Checking In: Staying at Mandraki Beach Resort, Hydra

Find out what it’s like staying at Mandraki Beach Resort, Hydra, Greece.

Of all the places I’ve stayed in Greece, none have felt quite as cinematic—or secluded—as Mandraki Beach Resort on Hydra. Tucked into a quiet cove on an island famously free of cars and clocks, Mandraki, the island’s only 5-star hotel, is the kind of place that slips beneath your skin before your boat has even slipped up to the dock.

It’s small, sun-soaked, and serenely curated, perched right on a golden-sand beach with a front-row view of the Aegean.

After years of dreaming about a trip to Hydra, I finally managed to stay a few nights at Mandraki with my partner as an end-of-spring escape before the heat of summer really sets in.

It was everything I hoped it would be: slow, stylish, and soaked in salt air. From the boat ride in to the breezy linens and dimly-lit dinners on the beach, it all feels like it belongs to another era—one where you still write postcards and drink rosé before noon.

Once a naval fortress, the building has been lovingly reimagined as a boutique bolthole with just seventeen suites. Each space is pared-back yet elegant, all cool stone, weathered wood, and effortless textures—think Grecian minimalism with a whisper of old-world romance.

If you’re planning to spend time on Hydra, especially during the warmer months, I can’t think of a more idyllic place to unwind.

Here’s a closer look at Mandraki Beach Resort, Hydra.

*This Mandraki beach resort review may contain affiliate links, meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top-quality content for free. This post is sponsored by Mandraki Beach Resort. As always, all opinions are my own.

What to Know Before You Go

Location

The location of Mandraki Beach Resort is one of its biggest draws—secluded, serene, and only accessible by water or a 20-minute walk along a rocky coastal path from Hydra Town. The resort sits on the edge of Mandraki Bay, a golden-sand beach that feels worlds away from the island’s busier corners.

With pine-covered hills rising behind and uninterrupted views of the Aegean ahead, it’s the kind of place where time slows to the rhythm of the waves. While you’re close enough to pop into town for dinner or a stroll along the port, the peaceful setting makes it just as tempting to stay put, sun-drenched and barefoot for days.

When to Book

Mandraki Beach Resort is open during the summer season from April to October.

The property is intimate, with just seventeen suites, and they tend to book out quickly, especially in the high summer months. If you’re eyeing a stay here, I’d recommend booking well in advance to secure your preferred dates. [Find the best rates here].

(Rates include a generous, à la carte breakfast served beachfront each morning and other perks.)

At the Resort

At Mandraki Beach Resort, everything you need for a blissful escape is right on the property. There’s a laid-back beachfront restaurant, loungers and umbrellas lining the private bay, and chic communal spaces that include a wellness space and art gallery.

The resort is adults-only ( 18+), creating a peaceful, romantic atmosphere that’s ideal for couples or solo travelers looking to fully unwind without distraction. Given the remote location, dining is mostly done on-site, but you can take a boat to Hydra town too.

The Mediterranean-inspired menu offers a thoughtful selection of dishes, from fresh seafood to seasonal Greek classics, and everything we tried was delicious.

Mandraki Beach Resort Review

The History

Mandraki Beach Resort isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a piece of Hydra’s storied past. This peaceful bay was once a bustling naval base and shipyard in the 19th century, commanded by Admiral Andreas Miaoulis, a key figure in the Greek War of Independence.

It was from here that ships were built and launched to defend Greek waters from the Ottoman fleet. Today, traces of that legacy remain beautifully intact. As you arrive by sea, you’ll notice two stone fortresses flanking the bay like guardians of history.

Original cannons still sit on the property—now repurposed as part of the landscape—and the old dock platform still juts proudly into the bay. There’s also a small, whitewashed chapel on the grounds, dating back to before the 18th century, that adds another quiet layer of time-worn charm.

This thoughtful preservation of the island’s naval history gives the resort a soul that’s as deep as its waters, one that we couldn’t help but love.

The Rooms

Calling them “rooms” almost feels like a disservice—every accommodation at Mandraki Beach Resort is a suite, starting at a generous 22 square meters and scaling up with thoughtful luxuries that match the resort’s quiet elegance.

