The
Petinos Story
Yiannis with his wife Foteini and their three children, Thanasis, Evgenia, and
Stavroula, who became the heart of his hospitality legacy.
A Legacy of Hospitality: The Journey of the Kousathanas Family
In 1943, on the ancient island of Delos, Yiannis Kousathanas was born into a world untouched by modern conveniences—no electricity, no running water, just the raw beauty of the Aegean. His childhood was marked by hardship but also by the enduring values of family and perseverance. At the age of five, he moved with his parents and three brothers to Mykonos, a place where the glimmers of tourism were beginning to emerge, but life remained centered around tradition and survival.
Growing up, Yiannis and his brothers learned the ways of the land and the sea. By fourteen, he was hauling sand from the beaches, loading boats to supply materials for construction projects in Athens. The physical labor was demanding, yet it taught him resilience and a strong work ethic. At eighteen, alongside his father and siblings, he helped open a small taverna where every task was done by hand—cooking over a wood fire, fishing at dawn, and serving guests with the utmost care.
"We were waiters, cooks, and fishermen—everything at once. There were no shifts, only hard work and passion," Yiannis would later recall. Eventually, his brothers chose different paths—one to the sea, another to farming—but Yiannis remained, determined to build something greater.
"We were waiters, cooks, and fishermen—everything at once. There were no shifts, only hard work and passion," Yiannis would later recall. Eventually, his brothers chose different paths—one to the sea, another to farming—but Yiannis remained, determined to build something greater.
Yiannis (far left) with his brothers and family in the early days of the taverna, where
hard work and unity laid the foundation for their success.
Yiannis harvesting fresh tomatoes from the family garden, ensuring that every meal
served was authentic and full of flavor.
The Birth of the "Petinos" Name
The Kousathanas family earned the nickname "Petinos"—meaning "rooster" in Greek—from the locals of Mykonos. The rooster, a symbol of boldness, courage, and vigilance, perfectly captured the family’s fearless spirit and willingness to take risks. Yiannis and his brothers were known for their daring entrepreneurial spirit, always pushing boundaries and embracing challenges with unwavering determination. This nickname soon became a badge of honor, reflecting their pioneering approach to hospitality.
When Yiannis and his family opened their taverna, they named it "Petinos Taverna" (now Blue Myth Restaurant) as a tribute to their bold personalities and their commitment to standing out in the growing tourism industry. Over time, the name "Petinos" became synonymous with warmth, authenticity, and excellence, laying the foundation for what would later become Petinos' Resorts Of Mykonos.
When Yiannis and his family opened their taverna, they named it "Petinos Taverna" (now Blue Myth Restaurant) as a tribute to their bold personalities and their commitment to standing out in the growing tourism industry. Over time, the name "Petinos" became synonymous with warmth, authenticity, and excellence, laying the foundation for what would later become Petinos' Resorts Of Mykonos.
In 1966, Yiannis married Foteini, whose name means "The Bright One" in Greek. True to her name, she became the guiding light of his journey, offering unwavering support and sharing his dream of creating a true home for guests. "Without Foteini by my side and the strength of my children, none of this would have been possible," Yiannis often said.
The early days of running the taverna were relentless. Yiannis understood that offering food and shelter was not enough—guests needed an experience, a connection to Mykonos' traditions, flavors, and warm hospitality. The few simple "rooms to let" behind the restaurant had been a convenient option for travelers, but Yiannis saw their potential. Instead of merely maintaining them, he sought to elevate them, enhancing their comfort and expanding the offering. In 1974, the original Petinos Hotel officially opened, named after the family taverna that had become a local institution.
Yiannis with guests in front of the first privately owned mini-bus on Mykonos,
revolutionizing the island’s hospitality standards.
In the early years, there was no electricity in the area. "There may not have been power, but there was always Greek hospitality," Yiannis would say with a smile. Guests dined by the glow of kerosene lamps, immersed in the warmth of a truly Mykonian experience. Word spread quickly, and soon, visitors from all over the world sought to stay at his humble yet heartfelt accommodations.
Yiannis was a true pioneer in hospitality. Before private transfers were common, he started with a simple three-wheeled bike, personally carrying guests’ luggage to their rooms while showing them how to reach the property by local bus.
