A born traveller, designer Racil Chalhoub was born in Beirut but raised in Paris. Though she now lives in London, every summer she heads to Mykonos for plenty of pampering and parties. This is her insider guide to the glamorous Greek island.
22 May, 2017
A born traveller, designer Racil Chalhoub was born in Beirut but raised in Paris. Citing her stylish mother as a major influence in her career, she moved to London to study design and marketing then headed back to Beirut in 2006 to open a fashion concept store and organic café. A buyer for eight years, Racil was inspired by tailoring - in particular, the classic tuxedo - and launched her eponymous brand RACIL from her Notting Hill studio in 2015. Though she now lives in London, every summer she heads to Mykonos for plenty of pampering and parties. This is her insider guide to the glamorous Greek island.
Either at my favourite hotel, Belvedere, or in a villa with a view overlooking Delos.
By the pool!
Over a long meal at Spilia, my favourite lunch spot, or dinner at Sea Satin followed by a late night at Guzel.
Spend the day at the beach drinking café frappes, watch the sunset and then head back to the hotel for a massage.
The espresso martinis by the pool at the Belvedere are the best ever and it's a great way to start the evening. Then go bar hopping in town.
La Maison de Catherine is amazing.
Days in Mykonos are often unplanned and unexpected, which is a perfect date plan in itself.
The sunset party at Alemagou.
There are two main streets in town with plenty of little shops, perfect for browsing before dinner. My favourites are the The White Shop which only sells handmade white items, while there's also fab boutique on Nammos Beach.
Water ski in the bay of Kalafati - but dancing is a way better work out.
Just chill on the beach and watch the sunset.
A shell necklace. There's a lady who sells them from her little stand in town - I buy new ones every summer. Evil eye bracelets are great too and make nice presents.
Denim shorts, lots of bikinis and kaftans, sarongs and crochet tops for the beach, some mini dresses and a couple of long flowing ones too. Plenty of earrings and accessories, my Muzungu Sisters mochila bag, flat sandals and a pashmina as it can get quite windy.
Quite casual - you can dress up if you want but you don't really have to.
From mid-June to mid-July and then first week of September. I would avoid August at all costs!
Fokos Taverna, the food is delicious and the beach so remote. There is also a little bar called Thalami - if you're still awake past sunrise, that's where you want to head.
Caprice Bar in town. Go early enough to grab the seats outside or, even better, perch on the edge of the blue window.
The best beaches for partying are Scorpios and Alemagou - they don't have parties every day though so check when you get on the island. To relax I head to Hippie Fish and will often stay until sunset, or Agios Sostis where I'll try to get a table at Kiki's Tavern for a late lunch. For the best water and swim, head to Kalo Livadi and have lunch at Solymar.
I usually compile my summer playlists in Mykonos, but it is a mix of chilled eclectic tunes, happy house music and also some Greek songs.
There is a sense of freedom there that I don't find anywhere else. I never look at the time but just take day as it comes. I love that you can have a super relaxing day but also party until sunrise if you want to. There is a certain energy on the island which is thought to emanate from from Delos, the island facing opposite.
