Putting Greek culture front and center for everyone to enjoy is second nature to the Mourkakos family, who in the early 2000s introduced the cuisine to their Bergen County community with the too-short-lived, very-much-loved Nisi Estiatorio in Englewood. Now, they’ve drawn a cultural bridge from Bergen County to their beloved homeland with a resort that holds nothing back.
“My dad and I visited Mykonos eight years ago and noticed the travel trends of the visitors. We decided to launch an authentic Greek hotel with a targeted American aesthetic,” says Eric (Kyriakos) Mourkakos, the property’s managing director. As the project took shape, in keeping with family tradition, Mourkakos’s siblings, a cousin and his parents were all on board.
Photo: Courtesy of Cali Mykonos
Cali Mykonos—named for its stunning location and the family’s matriarch—opened in late 2022. Perched on the edge of a cliff above the Aegean Sea, Cali consists of 40 stylish Mediterranean-influenced private suites and villas that include such luxuries as marble baths, spacious terraces, outdoor showers, sea-water pools (in 35 of the 40 quarters) and awe-inspiring views of mountains and sea.
Photo: Courtesy of Cali Mykonos
Two-room suite terrace view. Photo: Courtesy of Cali Mykonos
The cool monotones of the room’s interiors are decidedly modern, with sleek, clean lines that complement the Cycladic architecture. Cali offers its own secluded slice of powdery white sand beach, two private yachts at the ready for guest charter, a fitness center that includes yoga and Pilates (as well as the option of in-room instruction), an infinity pool larger than a football field, and private chefs for hire.
Cali’s fleet is available for hire, for island hopping, to visit seaside dining spots and for full- and half-day excursions. Photo: Courtesy of Cali Mykonos
Designed to allow guests to turn off the outside world, at Cali there are no neighbors and no telephone lines (but no worries, Cali is the only resort in the area that has Wifi and cell service). Sensitive to the needs of its upscale guests, anonymity and travel flexibility are paramount here. Boat transportation offers guests the opportunity to dock private boats in the sea near the resort or to hire one from Cali.
Like Jersey’s Alpine, where Mourkakas grew up, Cali seems to be a magnet for celebrities, athletes and other high-profile patrons—even members of the British royal family.
Cali’s now in its first full season, with no signs of slowing down. This year, a sunset lounge with a sushi bar was unveiled and plans are in the works for a spa to open in 2025.
Mourkakas, who as a child summered in his father’s village in southern Greece, also runs a health-care software company in Englewood called Your Doctors. He spends about 50 percent of his time at Cali, and says, “I spend more time sleeping on planes than in beds.” Its a good thing that fleet is available to usher him in!
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