Kalesma Mykonos Nominated at World Travel Awards 2026

We are delighted to share that Kalesma Mykonos has once again been nominated at the World Travel Awards 2026 for Greece’s Leading Luxury Boutique Hotel, the same category we were fortunate to win in 2025.

A second nomination gives us a chance to look at what has happened in the year between the two. Kalesma has grown, certainly, but some of the most important changes have been about how guests spend their time here: outdoors, around a table, learning from local makers or simply finding another reason to stay a little longer.

This season saw the opening of the Open-Air Wellness Sanctuary, a natural extension of the way we have always thought about wellbeing at Kalesma.

Rather than separating wellness from the rest of the day, the sanctuary brings it outdoors. Movement, treatments and moments of stillness take place in the Mykonian landscape, with the Aegean air and open sky very much part of the experience.

Kuveda, meanwhile, has found its place in the daily life of Kalesma. Conceived as our contemporary take on the Greek kafenio, it is informal by nature: somewhere to meet, have something to eat, talk, and lose track of time.

At Pere Ubu, Meltemi Sessions every Saturday have introduced a different energy to the week, with food and music carrying the evening from sunset onwards.

We have also been spending more time looking at the traditions that belong to Mykonos beyond its beaches and nightlife. Textile artist Faye Chatzi now leads weaving experiences at Kalesma, introducing guests to the loom and to a craft with a long history in Greek island life. What makes the workshops particularly special is that the tradition is experienced through the hands of a working contemporary artist rather than presented as something preserved behind glass.

There has been a physical change too. Four new accommodations have joined the property, bringing Kalesma to 52 rooms, suites and villas.

Despite the additions, the original idea remains legible: Kalesma was designed as a Cycladic village rather than a conventional resort. Its pathways and courtyards follow the landscape above Aleomandra, with views stretching across the Aegean towards Delos.

The village has grown. The idea behind it has stayed remarkably simple.

A hotel is inevitably a collective effort, and this nomination belongs to far more people than those whose names appear on a booking confirmation.

It belongs to the architects and designers who first translated the idea of a contemporary Cycladic village into Kalesma; to the artisans and makers whose work gives its spaces character; and to the chefs, therapists and hosts responsible for what happens here every day.

It also belongs to collaborators such as Faye Chatzi, who bring their own practice into the life of the hotel and allow guests to encounter Greek culture through the people keeping it alive.

And, of course, it belongs to our guests. Some arrive for the first time; others now know exactly where they want to sit for sunset. Both become part of the rhythm of the place.

2025: Kalesma Mykonos was named Greece’s Leading Luxury Boutique Hotel at the World Travel Awards.

2026: Kalesma has been nominated once again in the same category.

A lot has happened between those two dates. The Open-Air Wellness Sanctuary has opened, our cultural programme has expanded, Kuveda and Meltemi Saturdays have developed their own following, and four new accommodations have joined the village.

For us, that is what makes this year’s nomination particularly welcome. It recognises Kalesma at a moment when there is more to discover here, while the character of the place remains distinctly its own.

Why the World Travel Awards Matter

The World Travel Awards recognise excellence across the international travel, tourism and hospitality industries, with awards spanning hotels, destinations and travel experiences around the world.

To follow our 2025 win with another nomination for Greece’s Leading Luxury Boutique Hotel is something we are immensely proud of, and something we share with everyone who has contributed to Kalesma.

Kalesma Mykonos was nominated for Greece’s Leading Luxury Boutique Hotel 2026 at the World Travel Awards. Voting has now closed, and we would like to warmly thank everyone who supported us.

Thank you, as always, for being part of the Kalesma journey.

There is plenty still to come.