Header: Kim Powell Photography
Everyone deserves a Mamma Mia summer, the kind of escape where the Aegean is on the horizon, the days move at their own pace, good music is in the background, and the setting feels just right. In a place like Greece, where landscape and architecture naturally complement each other, choosing the right hotel is an integral part of the experience itself. The design of the space, how it opens to the view, how it holds light—these are the details that shape how a summer is lived.
From quiet island hideaways to reimagined city landmarks, these five hospitality projects across Greece show how architecture and interiors can define the mood of a stay.
Gundari
Completed in June 2024 on the island of Folegandros, Gundari is a resort designed by Athens-based architecture studio Block722, with Sotiris Tsergas, Katja Margaritoglou, Elena Milidaki, and Francesca Balfoussia on the design team. The location features 27 suites and villas, situated along the coastal landscape and designed with a blend of natural materials, including local stone and wood.
The layout of the resort follows the natural shape of the site it sits on, with stone walls marking the edges and wooden elements creating a balance between indoor and outdoor areas. The suites and villas feature open-air private showers and interior spaces dressed in neutral furnishings, with the circulation across the site prioritising views of the Aegean Sea. The bar-restaurant is the central gathering spot of the resort, while the spa and executive suites are partially embedded into the terrain, offering more secluded areas for relaxation.
Domes Noruz Mykonos
Located in Agios Stefanos Bay on the island of Mykonos, Domes Noruz Mykonos is a five-star hotel designed by Urban Soul Project, with partner Maria Tsaftari leading the design team alongside architects Polina Liarostathi, Nikoletta Daniil, and Nikoletta Gkoka. Completed in 2023, the hotel was born from the restoration of an existing abandoned structure, where its Cycladic architectural elements are now reinterpreted through a contemporary lens.
The designers chose to prioritise natural materials, such as marble, timber, and stone, which are evident in both architectural and interior elements. Characterised by the use of claustral spaces and large openings, the layout allows light to filter through and fill the interiors, creating an ambiance made only better by the impressive views of the Aegean Sea. The communal areas, including an infinity pool and shared terraces, provide guests with the opportunity to connect with others while feeling grounded and relaxed.
One&Only Aesthesis
Completed in 2023 along the Athenian Riviera, One&Only Aesthesis is a resort developed by Grivalia Hospitality and Nafsika S.A., bringing together the work of A6Architects, AUDO, and K-Studio, with interiors by Muza Lab and landscape design by Greenways. This idyllic spot occupies a 21-hectare site with 2.2 kilometres of coastline and is located on the site of the former “Asteria” complex, a mid-century landmark of Greek tourism.
The designers created low-rise structures, such as bungalows and shared spaces, and placed them in a manner that follows the natural landscape, maintaining clear views of the sea. Local stone and timber are the key materials of the project, used to incorporate elements of the original buildings and preserve the simplicity and horizontal lines characteristic of the 1950s site. Guest accommodations were designed for privacy, while communal areas, such as wellness spaces and outdoor zones, were strategically placed across the site to minimize disturbance to the natural landscape. The relationship between architecture and environment is perhaps what is most noticeable in this project, with circulation paths, landscape design, and structures designed to prioritize views, daylight, and the Mediterranean climate.
ERGON Beach House
Completed in June 2024 along the eastern coastline of Chalkidiki, ERGON Beach House was designed by Urban Soul Project, with partners Maria Tsaftari and Christina Tsirangelou at the helm. Developed by ERGON and constructed by THEMELIO ATEVE, the project is located on an 11,500-square-metre site near the village of Nikiti, with a 100-metre front directly facing the sea.
The resort’s layout runs parallel to the coastline, offering a variety of accommodations, including cabins and tents, alongside shared amenities such as a restaurant, food and beverage areas, a gym, and even an outdoor cinema. The designers opted for simplicity, utilizing stone, wood, and plaster to achieve a harmonious blend with the surrounding natural environment. Existing trees and natural vegetation were preserved and integrated into the design, resulting in shading, circulation paths, and privacy between the resort’s various zones.
Each unit is strategically positioned to maximize natural ventilation and sunlight, allowing sea breezes to cool the spaces while minimizing exposure to direct sunlight. The interiors give one the impression of being in a refined campsite – glamping, as the activity became known – with details such as open wardrobes, suspended equipment with straps, perforated fabrics, and screens contributing to a sense of calm and informality.
And as an extra:
ERGON Bakehouse
Completed in March 2024 in Athens, ERGON Bakehouse is both a hospitality and retail project designed by Urban Soul Project, led by partner Maria Tsaftari, with hotel lead architects Artemis Papanikolaou, Maria Petsani, and Dimitris Stefanidis. Developed by ERGON and constructed by Orange Partners S.A., the new space is located in a restored early 20th-century building, initially designed by Vasilis Tsagris, which once served both residential and commercial purposes.
The designers were careful to preserve key architectural features of the historic structure, including original plaster detailing and the central staircase, while introducing new functions that combine bakery, retail, dining, and accommodation within a single layout. The space is designed to allow the bakery, retail, and dining areas to flow naturally into each other, with an open layout that puts the baking process on full display for visitors.
The hotel side of the project includes 29 rooms, each designed to pay homage to both the building’s heritage and the language associated with baking. The interior sees an interesting mix of detailing: firebrick walls, stainless steel counters, and linen textiles reference the bakery; custom elements like the “onda”, a recessed sofa that doubles as a bed, bring a more contemporary feel to the guest rooms; and artwork by Stratis Tavlaridis and Nikos Handolias attempts to connect baking with our modern times.
