Sundrenched in Mykonos: Boat Days, Beach Hair & Barely Any Sleep

Sophie Allatt
Jul 9, 2023
5 min read

Updated: Apr 3

We finally made it to Mykonos—and no, this wasn’t the original plan. There was back-and-forth, voice notes at 2 a.m., and one very dramatic moment where the girls nearly mutinied over Airbnb options. But eventually, we booked it. And honestly? Worth every second of the chaos.

Mykonos has a rhythm all its own. It’s not trying to be anyone else. It’s unapologetically glamorous, wildly chaotic, and somehow still manages to feel like a soft summer dream. It’s where beachwear counts as evening attire, the wind messes with your blow-dry five minutes after you land, and no one is ever quite sure what time of day it is. But in the best way.

The Girls’ Trip, Mykonos Edition

There’s something about a proper girls’ holiday that just resets you. Sun, sand, late nights, too much Prosecco, and more heart-to-hearts than therapy. Mykonos delivered in every sense. And when I say we didn’t stop moving—I mean it. We basically ran on vibes, ouzo, and a terrifying amount of feta.

Some highlights:

Morning swims at Agios Ioannis – Quiet(ish), calm, and the best way to wash away the previous night’s sins. Coffee on the sand, sunglasses on by 8 a.m., and that perfect moment of stillness before the island wakes up.
Boat day to Rhenia Island – Honestly the best day of the trip. Clear blue water, Greek wine, floating playlists, and one accidental topless moment I’m trying to forget. We snorkelled, danced, and took photos we’ll frame and laugh at in 10 years. The sea was like glass, and I haven’t felt that free in ages.
Late lunches at Scorpios – The food, the views, the energy. We showed up for a meal and somehow stayed until golden hour became midnight. There were tambourines. There were strangers who became friends. One of us may have climbed on the table.
Nights out in Little Venice – Cocktails at sunset, barefoot dancing, and questionable flirting with very tanned men in linen. The kind of nights that turn into mornings, and you swear you’re “just popping in for one.”
Recovering at Branco Beach Club – Lounging, rehydrating, eating halloumi like it’s a food group. Our conversations here ranged from exes to skincare to spiritual awakenings.

Also: at one point, someone suggested we “take it easy tomorrow.” Reader, we did not.

Ibiza vs. Mykonos: No Regrets

Was Ibiza the safer choice? Probably. More familiar, more predictable.

But Mykonos brought something different. There was a kind of luxurious unpredictability that made it feel a little more alive. Less curated. More chaotic in the best way. It had edge and elegance. And that balance? Addictive.

There were moments where we just clicked—sunshine, laughter, wine-fuelled debates about astrology, and a shared playlist that we’ll probably never recreate again. We felt like our younger, less polished selves—but also a little bit elevated. Mykonos made us feel like we were living inside a music video, and I’m not complaining.

This wasn’t just a holiday—it was a full reset. The kind that reminds you who you are when you stop overthinking. We got sand in places it shouldn’t be, bruises from dance floors we don’t remember, and photos that only half tell the story. It was perfect.

Style: Beach Babe Meets Island Diva

Mykonos fashion energy? It’s giving I threw this on while barefoot on a yacht. Glamorous, but with a knowing wink. My suitcase was full of linen, shimmer, and very little practicality—and I don’t regret a single item.

Current rotation:

Sheer white maxi dresses over bikinis that barely qualify as swimwear.
Linen co-ords that make me feel like I summer in the Cyclades.
Giant sunglasses and even bigger hoops.
Strappy sandals that stayed on for approximately 12 minutes.
Hair slicked back or sea-sprayed and chaotic. There was no in-between.
Statement belts over draped sarongs. We were styling like our lives depended on it.
Also: I wore a body chain one night and honestly? I get it now.

There was a dress I wore to dinner that made the table go quiet. Ten out of ten. Would pack again.

Beauty & Wellness: Glow With a Side of Recovery

Mykonos sun hits different. By day four, I was 60% saltwater and 40% sangria. My freckles came out, my skin felt alive, and the dewy holiday glow? Unmatched.

SPF was a religion. I reapplied like my life depended on it.
Morning movement became beach yoga and hungover sea swims.
My skin got its glow back thanks to hydration packs and a very enthusiastic Greek pharmacist.
Post-trip rehab included deep conditioning everything—hair, skin, soul. I booked a lymphatic massage within 24 hours of getting home.
I also packed five sheet masks and used every single one. Priorities.
Discovered a local aloe mist and genuinely considered bulk-ordering it.

It was indulgent, but also oddly healing. And I don’t just mean my split ends. I came back feeling sun-soaked and smug. Even my nails looked healthier.

Mindset: Say Yes, Sleep Later

This trip was a lesson in letting go—of plans, of control, of the idea that fun has to be earned.

I said yes to everything. Boat invites, second cocktails, dancing barefoot in the sand, staying up to watch the sun rise. Even the things I would normally overthink—I let them be easy.

Right now, I’m carrying that with me:

Let it be messy.
Let it be joyful.
Let it be enough.
Be the main character, even in airport arrivals.

Also: I now firmly believe that dancing at sunset should be a weekly ritual. We deserve the joy. Life doesn’t always have to be so serious.

Pop Culture, Trends & What’s Happening Right Now

Barbie-mania is peaking. Pink is everywhere, and I’m not mad about it.
Quiet luxury has evolved into full-blown Mediterranean chic—think crisp white linens and “I own a boat” vibes.
Beyoncé’s tour remains the main character of 2023.
Everyone is obsessed with ‘girl dinner’ and I’m realising I’ve been doing it for years.
Mermaid hair is having a moment, and mine is finally catching on.
Linen everything. Gold hoops. No-makeup makeup. Rosé at 3pm. All trending.
Group chat is currently debating who wore the best Met Gala afterparty look. (I’m team Anok Yai.)