TIMELINE - Santa Marina Mykonos

Our forty years
story passage

In 2026, Santa Marina marks 40 years shaped by sun, sea, and family. From a quiet Mykonian hillside marked by a chapel, windmill, and pigeon house, the vision of Elias Papageorgiou gave rise to a place of timeless beauty and warm hospitality. Rooted in the rhythms of the Cyclades, its legacy lives on through his daughter, Christiana, and a new generation, carrying the spirit of Santa Marina forward—timeless, refined, and forever connected to land and sea.

EXCLUSIVE OFFER

40% to Celebrate

40 YEARS OF SUMMER 40 YEARS OF SUMMER

AND EXCLUSIVE MYKONIAN EXPERIENCE

For four decades, we have been creating unforgettable moments – by the sea, through taste, relaxation, and discovery. We invite you to enjoy a year-long anniversary experience with exclusive -40% offers, revealed across our most iconic experiences.

8 May -40% on Suites for 2 nights (not combinable with other offers)

4 June -40% at Buddha Bar Beach

4 July -40% at Ginkgo Spa

4 August -40% at Elais

4 September -40% on Cocktails at the Beach & Lounge

4 October -40% on Rooms & Villas (not combinable with other offers)

BOOK A DREAM

1979

Elias Papageorgiou bought the land on which Santa Marina as we know it sits. The plot included a house, a windmill, a “pigeon house”, a guesthouse and the Santa Marina chapel (the hotel’s namesake).

1980

Elias renovated the house, built a road and a pool, renovated the other buildings and started visiting with his family and friends during the summer.

1986

Elias built the first bungalows. There were 12 in total, numbers 101 to 112. The one- to three bedroom bungalows operated as a small luxury resort (a very alien concept at the time). The guests used the pool at the main house, which was also where breakfast was served.

1989

Elias acquired the land on the private peninsula adjoining his plot, which led to a private beach. A huge tennis fanatic, he built a court on this piece of prime real estate. He then commissioned a large new pool next to the court for use by the visitors to Santa Marina.

1994

The main Santa Marina building was built with 20 rooms, making it the first luxury hotel in Mykonos.

1998 & 1999

The second and third main buildings were built, each with 20 rooms.

1999

Santa Marina became a member of Starwood Hotels and Resorts, part of The Luxury Collection brand.

2000-2010

During these years new additions to the hotel were created, including the beach, additional restaurants, spa, villas and services. At one point Santa Marina had its own helicopter, so a helipad was built. A farm was created to cultivate organic vegetables, but the hotel outgrew the farm as it expanded.

2012

Elias passed away and his daughter and only child, Christiana, took over the hotel. She continues with these duties today.

2013

Christiana partnered with acclaimed interior designer Silvina Macipe Krontiras to renovate and develop the resort.

2013

Buddha-Bar and Santa Marina join to open the rst ever Buddha-Bar Beach, an amalgamation of Parisian nights, fresh Asian and Greek dishes, colourful cocktails and an exquisite live DJ.

2014

Eighty rooms and suites are renovated over the winter and the extensive gardens are fully landscaped.

2016

Santa Marinavbecame a membervof Marriott, which hadvrecently acquired Starwood Hotels and Resorts.

2016

Santa Marina underwent its biggest renovation yet, including the Oasis Pool, Ginkgo Spa, new suites with private pools and a complete restructure of the main building.

2019

Santa Marina achieved its best revenue for a season ever.

2020

The shock of the global pandemic hit Santa Marina and Mykonos. The hotel operated a short season on the now quiet island.

2021

Jason Atherton and Santa Marina opened Mykonos Social. The Michelin-starred chef created a fusion of Mediterranean and Greek dishes using local ingredients to be served alongside the majestic sea views.

2022

The resort continued to develop its creative projects and the look and feel of the hotel. The new Beach Bar opened with charming seafront design.

2023

Renovations proceed at two of the resort’s villas and the main building facade and gardens. The ever-developing story of Santa Marina continues.

2024

Opened in 2024, Elais by Santa Marina Mykonos presents a rened return to Greek cuisine, inspired by the Princess of Delos and overlooking the endless blue.

2026

Santa Marina, Mykonos marks its 40-year anniversary. A tribute to heritage - four decades of memories, experiences, and enduring style.

Postcards from where summer lives forever

GALLERY