ATHENS – Mykonos may be known for its luxury resorts and ongoing concerns about overdevelopment, but a Greek-American family from New Jersey has successfully carved out a unique retreat that’s attracting wealthy guests and celebrities alike.

The resort, named Cali Mykonos, offers an exclusive experience, with summer rates starting at around $1,325 per night, higher for poolside units and those with additional amenities. The retreat, which opened in 2022 as COVID-19 restrictions were being lifted, quickly became a sought-after destination.

Managing Director Eric (Kyriakos) Mourkakos told New Jersey Monthly that the idea for the resort was born during a trip to Mykonos with his father, Othon, eight years ago. “My dad and I visited Mykonos and noticed the travel trends of the visitors. We decided to launch an authentic Greek hotel with a targeted American aesthetic.” The venture remains a family affair, involving siblings, a cousin, and his parents.

At the turn of the 21st century, the family had brought Greek culture and cuisine to New Jersey with the short-lived Nisi Estiatorio in Englewood. Mourkakos said they wanted to make their Greek heritage a central part of the Cali Mykonos experience. The resort’s name reflects both its location and a tribute to his mother.

Perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, Cali Mykonos features 40 Mediterranean-inspired private suites and villas. These include marble baths, spacious terraces, outdoor showers, sea-water pools, and stunning sea views.

The property also boasts a tiny, powdery white sand beach nestled in an otherwise inaccessible cove, giving it a private feel—though Greek law mandates that all beaches are public, with some leased to businesses.

Amenities at Cali Mykonos include two private yachts available for charter, a fitness center offering yoga and Pilates (with in-room instruction as an option), an infinity pool larger than a football field, and private chefs for hire. The resort’s remote location, with no neighbors and no telephone lines (though equipped with WiFi and cell service), caters to guests seeking privacy and anonymity, with boat transportation provided for arrivals.

“Like Jersey’s Alpine, where Mourkakos grew up, Cali seems to be a magnet for celebrities, athletes, and other high-profile patrons—even members of the British Royal family,” the New Jersey Monthly report noted, without naming specific individuals.

Mourkakos, who spent his childhood summers in his father’s village in southern Greece, also runs a health-care software company in Englewood called Your Doctors. He divides his time between his business and Cali Mykonos, spending about 50 percent of his time at the resort. “I spend more time sleeping on planes than in beds,” he joked.

A Columbia University graduate with a degree in mathematics and a Master’s in biotechnology, Mourkakos previously worked in cancer research and owns a company focused on digitizing healthcare records.

Reflecting on his father’s role in the project, Mourkakos said, “My dad has an indefatigable work ethic. It’s truly his passion. I think the hotel has given him a refreshed purpose. It drives him in a way that I haven’t seen. He’s the healthiest and the happiest he has ever been.”

The idea for Cali Mykonos was conceived after Mourkakos and his wife vacationed on the island eight years ago. Together with his business partners, Dr. Thomas Scilaris and Argyrios Mavrogiorgis, Mourkakos set about making the dream a reality. His father, Othon, recognized the potential in a property on the quieter side of the island, away from the crowded areas.

“This was a mountain before we bought it, but it had an intimate beach. My dad looked at other hotels on the island and saw that this was unique both in size and because it was on the water. He’s always been exceptional at looking ahead. He saw a mountain and pictured what could be. Everyone told him he was crazy—family, friends, architects. The whole thing was planned out after he saw the property.”

https://njmonthly.com/articles/shore-travel/new-resort-in-greece-relies-on-family-and-bergen-county-roots/