Mykonos’ Luxe Nest for Lovebirds: Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge
Most of us have seen the mating ritual of birds. Affection is on full display as the male ostrich, swan, or peacock will put on his best show to swoon the female he desires. The ornate dance includes ruffling his colorful plums, swaying his neck, and adding a flirty serenade of sounds to the performance. Bill and coo is a reference to how pigeons express their desire and is the inspiration for one of the most romantic resorts in Mykonos if not the world, Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge.
There is no other way to describe Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge other than sultry and chic. This hideaway for jet-set couples sits high on a rocky bluff with spectacular views over the Aegean Sea. The location is ideal as well, a scant twenty-minute walk to Mykonos Town and the island’s hub for shopping, alfresco restaurants, and of course, the nightlife and clubbing scene for which Mykonos is known. What makes the location so ideal is that it is close yet far enough away in a tranquil spot made for rest, relaxation and romance.
What most will rave about when staying at Bill and Coo is the pool scene. During the day you’ll see the hipsters and hotties lounging about under canvas umbrellas while the staff dashes about in an endless parade of Aperol spritzes, complimentary fresh-cut fruit and, facial mists for a quick cool down. The infinity-edge pool is an image right out of the Instagram feeds you’ve probably already seen; it is just that picture-perfect.
Any time of day the views never fail to mesmerize but especially at dusk as the Adriatic sea’s sunrays soften and the sunset begins its dance with the night. At that point, the pool setting changes almost as if it were a stage play. The sun-tanners' layout of chaise lounges and umbrellas is swiftly replaced with a nightlife lounge of couches and low tables set out for couples to indulge in some cocktail culture while taking in the beguiling Greek sunset. To add to this already enchanting scene, the pool's floor is dotted with hundreds of twinkling lights giving it a surreal level of beauty that mirrors the stars above.
The scenic pool terrace is just one of the hotel's many design standouts. The entire resort is suave and ultra-modern yet minimalist in the best way. It is far from your over-the-top luxury décor, instead expect a distinct simplicity and uncluttered spaces which causes guests to feel much more relaxed. The elevated level of traditional Mykonian island décor is sublime with natural wood and rock finishes, contemporary furnishings, and dramatic lighting.
The gorgeous design does not end at the pool and common areas. The 32 suites continue the contemporary design in uncluttered living spaces that feature whitewashed walls, barefoot-ready polished concrete floors, and ceilings with exposed timbers and trellises. Furnishings include uber-comfy Cocomat beds along with handcrafted chestnut furnishings. Rooms include a high tech sound system with playlists connected to an iPad. The hotel even provides a complimentary cell phone for personal use during your stay.
All the suites include spacious verandas, private jacuzzies, or private pools facing the Aegean sea and the regularly scheduled romantic sunsets. The pools suites offer an indulgent outdoor space with a temperature controlled pool made for private moments with your loved one. The infinity-edged pool is completed with an outdoor sofa and elevated day beds ideal for sunbathing sans tan lines while taking in the panoramic sea views. To make space complete, the outdoor area features a table for taking your en-suite breakfast.
The culinary experience at Bill and Coo is exceptional as well with one of the top restaurants on the island. The Gastronomy Project offers an haute cuisine take on traditional Greek dishes. The degustation journey includes eight delicious courses created with fresh and local produce and accompanied by wine pairing from their extensive wine cellar.
For breakfast, forget about your long lines at the buffet, warmed-over food and, that dreadful line of silver terrines. The generous breakfast is served a la carte with traditional and Mediterranean options. A must-have is the Mykonian breakfast with Greek pies and pastries, small mezze plates, grilled feta and olives, and delicious smoothies and fresh juices. The atmosphere is laid-back while overlooking the pool terrace and views of the sea and horizon.
Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge offers a small yet top-notch spa with a wide range of treatments from massages to rejuvenation therapies with products from the Swiss spa brand Valmont. There are individual and couples treatments as well as a sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi. For those looking to stay in shape, the hotel offers workout facilities and an available fitness instructor.
Away from the hotel, all that Mykonos has to offer is at your doorstep. Mykonos Town and its labyrinth of narrow bougainvillea-covered walkways and tourist attractions await as well as a bevy of beach clubs around the island where popping bottles seems to be the national pastime. Away from the party scene, Mykonos offers plenty of natural pursuits as well from just exploring by car, long scenic hikes, and going beyond the bling to explore the island’s rich Greek culture.
And after all, this is an island known for its sun-drenched beaches with Megali Ammos beach a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. Bill and Coo’s equally fetching sister hotel, Bill and Coo Coast Suites, offers a must-visit beach destination with complimentary transfers. Located on a sunny stretch of Agios Ioannis beach, the resort features an exclusive adults-only Beef Bar waterfront restaurant with sunbeds, sand, and swims in the beautiful Agean sea.
What brings it all together at Bill and Coo is the staff and management, which is a big reason why their guest return rate is so high. If this is your first trip or your 20th, everyone is treated like an old friend, from those there on honeymoon or the long list of A-list celebs who are regulars as well. Don’t expect prim and proper snooty service. The staff is of course professional and unobtrusive, yet interacts with guests in a friendly and genuine way where their personalities shine through their service.
The endearing service begins at check-in by the pool with complimentary champagne and appetizers and later, the switched-on hospitality during meals, by the pool, and the bar. The concierge are exceptional as well and make it their business to ensure guests get the most out of their stay with boat trips, island tours, or access to the hottest nightclub. Private jet charters, tours to Delos Island, and yacht charters are available as well.
Bill and Coo is one of the rare hotels that seem to get everything right. The relaxed atmosphere, chic design, scrumptious cuisine, and a long list of amenities and services make it the precious jewel of luxury hotels on the island. The only issue with Bill and Coo is that it is so popular and exclusive and, with their repeat guests often booking years in advance, the issue will be if you can get a booking. The savvy traveler will book four months out if not longer. The chic retreat is open from April to October.
The line from Bruno Mars’ song Amazing seems to be appropriate advice for Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge; if perfect is what you’re searching for then just stay the same. You are amazing just the way you are.
