Apr 21, 2019, 4:05 am
Mystique - Santorini, Greece [Master Thread]
Dec 2, 2006, 10:19 am
#17
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lafayette, CO, USA
Programs: SPG Lifetime Plat, AA Gold, UA Gold, DL Silver, HH Gold, Vail Epic
Posts: 9,096
Dec 2, 2006, 11:29 am
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: check swarm
Programs: DL DM & 2MM, SPG/Bonvoid LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, $tarbucks Titanium
Posts: 14,404
I was there in September about 2 years ago. After flying an ancient Olympic Air plane into Santorini, I welcomed the drink they gave us during check-in. They picked us up at the airport and took us into town when we needed. I did not find it too remote, yes it's not in the main town of Fira, but I like that it was quiet. I liked the roosters waking us up in the morning. I've heard people say that Vedema was in the middle of nowhere, but there in fact were two excellent local, inexpensive tavernas right down the street that were as good the meals we had in Fira for a fraction of the cost. Yes, no views in Megalochori, which I knew ahead of time it would not have so we were not dissapointed. The wine tasting in Vedema's cave was a highlight and so was the spa where they used olive oil! Even though we used points, they somehow gave us breakfast for free, which was nice to have by the pool every morning. During our stay there were several fussy, loud, high-roller types who could not be pleased by anything the staff did; but we were happy and being in Europe, went with the flow, so the staff was very good to us.
(Points took 6 months to post, but were for incidentals so it was not a large amount. The Vedema's random beach via car was dissapointing, but that's what Mykonos is for!)
I stand by my statement that the Vedema is one of the best properties in the Starwood collection (that I've visited). Again, YMMV.
Dec 3, 2006, 7:40 am
#19
Join Date: Jul 2004
Programs: AA PLT
Posts: 17
Mystique Resort using points...ouch!
I just tried to book the Mystique using points for September 2007...talk about sticker shock! Apparently, it is a "special" Category 6 because it is an all-suite hotel. Basic suite is 50K Starpoints per night. 25K Starpoint rooms don't exist at this hotel -- a bit misleading on the website.
Dec 3, 2006, 1:44 pm
#20
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 751
I just tried to book the Mystique using points for September 2007...talk about sticker shock! Apparently, it is a "special" Category 6 because it is an all-suite hotel. Basic suite is 50K Starpoints per night. 25K Starpoint rooms don't exist at this hotel -- a bit misleading on the website.
Dec 3, 2006, 6:55 pm
#21
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 851
Good timing for me--
Reports on Vedema are mixed and this sounds interesting:
Overview
Now accepting reservations for arrival on or after May 15, 2007.
Situated on Oia’s famous cliffs, the stylish Mystique features dazzling views of clear blue equatorial waters, the volcano, and the Aegean Caldera. Surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful scenery, our resort’s island-style design pays homage to nature in a climate of unabashed luxury. Our ideal location is just 18 kilometers from Santorini Airport and 20 kilometers from Athinios Port.
18 suites and villas are spread across more than 2,000 square meters, providing a sensorial experience in surroundings of understated elegance. All accommodations are lovingly handcrafted from wood, local stone, and glass with enticing patterns carved into the walls. Antique textiles and plump, luxurious towels will wrap you in their warmth and comfort.
Spend the day beneath the clear blue sky in our outdoor infinity-edge pool. Slatted wooden decks that lead to the plunge pool are surrounded by sun beds for the utmost relaxation. Gather together for a casual drink or delicious meal at the Aura pool bar, the Charisma gourmet restaurant, or Secret wine cave.
Mystique is a natural, exclusive retreat reserved for only the most discerning of travelers.
It's a category 6.
Reports on Vedema are mixed and this sounds interesting:
Overview
Now accepting reservations for arrival on or after May 15, 2007.
Situated on Oia’s famous cliffs, the stylish Mystique features dazzling views of clear blue equatorial waters, the volcano, and the Aegean Caldera. Surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful scenery, our resort’s island-style design pays homage to nature in a climate of unabashed luxury. Our ideal location is just 18 kilometers from Santorini Airport and 20 kilometers from Athinios Port.
