Mykonos weather changes

What a difference a few hours make... This was in Mykonos today, 5 hours apart.

Photos taken from our Lobby and Pool area

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Our first Deluxe Suite with Jacuzzi guests arrived

We are excited to have inagurated our summer 2012 with full occupancy and guests handpicking our luxurious Deluxe Suites with private outdoors Jacuzzi. We wish you all to have a wonderful summer and to have the chance to visit us!

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Fresh air, the world's first gay airline

Fresh Air, the world's very first gay airline announced its debut take off to the deservedly poplular and gay-friedly Budapest, host city to EuroGames 2012 between 27th June - 1st July. Do you wanna know more? Visit our webpage and grab your ticket ticket now!:) http://freshairlines.org

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Louis Vuitton in Mykonos

The arrival of Louis Vouiton brand in Mykonos is a fact. This summer guests visiting Mykonos will have the chance to visit one of the hippest stores at the center of Mykonos town. Get the most amazing bags and beach wear and visit the coolest beaches on Greece... Let the glam begin

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Going to the movies Mykonos style

We are happy our island has one of the most beautiful open air movie theaters and provides an alternative for guests that want to relax, and watch a movie under the stars... Contact our concierge for the full programme of summer 2012

Photo by Katerina Yatzoglou

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Mykonos Roundtrip tour

If you were looking the best way to meet Mykonos most treasured beaches, stop for swimming and snorkeling at the unreachable Dragonisi island (accessible only by Discovery Yacht) and stop at Agrari beach for barbeque and waterports,  Glass Botom yacht gives you the solution! Feel the water only a breath underneath your feet and explore the vivid life that lies beneath Discovery Yacht’s wide glass surface.

Live the ultimate yachting experience in Mykonos with beach to beach daily cruises from 12:00-17:00. Underwater beauty, viewed directly from the Yacht’s glass bottom,will excite you while the luxurious comforts will fulfill even the most demanding of your needs.

For more information and reservations please contact our concierge desk.

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Need some culture? Visit some of the most interesting museums of Mykonos

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

The Archaeological Museum, located alongside the harbor, was built circa 1900, mainly to house finds from the excavation of the “Pit of Purification” (dating from the 5th century B.C.) and the necropolis of Rhenia. There is a large collection of vessels especially represented of Cycladic ceramics dating from the Geometric period until the 6th cent. B.C. Also on exhibit are wonderful black figure and red figure pottery and diverse finds, including Hellenistic period gravestones and other sculpture. Among the finds from Mykonos, especially impressive is the pithos of Mykonos: a large jar, (made in a workshop on Tinos the 7th cent. B.C.) richly decorated with bas – relief zones of bas-relief depicting various scenes from the Trojan War (the central composition shows Achaian warriors with the Trojan Horse).

Open 8:30 a.m to 3:00 p.m, daily except Monday and major public holidays.(tel.: +30 22890 – 22 325)

MYKONOS FOLKLORE MUSEUM

The Folklore Museum is the located in an old, two-story, captain’s house in the Kastro of Mykonos town, a few meters distant from the proud Paraportiani church. There are six main exhibition halls which house collections of antique furniture, Byzantine icons, Folkloric ceramics, historical commemorative plates, decorative prints and gravures, as well as embroidered and hard-woven fabrics, locks and keys, weights and measures, a lovely collection of model boats, and other historical artifacts. There are also import archives of manuscripts and printed matter, photographs, maps and a significant library.

Open from April to October 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. daily except Sundays. (tel.: +30 22890 – 22 591)

AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM - BONI WINDMILL AND LENA'S HOUSE are divisions of the Mykonos Folklore Museum

The first, located on the edge of the town at Apono Mili, is an outdoor museum, which presents the traditional Mykonian agricultural installation used for the production and processing of farm products: the threshing floor, the well, the oven, wine-press, etc. The museums centerpiece is the Boni Windmill, which is in full working order and may be visited from June to September daily, 4:00-8:00 p.m.

The second, near the Three Wells, is a charmingly preserved, authentic 19th century Mykonian middle-class dwelling, which is completely furnished and equipped with antique furniture and house utensils.