"I wanted to make sure every guest felt cared for, even if it meant doing the work myself," he said. Soon, he invested in the first privately owned mini-buses on the island, revolutionizing the guest experience.
Yiannis was a true pioneer in hospitality. Before private transfers were common, he started with a simple three-wheeled bike, personally carrying guests’ luggage to their rooms while showing them how to reach the property by local bus.
"I wanted to make sure every guest felt cared for, even if it meant doing the work myself," he said. Soon, he invested in the first privately owned mini-buses on the island, revolutionizing the guest experience.
"That mini-bus changed everything. It wasn’t just about convenience—it was about showing people that we cared about every detail of their stay."
In the early days of the taverna, Yiannis embraced every opportunity to make his guests feel welcome. One of his most cherished traditions was collecting foreign currencies from visitors and sticking them to the top of the bar for good luck. This small but meaningful gesture became a symbol of hope and prosperity, reflecting his belief in the power of hospitality to bring people together.
Yiannis atop the bar at the original Petinos Taverna, collecting foreign currencies for
good luck—a cherished Mykonian tradition that symbolized hope and prosperity.
"Every piece of paper told a story—a traveler’s journey, a shared moment, a connection made. It was our way of saying, ‘You are part of our family now,’" Yiannis would later reminisce. This tradition not only added charm to the taverna but also became a beloved memory for countless guests who returned year after year.
Yiannis dancing in the harbor of Mykonos Town, spreading joy and embodying the
island’s carefree spirit—a lifestyle that brought happiness to both tourists and his businesses.
Yiannis was not just a hotelier; he was a true Mykonian at heart. His love for life and his island was infectious, and he often danced in the famous harbor of Mykonos Town with his close friends, simply because he was happy. For Yiannis, dancing was more than a tradition—it was a way of life.
"Dancing is the soul of Mykonos. It’s how we celebrate life, connect with others, and share our joy with the world," he would say. His spontaneous dances in the harbor became a symbol of the island’s carefree spirit, drawing tourists into the vibrant culture of Mykonos and leaving them with unforgettable memories.
"Dancing is the soul of Mykonos. It’s how we celebrate life, connect with others, and share our joy with the world," he would say. His spontaneous dances in the harbor became a symbol of the island’s carefree spirit, drawing tourists into the vibrant culture of Mykonos and leaving them with unforgettable memories.
With the strength of family behind him, Yiannis transformed his small taverna into Mykonos’ most celebrated hotel collections. The growth was steady, each property a testament to his vision and dedication. In 1982, Petinos Beach was established as a separate property in the same area, further expanding the Kousathanas family’s hospitality footprint. Two years later, in 1984, Nissaki Hotel was established, offering a refined boutique experience by the sea, blending elegance with the traditional Mykonian charm. Nearly a decade later, in 1993, Palladium Hotel was introduced, setting a new standard for luxury and personalized service.
The construction of Nissaki Hotel in 1984, marking the Kousathanas family’s first step
into boutique luxury hospitality.
The construction of Saint John Hotel in the early 2000s, a project that would redefine
Mykonian hospitality and become a symbol of the Kousathanas family’s vision and ambition.
The turning point came in 2003 with the opening of Saint John Hotel, a magnificent seaside retreat in Agios Ioannis that redefined the hospitality landscape of Mykonos. The construction of Saint John Hotel was a monumental undertaking, reflecting Yiannis’ ambition to create a property that blended luxury with the authentic spirit of Mykonos.
"Saint John was more than a hotel—it was a dream realized. It showed the world what Mykonos could be," Yiannis said
Yiannis at the grand opening of Saint John Hotel in 2003, a luxurious seaside retreat
that redefined Mykonian hospitality.
Yiannis leading a traditional Greek dance during one of the first Greek Night Parties,
a celebration of Mykonian culture and hospitality.
As the business grew, so did the involvement of the Kousathanas family. Thanasis, Evgenia, and Stavroula were not just observers; they were integral to the operation. From childhood, they worked alongside their parents—setting tables, greeting guests, preparing meals, and even performing traditional Greek dances at the restaurant. These celebrations became the foundation for the first Greek Night Parties on the island, where visitors were introduced to the authentic joy of Mykonian life.
"We wanted guests to feel like part of the family, to truly experience the way we celebrate and embrace life here," Evgenia later reflected.
