Page 136 - ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL 2024

ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL
architecture

G iven the unique philosophy be-

hind the new extraordinaire prop-
erty, what was the driving force
that led you to the specific design?
Our creative thoughts were driven by
the very strong bond I have with the
island for the past 35 years. It was not
about designing just another “nice”
hotel on the island but creating something unique that
truly connects the visitors to the true essence of what has
captivated visitors since the birth of travel to Mykonos.
Given the exceptional value of the location, it was also
about ensuring that each guest, wherever he is on the
property, is constantly in direct relationship with what
the location has to offer best; the soul of the old town
and its windmills, the Aegean Sea with its rosary of Cy-
cladic islands and last but not least, the amazing sunsets.
What are the main characteristics of the new type
of guest room experience you developed?
With such a location, it becomes essential to develop
an inside/out and vice versa experience. The rooms are
quite large by any of the recent luxury standards provid-
ing ample spaces for sleeping, lounging and relaxing all
facing the magnificent views. Large terraces are a natural
extension of the room with all the needed settings such
as large pool, day beds, large couches and dining area,
hence allowing for that seamless inside out experience. SENSE OF PLACE
The finishes used are inspired by the drift wood tonal- Integrating local architecture and culture into luxury hospitality creates
ities, usually found on the sea shore, creating muted a design that encompasses the life on the island.
tonalities and textures that frame and contrast with the
sea/sky vistas of every room.
How would you describe this “New Hotel” every
conscious traveler wants to stay in and talk about?
What travelers are seeking today is true luxury that is
defined by very well-crafted spaces, intimate immersion
with the true locale, as well as understated yet timeless SOPHISTICATED DESIGN
and elegant design; and most of all authentic experiences. From the warm and earthy hues to the wooden furniture and stone details, the very essence of Mykonos is always present.
Which is your solution to the enigma of performing
the “true sense of place?”
It becomes very subtle and yet essential to translate the
sense of place to such location. This is produced through
a very deep and thorough understanding of the local TRUE LUXURY IS DEFINED signing the project. As already mentioned, there is a constant dialogue between the site,
culture, history, geography and topography. It is then the architecture, the interiors and the planning throughout the design stages, which is
translated into a vocabulary that transcends the whole paramount to the success of such a venue.
project in a very subtle and sometime subliminal way. BY WELL-CRAFTED If the Athenian Riviera was the inspiration for your next design, what character
This is what makes a place so memorable that you want would that have?
to come back. SPACES, INTIMACY WITH I think that this exceptional location benefits from its immediate relationship with the
In terms of an exceptional Myconian property, what sea, while at the same time being within the city with ample spaces for greenery. This can
is the golden ratio between master planning, archi- THE TRUE LOCALE AND create interesting contrasts and offer the opportunity to create a new lifestyle, where ur-
tecture and interior design? banity blends with nature and sea side living. Covid has awakened our true needs for a
They all carry the same weight and importance for such AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES. balanced and healthy life, while preserving our natural environment, and has thankfully
a project. Thus, it has become the essence of our creative started to shift our attention away from fake and trendy driven shortcuts. The Atheni-
process for all our projects. My extensive experience in an Riviera has all the right recipes to produce such objectives. Therefore, our design ap-
bridging all these trades, as well as, my diverse team of proach would be to work in that direction by crafting spaces that allows for this seamless
planners, architects, designers and curators allow us to experience where air, natural light, greenery and water are harmoniously integrated in
think of all aspects from scratch, as soon as we start de- your living spaces procuring the core of our design philosophy which is the good life. 

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