Header: Kostas Mitropoulos
MYKONOS flow is a 5-star summer accommodation complex in Plintri, Mykonos, overlooking the light blue waters of Super Paradise Beach. The hotel, designed by gnb architects, with Maria Vlachou as lead designer and Katerina Deligianni and Aliki Angelidi on the design team, received a prestigious LIV Award in the “Architectural Design Hotel – Boutique” category.
Following the curvy terrain
The hotel was directly placed on a steep hillside, following the curves and slope of the terrain and letting this topography define its structure, layout and character. These curves influence the whole plan: the buildings, terraces, circulation routes, retaining walls, pools and outdoor platforms all take their form from the same lines.
The hotel contains 21 suites, a lobby, restaurant, pool bar and business centre. Two main zones divide the adults-only paradise-away-from-home, placed so the rooms and shared areas face the bay without blocking each other. The result is a horizontal composition of pristine white buildings, with sharp concrete edges, spread across the hillside.
The white flow of buildings
Some suites were set deeper into the hillside, offering a more private location to those who want some extra quiet. Others are found directly by the main terrace, enjoying easier access to the hotel’s public amenities. The guests can, then, move between their rooms, terraces, pool decks and social areas, following paths winding through the hotel’s changing levels. Due to the slope, its height and location, a constant breeze and smell coming from the sea envelop the hotel, making this a perfect Mediterranean holiday spot.
The suites were given private swimming pools, with their blue contrasting with the white on the walls to create a striking effect, only complemented by the blue views over the sea. Below, in a curved line, a social swimming pool offers the perfect terrace to enjoy the view from: cool, visually pleasant and panoramic. The outdoor areas were finished with pale stamped flooring and ceramics, chosen both for durability and to maintain the soft colours and mineral materials found throughout the entire resort.
Mykonos aesthetics made modern
The hotel took inspiration from Cycladic building traditions, especially the whitewashed surfaces, simple forms and earthy tones associated with Mykonos. However, these references were given a small tweak, as, instead of compact village-like buildings, the hotel is stretched out and divided into sculptural forms. These modern lines are quite different from what is usually found in traditional Greek villages, effectively giving this hotel the best of both worlds: an ode to local architecture, a unique character and an efficient use of the available space.
Mediterranean interiors
The interiors were designed by White Wall, which dressed them in neutral mineral colours, textured surfaces and natural light. A minimalist style of décor was deemed here as the way to go, so the designers added built-in timber joinery, pale wood wardrobes, concealed ceiling details and cement-textured finishes to both reference the local aesthetics and provide a relaxing background for the guests. Alongside the private pool, each suite includes jetted tubs and private terraces, generally around 30-35 square metres, which are perfect for a late-night talk or a calm morning with a great view.
Beyond the rooms, the same aesthetic was applied to the shared areas. The all-day restaurant and pool bar were designed almost like shaded beach pavilions: timber posts, reed and thatch canopies, woven seating, white plaster and pale sandy flooring dominate the design. The restaurant has simple white pedestal tables and light woven chairs beneath a straw canopy; the pool bar, warmer and more social, has rattan stools and a bar dressed in amber lighting. The use of cane pergolas and woven shading softens the harder lines of the architecture, giving the social spaces a more relaxed beach-club vibe. In the lobby, curved white reception counters, pale timber shelving, woven pendant lights and vertical timber slats continue the same Cycladic-inspired aesthetic.
Warm and concealed lighting
The lighting design was the responsibility of VK Leading Light, which used warm indirect lighting throughout the hotel to highlight the curves, textures and flow of the architecture without overwhelming the minimalist interior aesthetic. Concealed lighting was added beneath counters, within pathways and around the shared hospitality areas, creating a soft atmosphere at night.
MYKONOS flow was designed around the traditional Cycladic look found throughout the famous Greek holiday location. With its white buildings, natural materials, warm lighting and open terraces, guests can enjoy a Greek vacation surrounded by modern lines, luxury and the kind of comfort you can only find in the Mediterranean.
Project information
Architecture Company: gnb architects
Lead Designer: Maria Vlachou
Other Designers: Katerina Deligianni, Aliki Angelidi
Interior Designer: WHITE WALL
Hospitality: Hotel Brain Group
Construction Company: ID Construction
Photo Credit: Kostas Mitropoulos
Location: Mykonos, Greece
Project Date: April 2024