"We wanted guests to feel like part of the family, to truly experience the way we celebrate and embrace life here," Evgenia later reflected.
Their immersion in the business extended beyond service. Over the years, they became experts in five-star hospitality, mastering everything from reservation management to marketing and operations. Each of them pursued formal education in hospitality abroad, bringing back knowledge and modern techniques while upholding the values their father had instilled in them. "It wasn’t just about running hotels; it was about honoring our father’s dream and elevating Greek hospitality," Thanasis explained.
In 2016, the Kousathanas family unveiled Anax Resort & Spa, an opulent yet intimate sanctuary along the Mykonian coast. The following year, in 2017, Jenny’s Summer Houses was introduced, offering guests a collection of elegant residences that seamlessly merged tradition with contemporary luxury. These additions marked a new era of innovation and sophistication for the family’s hospitality empire.
In 2016, the Kousathanas family unveiled Anax Resort & Spa, an opulent yet intimate sanctuary along the Mykonian coast. The following year, in 2017, Jenny’s Summer Houses was introduced, offering guests a collection of elegant residences that seamlessly merged tradition with contemporary luxury. These additions marked a new era of innovation and sophistication for the family’s hospitality empire.
Yiannis’s children, Thanasis and Stavroula, bringing joy to guests with their lively
Greek dances during a Greek Night Party.
Aeonic Suites & Spa, blending wabi-sabi elegance with contemporary luxury,
redefining the Mykonian hospitality experience.
In 2021, the family unveiled their newest gem, Aeonic Suites & Spa, a bold and innovative addition to their portfolio. Breaking away from the traditional Cycladic aesthetic, Aeonic introduced a new style of luxury to Mykonos, blending wabi-sabi elements with chic, darker tones.
"Aeonic is more than a hotel—it’s a statement. It’s about embracing a new way of experiencing Mykonos while staying true to our roots," said Thanasis, who played a key role in its design and concept.
"Aeonic is more than a hotel—it’s a statement. It’s about embracing a new way of experiencing Mykonos while staying true to our roots," said Thanasis, who played a key role in its design and concept.
Even as he expanded his hospitality empire, Yiannis never lost touch with the simple joys that had shaped his early life. His mornings were often spent tending to the gardens, ensuring that guests were served the same fresh, local produce he had enjoyed in his youth. He remained an active presence in the kitchens, checking that every dish carried the authentic flavors of Mykonos.
A lively Mykonian party at the family restaurant, where guests experienced the
authentic joy of the island’s traditions.
"Philoxenia is about heart, not just service. A hotel should feel like home, and every meal should taste like it was made with love," he often remarked.
Yiannis’s children operating one of the first private buses on Mykonos, ensuring
guests experienced seamless and personalized service.
Yiannis was known for his attention to detail, ensuring that each guest felt like family. He personally welcomed many of his visitors, remembering names, preferences, and special occasions. Regular guests were often greeted with a warm embrace and a glass of ouzo, making them feel like they had returned home rather than to a hotel. Celebrities, politicians, artists, and explorers flocked to his properties, drawn by the authenticity and warmth that the Kousathanas family offered.
"They didn’t just come for the luxury—they came for the experience. And they always returned," he said with pride.
"They didn’t just come for the luxury—they came for the experience. And they always returned," he said with pride.
Today, Yiannis' legacy is carried forward by his children and grandchildren, who ensure that his vision, values, and love for hospitality remain at the heart of every property. The next generation of the Kousathanas family is already deeply involved in the business, bringing fresh ideas and energy while honoring the traditions that have made their hotels so beloved.
"We are not just planning for the next season. We are planning for the next generation—for our children, our guests, and for the future of Greek hospitality," said Thanasis.
"We are not just planning for the next season. We are planning for the next generation—for our children, our guests, and for the future of Greek hospitality," said Thanasis.
Yiannis receiving awards for his contributions to Mykonian hospitality, a testament to
his dedication and vision.
The family’s journey is far from over. With plans to open more properties in the coming years, the Kousathanas family continues to innovate and expand, ensuring that their legacy of excellence and authenticity endures for generations to come. "Our grandfather’s dream was to create a home for guests, and that dream lives on in everything we do," said Yiannis, one of his grandsons. "We are proud to carry it forward."
and so, the story continues...