Open evenings, except Sundays, from April to October, 6:30p.m. to 9:30p.m. (tel.: +30 22890 – 26 246) (tel.: +30 22890 – 22 390)

AEGEAN MARITIME MUSEUM

Located by the Three Wells, next door to Lena’s House, this museum displays scale models of various rowing boats, sailing vessels and steam-powered ships which, in turn, from Prehistoric times until the present, have traversed the Aegean. Also there is a rich collection of maps and other engravings can be seen a collection of reproductions of ancient gravestones, carved with sea-themes; there, as well, is the tower with the mechanism of the Armenisti Lighthouse (1889). The “EVANGELISTRIA”, a traditional sailing vessel belonging to the museum, is moored every summer in the old harbor where it may be boarded by interested visitors.

Open, April to October, daily, 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and evenings from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. (tel.: +30 22890 – 22 700)

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Packing light for Mykonos

 

 

Here are a few tips on how to pack your suitcase before visiting Mykonos:

First, check the weather and especially the wind conditions. During the summer months, the wind in Mykonos can vary anywhere from zero (total apnea) to nine (extreme winds and gusts) Beaufort degrees. Here at Kouros Hotel and Suites we provide you with a daily weather forecast and further useful information through small paper notes left on your bed every morning and afternoon.

Since the sun is always up and shining over our Island for a great deal of time inside the day, a forecast for little wind means that you have to wear very light clothes, whereas the stronger the wind is, the bigger the need is for a couple of more ‘heavy’ summer clothes.

Second, make a list of the probable activities that you will be doing on your trip, like visiting, eating, going out, networking etc. This will help give you a clear idea of the types of clothes you’ll need to bring with you, day by day, saving you from carrying clothes that you will probably won’t wear during your vacation in Mykonos.

Third, opt for travel-friendly fabrics like knit, linen and silk. Here at Kouros Hotel and Suites you will have access to an ironing board and super-fast laundry service provided daily, is while it always advisable to opt for easy-care fabrics that look good and retain their shape with a minimum of fuss.

Finally, make a list with everything you need to take so that you can check it off as you pack your suitcase for Mykonos and again check it off when you get back home from your vacation. That way you will not forget items either coming or going and you will also know where to look in your suitcase for anything that you may need.

And do not forget! You can always contact our concierge expert for info before your arrival!

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Mykonos Traditional Dance Night

On the 2nd of September at 20:30, the Traditional Mykonos dance team will perform at the Laka theatre. Along there will be John Zouganelis presenting the event and Koukas playing the trraditional sabouna organ. We are very excited for this event since one of our valuable team members, Elena from the concierge will be one of the leading performers!

Entrance is free

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Nespresso Coffee Machines in all our Suites, the benefits of drinking espresso

Kouros Hotel & Suites features Nespresso coffe machines in all suite types. Book a suite and enjoy the benefits of drinking your exquisite coffee any time in the day. Nespresso coffe machines guarantee top quality in each serving. Two capsules a day are placed for you coffee lovers by the cute nespresso coffe cups, for you to enjoy.

What are the benefits of drinking espresso

As long as you do not drink too much, espresso is good for you. But just why is espresso good for you? The reason is that it contains anti-oxidants that many people are unaware of. These anti-oxidants help to boost your health and it does not matter whether you drink espresso or a cappuccino.

Unfortunately lots of people will avoid drinking coffee because of the amount of caffeine that it contains. But this is not the only ingredient in it and there are plenty of others that are actually beneficial to our bodies. It has been found that the anti-oxidants contained within coffee help to boost our immune system to lend a hand in staying healthy. It has also been proven that anti-oxidants can help to decrease the likelihood of someone developing heart disease.

In research carried out by various places across the world the following was found that there were some benefits to be had from drinking coffee.

1. A reduced risk of diabetes. Research carried out at Harvard which analyzed data on 126,000 people over an 18 year period found that by drinking between 5 and 6 cups of coffee a day men reduced the risk of getting Type 2 Diabetes by 54% and women reduced their risk by 30%.

2. Parkinson's. In a recent study carried out it was found that men who drank 4 to 5 cups of coffee each day cut their risk of developing Parkinson's disease by nearly half compared to those who consumed little or no coffee each day.

3. Heart Disease. In a study carried out by Scottish Heart Health on 11,000 men and women it was found that the more coffee they drank the less risk there was of them dying from heart disease.

So as you can see from above there are many reasons as to why espresso is good for you. Why not start enjoying a cup or two each day from now on. I am sure your body will soon be thanking you for it!

Why choose Nespresso from just an espresso?

Nespresso takes the concept of making espresso and makes it easy thanks to their unique espresso capsule system. Instead of hassling with grinding your coffee beans or buying pre-ground espresso coffee, or even buying a coffee grinder, you can simply use a Nespresso Espresso Machine. In addition to espresso, you can make lattes, mochas, cappuccino and more.

