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Antonis I would say that O by Myconian and Panoptis from? How do you justify the choice of these unique in that sense. However, the way that I

Escape are similar in how they are expertly
look at spaces is to view them like a body. Of
materials in particular?
run and their level of service but differ in
We source a lot of our materials locally so
course choosing the right objects, placement,
Kalogridis terms of their holistic concept and nature- they are in touch with the local vernacular colour, patterns and textures all make up an
– such as unprocessed woods, stone, rocks,
aesthetic. But to aestheticize literally means “to
based philosophy. O by Myconian really is the
raffia textures and plants. The design for O by
feel”. So I ultimately create kingdoms based
type of property where you can comfortably
wonder around barefoot from your suite to the
a greater emphasis was placed on using wood
bodies, are for: To be felt, to be used, to rouse
beach and back again, while Panoptis Escape Myconian relied very much on marble, while on the senses. That is what my spaces, my
An acclaimed professional almost lifts you up into the sky due to its high for Panoptis Escape - both materials were used the senses as they that explore. The Cyclades
sets trends and drives the location, it’s so quiet even though it’s only a in large quantities. All of the design details and are unique in that nature dominates through a
way forward, sharing few minutes away from Mykonos Town. furniture were crafted by Greek craftsmen certain subtlety which is very much reflected
exclusively for the hotels, making them totally
Where do the materials that are used come
in the two new properties.
his insight into what design What were the main challenges in these
hospitality luxury truly hotels in terms of optimizing spaces or
means. views from the rooms?
At O by Myconian, the challenge was to triumph
in creating a luxury beachfront resort where
Despite his work in hospitality, he still sees there was an evident dialogue between design
himself as primarily a theatre director. He and nature, where guests are free to feel what
stages experiences and he explores the roles they want, to be serene and quiet or joyous and
people take on in their lives. Working on the celebratory, so the challenge here was to create
new, amazing hotels of the Myconian Collection an ambience that allowed for that through the
Hotels & Resorts is his way of bringing architectural language and design. For Panoptis
about the spaces he has always wanted to Escape, we wanted the property to offer 360
have available to him; spaces as the ones he views over the Aegean and to work through all
designed for Panoptis Escape at Elia beach of the constraints that arose. Generally though,
and O by Myconian Collection that can take the main challenge was how to translate the
their surroundings and their guests further. landscape into a hospitality project. For me,
How would you summarize the concept of interior design is all about helping people be HIGH-END TEAM
the two hotels that you recently designed, inspired by what is unique in a specific time Antonis Kalogridis and Vangelis Takos redefine the aesthetics of Mykonos through the complete remodelling
their main characteristics, the spirit of their and place, it has to make you feel good about of the Myconian Collection Hotels at their favourite Elia Beach and recently at Ornos Beach.
decoration? where you are, but also remind you not to stay
For O by Myconian located on Ornos Bay, still. It has to be the perfect match between the an experience so strong that it moves you You’ve done a lot of high-end hospitality
the concept is very much based on a stylish real and the possible. to any direction you choose. You might be work. What do you consider most important
beachfront resort. Its design reflects the concept Are there any details in the design that you travelling to celebrate an achievement, or in such projects?
of slow luxury filled living where all the senses are particularly proud of? because you are gathering up the strength to I think of space as a body. You know, nobility
are reawakened. The “green” design ethos At Panoptis Escape, I’m particularly proud of go after one. Ideally, the two should not feel has always been symbolised by the body –
that we based our design philosophy upon how the design captures the light of a sanctuary, different, because you will always be getting think “blue blood”. That is luxury, and how
showcases the beauty of natural materials in drawing on the theme of guests reconnecting ready to reach a higher peak, and you will I see hospitality. It is the blue blood running
their raw state. Almost earthy in feel, we have to nature. For O by Myconian, the design was always deserve to be rewarded for it. through the veins of a living organism. It can
used a design language that is deeply rooted in very much based on bringing the qualities of How does interior design affect a traveller’s accommodate a noble mind and a restless
the timeless appeal of Hellenic antiquity and the sea into the accommodations. We wanted to experience? soul. So I make up hospitable spaces that
the primitive luxury of Greek island life. As place a large emphasis on sustainability and the It has to do with that revolving moment. Interior allow luxury to run wild in their veins. I
for the Panoptis Escape, with its high location open and airy interiors in the accommodations design must make it easier for people to see make up bodies. When guests live in them, I
above Elia Beach, we wanted to create a more definitely reflect that. clearly in all directions, to choose their path want them to feel like they are being reborn
roughly hewn bohemian atmosphere where What are the key ingredients of true luxury among many. At the same time, it must help into the royalty of leisure, that they can bring
guests can truly enjoy Mykonos’s famous winds in travelling? them to be inspired by what is unique in the together their own kingdom. Sure, it is also
and intense sunshine. It’s utterly luxurious The greatest privilege has to do with the specific time and place they find themselves. It about objects, placement, colour, patterns,
whilst being almost wild like the island itself. destinations – not about choosing the place is a fine line, like the horizon. Interior design textures – all the things that make up an
Every accommodation here is so different and DESIGN DREAM but about choosing what that place means. must make you feel good about where you aesthetic. But to aestheticise literally means
individual, made up of surprising textures and Theatre director and interior Photo: Christos Drazos, Giannis Dimotsis Any place you find yourself can be a finish are, but also remind you not to stay still. It “to feel”. So it is ultimately a kingdom of the
designer extraordinaire
colour palettes. Antonis Kalogridis is behind line or a starting line – compensation or has to be the perfect match between the real senses. That is what my spaces, my bodies,
How are they similar and different from the fascinating interiors of the inspiration. The defining moment of luxury and the possible, and it must allow guests to are for: To be felt, to be used as the senses
Panoptis Escape on Elia Beach
the other properties in the Myconian and O by Myconian Collection in travel is bringing the two together, about break on through to whichever side works that explore and arouse the possibilities of
Collection’s portfolio? at Ornos beach. turning your travels into a revolving door, best for them. space and the people in it.

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