. The splendour of Greek summer in a moment. Serenity, freedom, privacy, unprecedented and deep relaxation, bliss. A true miracle. We had just discovered a hideaway in the most cosmopolitan island of Greece.

Interiors at The Wild by Interni

It’s all about simplicity, originality and authenticity, contemporary design and tradition blended into a hotel of unparalleled style. High-end design furniture match with handmade lamps, artisanal objects and antics, cotton and linen fabrics and soft leather, fine tiles and handcrafted floors.

Lovers of design will have to devote quite some time observing the pieces and the details that decorate the indoor and outdoor areas of the hotel.  The hotel is full of pieces, hand-picked from the owners over the years and perfectly expresses the philosophy and high aesthetics of the Varveris family.

In line with the Cycladic architecture and built of local materials carved by craftsmen, the property with its organic forms and stark lines blends in perfectly with the rough landscape. The palette is based on blue and terracotta hues, two trademark colours of Mykonos, the two tones that are also found in the landscape that surrounds the hotel. The contrast of the rusty brown of the rocks and the vivid azure blue of the Aegean sea under the Greek light.

Gastronomy

Here it is all about the “slow food” philosophy, the flavours of the Greek cuisine, the local produce, the freshness and the quality of the ingredients that are cooked in traditional techniques. In charge this year is chef Maro Diakatou, an expert of Greek gastronomy, who has created a menu with a strong Cycladic vibe capturing the essence of the Mykonian summer. My strongest memory was created after a treat. An airy chocolate mousse that concealed a traditional almond sweet, making it a surprisingly uplifting experience!

See in the gallery below more photos of The Wild by Interni