Welcome to Mykonos’ Hippie Chic Hotel

The Mykonos waterfront.

Every once in a while I come across a press release so — shall we say, “unusual” — that I have to share it with my readers.

This is one sent by a Mr. John Karaglanis, who introduces himself as “the new General Manager of Hippie Chic Hotel for the 2015 season…We are pleased to present you Hippie Chic Hotel, a new concept in Mykonos.”

This immediately raises the question —  what exactly is the concept behind “Hippie Chic Hotel”? Is it a chic commune, a fashionable “Hog Farm”-type operation transplanted to one of the trendiest and most expensive Greek islands? Maybe a chic backpackers’  hostel?

I ask because as a baby boomer, I can’t help but be struck by the name “Hippie Chic Hotel.”

Back in the day,  circa the late 1960s, hippies were cool, groovy, with it, but oftentimes a bit grungy, and, frankly, stoned much of the time. They were in the vanguard of the counter-culture in America and Europe.  They hung around Amsterdam and San Francisco and smoked weed and wore flowers in their hair and T-shirts with peace signs.

They were, indeed, hip. But they were never “chic.”

I will say this, it made me read the press release, which I quote word for floral word:

Mykonos’ distinctive architecture.

“A pleasure beyond belief…

It is our pleasure to welcome you in the brand new Hippie Chic Mykonos Hotel where everybody will talk about this new hospitality concept.

Our hotel is located on the vibrant and elegant beach of Agios Ioannis with its crystal clear waters where the movie ‘Shirley Valentine’ was filmed. Pull up to our hotel for the first time and you’ll be greeted by the spirited energy of the ancient island of Delos.

With a total of 23 rooms and suites, our seaside destination combines simplicity with a luxury chic touch. Our rooms and suites, inspired from the Mykonian Architecture, have breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and unique sunset.

Hippie Chic Mykonos Hotel with its refreshing infinity pool, its private beach area and its Boutique Hippie Chic Luxury Beachwear, is the ideal destination for the ones seeking an ultimate experience.
Enjoy your cocktails at the Hip Mixology Bar and let us dazzle your days and light up your nights with unique culinary experiences in Hippie Fish Restaurant (with sea food and Mediterranean cuisine) and our Sushi Bar.

Mykonos’ famous windmills.

At Hippie Chic Mykonos Hotel, you can do everything or nothing at all. We give you the room you need to relax, unwind and recharge in whatever way you would like.
The sun slips below the horizon to illuminate one of the most romantic backdrops you could imagine, making your personal moments truly special. The stars will bear witness to your emotions, as you bare your heart. The gentle whispers of the waves, the flickering of candles and an exquisite menu, make Hippie Chic Hotel the ideal choice to have your wedding and create an experience that will last for a lifetime.

Whatever is the reason for your visit, whether it’s pleasure, a special occasion or a little bit of both, we are certain you will come back again and again, because Mykonos island has the magic, everybody is looking for…”

So, for all you ex-hippies, aging hippies, or one-time hippie wanna-be’s out there, who have since moved over to the dark side of chic-dom, there’s now a luxury hotel for you on trendy Mykonos. And a restaurant. A Hip Mixology bar. And a boutique.

I’m still mystified by the concept or who they’re trying to appeal to with that name.

But one thing is clear and I guess I finally have to admit it: the ’60s are over.