The Group: Myconian Collection by founded in 1970 by George and Elefteria Daktylides. Located on the beautiful Greek island of Mykonos, the Myconian Collection remains a family owned brand of nine unique and diverse luxury hotels. Each of the group’s properties has its own individual personality and style, and bespoke design features in their three locations across the island. | 
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When George returned to Mykonos from military service he drove a bus that transported men and materials from town to the barite mines. Before long, with a fleet of twenty-five buses, which was the island’s only public transport network.
In 1979 George realised that there was a growing demand for tourism on the island and built the first hotel on Mykonos outside of the town. Until this time there was limited choices on the island of state-funded hotels and informal room and board offers.
Over the next few years the group’s success was built on the family’s hard work with George building the hotels and Elefteria cooking and doing housekeeping, all while raising their young family. Any profit was funnelled back into new hotels.
When the Ambassador Hotel opened in 1992 it became Mykonos’ first five star hotel.
George has now retired as CEO, but it remains clear that he is still very active within the group – one staff member told me he can often be spotted helping with projects around the hotels.
The group remains a family owned and run business to this day, with George and Elefteria’s four sons, Panos, Marcos, Vangelis and Marios managing the group.
Nearly 40 years after George opened his first hotel the family continue to push ahead with luxury hospitality on the island. The family believe that the ultimate hospitality experience comes straight from the heart and remain true to their ancient Greek forefathers’ belief that hospitality was a sacred obligation.
Vangelis says, ‘“We need to keep moving. Great hospitality is like sustaining the romance in a serious relationship’ and rather than focusing on the short term future of the hotels, the family are focusing on what they will be leaving for the next generation. |