The espresso capsule consists of a perfectly measured amount of pre-ground coffee that is hermetically sealed in a special capsule that locks in the freshness and flavor until it is released by the espresso machine. All you do is place the capsule in the espresso machine, press the coffee brew button, then remove and discard the used capsule. Perfect espresso, perfect coffee, no mess. Just convenience. Even the "espresso novice" can be making espresso like the pros in minutes!

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Traditional Mykonian Music Night in Ano Mera

Tonight in the picturesque village of Ano Mera you will have the chance to listen to taditional Mykonos Greek music fro professional musicians of the island. Listen to the unique organ Tsabouna played by Nikos Kontizas a master of its kind. Stay up late to see Girls from Mykonos dance the tradional rythms and enjoy a unique Greek experience!

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Chamber Music Recital in Mykonos tonight

UNA NOCHE DE FANTASIA
Jose Franch-Ballester, VanessBenelliMosell

Chamber Music Recital, with Jose Franch-Ballester, the Spanish, internationally awarded, clarinetist together with the Italian pianist Vanessa BenelliMosell (Young Steinway Artist).

Jose Franch-Ballester has won the 2010 internationally renown award “MIDEM Classique Outstanding Young Artists 2010” and has already launched a phenomenal his a phenomenal career for his age, that includes top performances with prestigious orchestras and soloists, recordings for the BBC and Deutsche Grammophon, and numerous concerts around the world.

In this Chamber Music Recital, he performs with  the Italian pianist, Vanessa BenelliMosell, who is internationally recognized as one of the great virtuoso young pianists, and has performed with such prestigious conductors and orchestras as Yuri Bashmet, Moscow Soloists, Berliner Philarmoniker, Renaud and Gautier Capuaçon, Boris Andrianov, and others.

Tickets: 10 euro, children/students: 5 euro.

TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED AT:  

Scala Gallery, Matogiannistr, Mykonos town

Elena Hotel, Rochari str. Mykonos town

Grypario,22890 28636

Information:MakisMorakis  6942481399

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Ronda Palazzari in Mykonos @ Kouros

One of the most famous scrapbookers in the world Ronda Palazzari spent a week at Kouros Hotel & Suites with her family and took some awesome pictures of Mykonos and our hotel.
You can have a look here at her oriinal log post Mykonos/Delos Photo Journal
Some of her work here:

 

 
 

 

We'll miss you!!

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New Photoshoot with Christos Drazos

The rennovation with Fabienne Spahn for Kouros Hotel & Suites has been completed and a new series of photo shoots has been iniciated by the famous Greek photographer Christos Drazos.
Have a glimpse of our freshly looking rooms and expect more to come in September...

Photoshoot 2011 by Drazos

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Going Green at Kouros

Our moto here at Kouros is Reduce Reuse Recycle

• We recycle batteries from TV controls, DVD players, CD players, A/C remote controls, electronic safes, electronic room key locks, totaling to 1550 batteries per season
• We purchase supplies in cases that can be reused, either by us or by the supplier: reuse soft drink glass bottles, beer glass bottles, grocery in plastic cases, bread delivered in wooden cases etc
• All external light bulbs have been replaced with low energy light bulbs and timers have been installed to reduce the energy consumed in most areas of the hotel
• Pebbles have been placed to all hotel roofs to allow better air ventilation and to prevent sun rays heating up the cement ceiling, resulting to lower A/C usage – save significantly on energy
• Timers have been installed in water boilers to prevent working 24hours, but simply emphasize on peak hours
• Recycle stained table cloths into Chefs approns and napkins
• When possible, we send hotel leaflets in electronic way (PDF) than paper
• Installed timer in outdoor jacuzzi to shutdown heating at night, when closed

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iPod tour in Mykonos

Mykonos hi -tech town tour!

Ever though a more high tech way to discover the town of Mykonos than an ‘’iPod’’ walk?

That is the ideal way to discover and learn about Mykonos island at your own pace. You will be provided with an iPod and a map with a detailed list of points of interest!

The iPod continues to dominate the marketplace with clever marketing and ever-increasing abilities in products that have developed outside of the original scope of a small, portable music player

One of the great things about the iPod is that it is simple and easy to market. A concept like "1,000 songs in your pocket" is simple and sells itself: that's all someone needs to know in order to justify spending a lot of money on a portable music player. With a thousand songs in your pocket, there's really no reason to ever worry about buying another electronic gadget like that in the future again!

