Page 93 - MYCONIAN COLLECTION MAGAZINE 2023

DESIGN

Antonis Kalogridis they are expertly run and their level of

service but differ in terms of their holistic
concept and nature-based philosophy. O
An acclaimed professional sets trends and by Myconian really is the type of property
where you can comfortably wonder
drives the way forward, sharing around barefoot from your suite to the
beach and back again, while Panoptis
his insight into what design hospitality Escape almost lifts you up into the sky
due to its high location; it’s so quiet even
luxury truly means. though it’s only a few minutes away from
Mykonos Town.

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

092 093