While generally I had a fine time during my few days in Mykonos, it felt like a completely different place since I wasn't spending thousands of dollars.
That could be said of lots of holiday destinations, but I've never felt that way in New York, Paris, the Caribbean islands, or other places I've visited.
If you are a millionaire, billionaire, or even just a wealthy person who doesn't care about blowing $5,000 or more on a night out, the island opens itself up in ways that just isn't the case for a regular Joe. Staff at the hotels and restaurants seem primed to ignore you unless they identify you as a high-roller.
The top spots on the island are littered with reviews espousing a pretentious and exclusive attitude for even people on a modest luxury budget. That said, maybe exclusive isn't the right way to describe it. If you have the money to spend, you can get in anywhere, which just isn't the case in certain rarefied places in New York or Miami.
The island is beautiful and, with 25 beaches, you can find one that suits your preference and price level — it just may mean that you are sitting on your towel while the big shots pop champagne from cabanas nearby.
I hated that there were 20 or 30 yachts spread out in front of nearly every beach on the southern coast. It makes you feel like you are swimming in a marina. I'm sure its nice for the super-rich, who can hop a tender back and forth to the beach party, but it kills the vibe for everyone else, in my opinion.
Lastly is the trash. The island is packed in the summertime with hundreds of thousands of tourists. One thing I didn't expect, but maybe should have, is that tons of places reek of a hot garbage smell and the grass is littered with empty bottles. I'm sure the people going from private car to beach club to villa don't see or smell it, but, for the rest of us, it ruins the relaxed experience.
After spending the next few days in Tinos, a quiet nearby island, I felt like I probably don't need to come back to Mykonos in the near future. Tinos, and other quieter islands in the Cyclades, are half the price and just as beautiful.
What's interesting is that I heard from some repeat visitors that the VIP atmosphere is relatively new. People used to come to Mykonos to escape the closed-off air of places like Ibiza or San Tropez and party in a bohemian atmosphere. That wasn't the vibe I got.
Mykonos is the place to go if you are looking for a party, but just be prepared to spend mightily.
If the dance music see-and-be-seen carnival isn't what you are looking for, don't bother. There are plenty of other Greek islands that will give you more bang for your buck.