If you do bring your own iPod in Mykonos with you remember that all our suites have an iPod/iPhone doc in order to listen your favorite music while relaxing in your private veranda overlooking the beautiful famous Mykonos sunset!

Let us help you explore the island with the help of technology by booking here

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Our exclusive personal trainer

We are extremely proud to have a co-operation with Dimitris Mwros for our fitness center here at Kouros. He is one of the most popular trainers in Athens, training super stars like Sakis Rouvas and runs his one fitness portal with up to date fitness info and videos http://www.fitnessart.gr/

For the month of July you can see him in the cover of Nitro Health magazine and a 6 page spread with fitness excercises written by him.

So, what do you think?? Would you book a training session with him and get fit for the beach? For details and bookings contact our concierge desk. 

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Travel Quotes

Just for fun we thought of sharing with you some travel quotations of great men. Maybe you can add one or two to your travel journal!


- While your father is alive, make as many friends as you can; while your horse is alive, visit as many lands as you can. Mongolian proverb

- You can't be a real country unless you have a beer and an airline – it helps if you have a football team, or some nuclear weapons, but at least you need a beer. Frank Zappa

- The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. St Augustine

- Comfort has its place, but it seems rude to visit another country dressed as if you've come to mow its lawns. David Sedaris

- I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train. Oscar Wilde
 
- When you come to a fork in the road … take it. Yogi Berra

- Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity and I'm not sure about the former. Albert Einstein

- We don't go anywhere. Going somewhere is for squares. We just go! – Marlon Brando (in The Wild One)

- I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list. Susan Sontag

- I had ambition not only to go farther than anyone had been before, but as far as it was possible for man to go. Captain James Cook

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Movie Nights under the stars

We are very lucky in Mykonos to have a Cinema under the Stars. What do we mean? Mykonos has an open air cinema built inside a garden offering a lounge area and movies under the stars.

Here is the programfor the July with all the hot movies scheduled!

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Getting around Mykonos

Mykonos, being just 15 km long and 10 km wide, is one of the smallest islands of the Cyclades complex. However, with its beautiful Town located West and its sandy beaches East, it is probable that by the end of your trip you will have covered a fairly large distance during your time on the island.

Here is a small summary of the means available on Mykonos for getting around the island:

By car or by motorbike
Easily the best way to go is to rent a car, motorbike or ATV (which are quite the trend of the island, actually). This way you will be able to reach all corners of the Island without having to worry for taxi fares and bus schedules. Motorbike and car rentals are readily available on the Island (Main Town Entrance and Windmills area) and can also be arranged directly at our Front Desk by our experienced staff. Prices range from 35 to 50 Euros for small air-conditioned cars and from 20-25 for scooters and ATV’s. Valid driver’s license is needed, as well as a credit card (usually Visa, Mastercard, AmEx & Diners are accepted).

By taxi
Mykonos Island only has 30 taxis to serve thousands of visitors, a fact that renders taxis as the most unreliable means of transport. In Mykonos Town the queue for the taxis can be found at Manto Square (or Taxi square as we Mykonians call it) and Fabrika Square, and people sometimes even have to wait for hours just to get one. There are taxi meters inside the vehicles. Generally, fares are quite reasonable. The telephone numbers for calling a taxi are +302289023700 and +302289022400.

By bus
Twenty three different lines cover the Island when it comes to public bus transportation. There are two bus stations on the Island, one at the Entrance of the Town (just 5 minutes away from Kouros Hotel) and a larger one at the upper part of the Town at Fabrika Square. Bus schedules are clearly written on big notice boards at the two stations and there is no connection between them. Most destinations around the Island can be reached using the buses and the trip frequency is quite high in high season. Tickets can be bought before boarding the bus at the stations, mini-markets and tourist shops. Note though, that buses in Mykonos are almost always full during the busy hours of the day (noon & after midnight) and rides can become uncomfortable in some cases, as drivers tend to squeeze in as many people as they can before departing.

By boat
One of the most enjoyable experiences you can have in Mykonos is going from one beach to the next one on the small boat. The smell of fresh sea water combined with the crystal clear waters of our beaches is sure to give you nice memories for a long time. Every day from Platis Yialos fishing boats that have been converted into tourist transport leave every half hour to the beaches of Paranga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia – in that order. The first one is at 10:15 in the morning and and the last one coming back late at 20:00 (from Super Paradise) and 18:00 (from Elia beach). You can also board the boats at Ornos, only far less rides take place starting there (just 3 inside the day at 10:00, 11:00 and 13:00).

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