It's all too appropriate that the Semeli Hotel, on the Greek island of Mykonos traces its name to the gods. According to ancient mythology, Semeli was a goddess so ravishing she attracted the love of Zeus (as well as the fatal envy of Hera). She became—and remains—one of the most revered gods on the island, her name synonymous with beauty and harmony. Having witnessed her hotel first-hand, I can tell you: she still is.

Staying in Character

From its softly curved, cavelike entryway, the five-year-old Semeli bears a striking resemblance to the Mykonos of old. This village-like hotel comprises numerous cottages designed in the traditional Cycladic style, all of them connected by narrow paved paths and stone walls, and surrounded by blooming plants.

Achieving this architectural integration was important to the hotel's owners, who were committed to preserving the continuity of sun-splashed Greek facades that proliferate on the tiny island. In fact, they consulted pictures of old, "pre-tourist" Mykonos to get the likeness just right.

Spring 2001