There’s a sturdy, grounded feeling to the architecture, with thick stone walls that keep things cool and quiet, and interiors that lean into a kind of effortless Greek minimalism—earthy textures, natural colors, and just the right number of details.

Adding depth to the clean lines and calming palette is a curated selection of artwork by Angelika Lialios, a Hydra-based artist whose abstract pieces are inspired by the natural world and the island’s light. Her work—soft, gestural, and often textural—feels perfectly at home here, echoing the tones of stone and sea.

I stayed in one of the Beachfront Suites, and if you’re going to stay here (and trust me, you should), I can’t recommend them enough. Just steps from the only sandy beach on Hydra, these suites put you right at the edge of the Aegean.

Mornings began with the sound of waves and a pre-breakfast dip in our private pool; evenings ended with wine in hand, lounging on sunbeds watching the sea blush pink. Most beachfront suites come with discreetly fenced-in plunge pools—perfect for a private afternoon dip when you don’t feel like getting sandy again.

If you’re craving more seclusion or panoramic views, the Tower Suite—housed in a 19th-century watchtower—offers a romantic, slightly elevated vantage point with historic stone walls and windows that frame the sea like art.

Across the board, suites are spacious, tranquil, and bathed in natural light. It’s luxury, yes, but the low-key, conscious, bohemian kind that fits the island perfectly.

All suite bookings also come with complimentary loungers and parasols that are yours to claim, along with a private jetty and dock for smooth sea arrivals. There’s a concierge on hand to make magic happen, free Wi-Fi for those moments you need to connect, and a paid laundry and ironing service if you’re traveling light.

Inside the suites, you’ll find flat-screen TVs with Netflix, a minibar stocked for indulgence (your first round’s on the house), and all the essentials—coffee and tea setup, bathrobes, slippers, and Diptyque bath products.

Air-conditioning keeps things crisp, and hypoallergenic pillows are available if you prefer a softer sleep story.

The Beach Club

One of the biggest perks of staying at Mandraki Beach Resort is that you get priority access to the Beach Club, which means you can claim your lounger—yes, even front row—before the day-trippers from town roll in.

Ideal if you want full sun, dappled shade under a parasol, or a private spot with your toes practically in the water, the staff will help set you up for the day. And once you’re parked, there’s no reason to move.

While the Beach Club isn’t exclusive to hotel guests, staying at the resort gives you a sort of VIP pass to the scene. Non-guests often arrive by boat or water taxi in the late morning and settle in for a long lunch and a swim.

The vibe stays relaxed and upscale, with a well-heeled mix of locals and travelers who’ve made the pilgrimage to Hydra’s only sandy beach. With beachside service and a soundtrack of soft waves and clinking glasses, it’s the kind of spot you’ll want to spend your entire day—and many guests do.

Captain M

Dinner at Captain M, the resort’s chic beachfront restaurant, was one of the highlights of our stay—unfussy, flavorful, and perfectly in tune with the surroundings. The menu, curated by Greek chef Sofoklis Mastoridis, puts a refined spin on Mediterranean staples.

We tucked into tender grilled octopus, a golden risotto laced with saffron, and a playful standout: a deconstructed calamari gyros that turned a classic into something memorable.

Guests also have free rein of the à la carte breakfast menu, which is included in your stay and best enjoyed slowly, with your feet in the sand and a second coffee on the way. Think Greek yogurt with walnuts and honey, eggs any way, buttery pastries, fresh fruit, and excellent coffee—simple pleasures done right.

By day, the beach menu caters to comfort cravings, with classics like burgers, fries, and club sandwiches. There’s also a sushi menu that feels unexpectedly luxe, perfect for when the sun’s high and you’re grazing through the afternoon.

Wilhelmina’s Art Gallery

Tucked behind the beach and housed in what was once the Captain’s Mansion, Wilhelmina’s Gallery is Mandraki’s unexpected cultural gem. Open from June through October, it showcases rotating exhibitions and contemporary works by international artists—bold, thought-provoking pieces that feel right at home in Hydra’s creative orbit.

Make sure to take a moment to check out what’s on display during your stay.

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