Mykonos has long been a magnet for travellers seeking luxury, beauty and unforgettable summer experiences. With its golden beaches, crystal-clear Aegean waters, designer boutiques, world-class restaurants and legendary nightlife, the Greek island has become synonymous with glamour.
Yet among the many destinations that have shaped Mykonos’ international reputation, one place stands apart: Scorpios Mykonos.
More than a beach club, restaurant or bar, Scorpios has become a lifestyle destination — a place where music, art, gastronomy, wellness and community come together against the backdrop of the Aegean Sea.
The vision behind this modern Mykonos icon belongs to German entrepreneurs Mario Hertel and Thomas Heyne, who opened Scorpios in 2015 after years of transforming the island’s hospitality scene.
From Berlin nightlife to Mykonos legend
The story of Scorpios began more than a decade earlier, in 2004, when Mario Hertel arrived in Mykonos looking for a new direction.
Having built a career in Berlin’s nightlife industry, Hertel spent the summer exploring the island and quickly became captivated by its energy. He travelled around Mykonos on a 50-metre military boat filled with DJs, dancers, bartenders and promoters, organising private parties for visitors drawn to the island’s unique atmosphere.
When he was offered the opportunity to revive a struggling nightclub, Hertel brought in his friend Thomas Heyne, beginning a partnership that would change Mykonos nightlife forever.
Together, they transformed the venue into Paradise Club Mykonos, which went on to become one of the island’s most famous nightlife destinations.
A new vision for Mykonos
After years of success with Paradise Club, Hertel and Heyne began looking for something different. Their tastes had evolved, and they wanted to create an experience that went beyond traditional nightlife.
They envisioned a place centred around connection, creativity and meaningful experiences — a destination where guests could enjoy music, food, art and wellness in a natural setting.
Their next project was the transformation of San Giorgio hotel, now known as Soho Roc House, into a relaxed, bohemian retreat inspired by the feeling of staying at a close friend’s home.
The success of San Giorgio strengthened their belief that Mykonos needed spaces that focused on atmosphere and authenticity rather than simply luxury.
The birth of Scorpios
Just a short distance from the hotel, Hertel and Heyne discovered a secluded bay with breathtaking views of the Mykonos coastline. They immediately recognised its potential, describing the location as having a special, almost spiritual atmosphere.
For seven years, they tried to convince the owner to allow them to develop the site. Eventually, their vision became reality.
Scorpios was created as a modern Greek agora — a gathering place where food, music, design, art and healing could exist together.
The design philosophy was deeply connected to nature. Rather than building over the landscape, the founders wanted the venue to blend into its surroundings, creating the feeling that it had always belonged on the island.
The name Scorpios was chosen as a tribute to the legendary private island once owned by Aristotle Onassis and associated with Jackie Kennedy, a symbol of the glamour that helped introduce Mykonos to the world’s elite.
The early years were challenging. Scorpios opened during a difficult period for Greece, and many guests initially struggled to understand its unconventional concept.
The venue’s focus on artistic expression, carefully curated music, rituals and wellness was unlike anything else on the island. Hertel and Heyne faced financial pressure and had to make difficult decisions while remaining committed to their original vision.
Instead of changing their concept, they focused on creating the highest-quality experience possible.
Slowly, the world began to take notice.
Today, Scorpios attracts visitors from around the globe, with some travellers visiting Mykonos specifically to experience the venue’s unique atmosphere. It has become a destination in itself — a place where guests come to disconnect from everyday life and immerse themselves in music, nature, culture and community.
The legacy of Scorpios
Mario Hertel and Thomas Heyne set out to create a holistic beach experience. Instead, they created something far more influential: a new model for modern island hospitality.
Scorpios represents a different kind of luxury — one built not only on beautiful surroundings, but on creativity, connection and unforgettable moments.
On an island already famous for extraordinary experiences, Scorpios has earned its place as one of Mykonos’ most iconic destinations.