18 suites and villas are spread across more than 2,000 square meters, providing a sensorial experience in surroundings of understated elegance. All accommodations are lovingly handcrafted from wood, local stone, and glass with enticing patterns carved into the walls. Antique textiles and plump, luxurious towels will wrap you in their warmth and comfort.
Spend the day beneath the clear blue sky in our outdoor infinity-edge pool. Slatted wooden decks that lead to the plunge pool are surrounded by sun beds for the utmost relaxation. Gather together for a casual drink or delicious meal at the Aura pool bar, the Charisma gourmet restaurant, or Secret wine cave.
Mystique is a natural, exclusive retreat reserved for only the most discerning of travelers.
It's a category 6.
Honestly, I can't imagine why anybody would want to stay at Vedema. The location is horrible. Sure there is stuff nearby but Santorini is all about the sea and the volcano, and Vedema has views of neither. The beauty of the island is sitting on your porch and looking out into the sea. You can do that anywhere (Oia is best, IMO), and paying premium for a nice hotel in the middle of the island, with no view, is insane to me. Mystique sounds perfect, and the views sound great. But any cliffside hotel in Oia would do fine, 25K Starpoints is a lot unless the hotel is truly amazing and you want to pay for that luxury. I paid ~$150/night, I think, and the hotel had the same view with fewer amenities.
Dec 6, 2006, 4:55 pm
#22
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: UAL:1K, DL:Plat, CO:Plat, HH:Diamond, SPG:Plat
Posts: 338
I just tried to book the Mystique using points for September 2007...talk about sticker shock! Apparently, it is a "special" Category 6 because it is an all-suite hotel. Basic suite is 50K Starpoints per night. 25K Starpoint rooms don't exist at this hotel -- a bit misleading on the website.
Jan 12, 2007, 11:43 pm
#23
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 1
I am curious to see what this 18 suite resort looks like...but 40K points a night? We're planning on going to Santorini in mid-May and would like to stay at a starwood resort. Rooms here go for approx. $536 usd/per night. Starwood vacation ownership just offered some special deal to us to purchase 80K points for $1600. hmmm 2 nights worth of points for $1600for you special Starwood guests..... Or 2 nights stay to anybody for ~$1100. I think Starwood needs to rethink the point value on this and offer their loyal customers a break!
Jan 13, 2007, 2:23 am
#24
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 284
I am curious to see what this 18 suite resort looks like...but 40K points a night? We're planning on going to Santorini in mid-May and would like to stay at a starwood resort. Rooms here go for approx. $536 usd/per night. Starwood vacation ownership just offered some special deal to us to purchase 80K points for $1600. hmmm 2 nights worth of points for $1600for you special Starwood guests..... Or 2 nights stay to anybody for ~$1100. I think Starwood needs to rethink the point value on this and offer their loyal customers a break!
Mar 22, 2007, 5:08 pm
#26
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: UAL:1K, DL:Plat, CO:Plat, HH:Diamond, SPG:Plat
Posts: 338
I tried to use in May and was successful however my stay is ending in June so they would not honor the promotion. Should I fight for the promotion???
Apr 11, 2007, 12:43 pm
#27
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: UAL:1K, DL:Plat, CO:Plat, HH:Diamond, SPG:Plat
Posts: 338
Does anyone have a contact at the Mystique? I am trying to coordinate with someone about my upcoming honeymoon stay but cannot find any information...I would imagine there are people there now for the pre-open. Thanks - Mo
Apr 11, 2007, 1:20 pm
#28
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
Sincerely,
William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services
[email protected]
May 21, 2007, 11:35 am
#30
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Boston
Programs: AA EXP, MR LT TIT
Posts: 48
When I booked my stay for this June, I asked them about use of SPG50 and was told that they do not participate in that promotion. To answer an earlier question about contacting someone on site. They have an email address listed on their website. The reservation agent responded to my email within 48 hours and was very helpful. I was able to confirm with them that the resort is open for business as of May 15th. ^