Ancient Greece meets modern world at Ekies 'All Senses'

Fusing contemporary design with traditional Greek culture, comes a luxury new resort, Ekies ‘All Senses’.

Located on the east side of Sithonia, in Halkidiki, Greece, the idyllic resort, sits on an unspoiled beach in Vourvourou and comprises of a cluster of small buildings and open terraced bungalows that expand among the native trees and sparkling clear waters of the region.

GALLERY  

It’s the latest redesign from Alexandra Efstathiadou (owner of Ekies), in collaboration with Agarch+ architects and Fytron landscape design.

Right across the sea from the resort, sits Mount Athos, home to over twenty monasteries and this new expansion of the hotel’s facilities and its new rooms pay tribute to the ascetic tranquillity of these nearby monasteries. The mysticism and austere way of life in the monasteries inspired the three collaborators to create a new set of rooms that focus on calm and serenity. The ten brand new suites and five renovated rooms are designed with a ‘less-is-more’ aesthetic, where the emphasis is placed on natural materials, both on a structural and decorative level.

‘Seamlessly blending contemporary international design with ancient Greek elements has always been part of our DNA’, says Efstathiadou. ‘This time, our inspiration came from the nearby monasteries and the calmness they exude. It’s all about finding inner balance through connecting with nature more spiritually’.

A balance and cohesion of soft and hard natural materials define the resort’s new rooms, where organic fabrics, such as pure linen curtains, bedding and pillows harmoniously coexist with the solid wood furnishings and rough concrete ceilings. The colour palette consists of authentic local hues, including rich olive greens, blues, whites and burnt rust colours. The heat-resistant floors are a combination of handmade ceramics with patterns found on local orthodox churches and mosaic floors that recall those found in traditional Greek houses from the 60s and 70s. Some of the suites are complete with circular bathtubs and baptismal bowls that serve as water basins, which enhance the spiritual atmosphere inside.

Taking cues from the ascetic tranquillity of these monasteries they encountered upon visiting the area, Giorgos Anagnostellis and Angeliki Pappa from Agarch+ architects recognised vital design elements were based around ‘marble, bronze, and wood and an earthy colour palette.’ The architects also revamped the resort’s lobby, which now combines old, wooden furniture with contemporary elements such as chairs from furniture designer Vitra, Magis and Arper.

 Images Nick Kontostavlakis/globe & trotter Via Design Boom

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