The author at Mykonos Village

On our third day in Balesin Island, Jandy and I decided to tour the island on our own.  Our first stop was Mykonos Village.

Check out “Balesin Island Club“

Mykonos Village beach

With its whitewashed walls, blue windows and doors, and winding cobblestone roads, it is an authentic recreation of the world-famous Greek isle, where we were dropped off at the Cove Deck at Mykonos.

Cove Deck at Mykonos

Built within a private cove, it sees regular use as a party spot or venue for large gatherings and is a great place to enjoy the cool sea breeze with a drink in hand.  Its four outdoor jacuzzis, all facing the Pacific Ocean, are popular both day and night.

Swimming pool

Adjacent to the the Cove Deck is Thanassis Taverna, the centerpiece of Mykonos Village. Named after Chef Thanassis Koumpiadis, it has several indoor dining options (including an upstairs private dining room) and a lounge area and  in a comfortable and colorful setting.  For al fresco dining, there’s a roof deck with outdoor seating.

Thanassis Taverna

It serves gyros, moussaka (made with minced beef, eggplant, and smothered with a rich béchamel that runs through its crevices), grilled lamb ribs, souvlaki, hummus, tzatziki, Greek salad (uniquely thread through skewers), a traditional tarhanas soup (not readily found on many menus outside of Greece), the simple, yet delicious meze and a delectable pine nut salad, served with warm and seasoned pita bread made on the premises, plus signature cocktail concoctions served with splashes of ouzo, a popular Greek aperitif.

Indoor dining area

For a large group, a succulent roast leg of lamb and vegetables can be ordered ahead. For desserts, there’s the award-winning, de rigueur, light and airy Thanasis chocolate mousse.

The Greek-style Mykonos Beach Villas

On the adjacent stretch of beachfront are the 32 spacious, Greek-style Mykonos Beach Villas, ideal for families and large groups who want to stay together.

Spread out over six different buildings, each building is aptly named for the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology – Apollo, Artemis, Athena, Poseidon, Dionysios, and Hermes.  Instead of an outdoor porch, each Mykonos villa has a rooftop that comes with a large lounge area and whirlpool tub.

Poseidon – the main clubhouse

We then walked the short distance to Poseidon, the main clubhouse area of the Beach Villas.  Here, we tried out its centerpiece – the infinity swimming pool with its unique indoor/outdoor configuration.

The infinity swimming pool and jacuzzi

At the second floor is an impressive wrap-around veranda offering views of the majestic Pacific Ocean.

Jandy trying out the jacuzzi

Balesin Island Club: Brgy. Balesin, Polillo 4339, Quezon.

Metro Manila Corporate Office: Alphaland Corporation, Alphaland Makati Place, 7232 Ayala Ave. Extn., 1209 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: +63.2.5337.2031 and +63.2.5337.2055 loc 271 to 274 (Reservations). Fax: +63.2.5338.1231,  E-mail: info@alphaland.com.ph.  Website: www.balesin.com.