Known for its rich history, stunning beaches, healthy diet and a laid-back lifestyle, the Mediterranean attracts millions of tourists every year. If you are an architecture and design lover who hasn’t yet explored the beauty of the Mediterranean, here are two places you should start with.
One&Only Aesthesis
One&Only Aesthesis spans 21 hectares of land and 22 kilometers of Greece’s finest beaches. The resort is built on the historic Asteria complex, situated just minutes away from the centre of Athens. With its unique mix of architectural heritage and contemporary design, the retreat conveys the spirit of a 1950s Greek tourism landmark. The revitalisation of the space has stayed true to the original ethos by using locally-sourced stone and timber to reimagine original structures in the spirit of minimalism and mid-century glamour.
One&Only Aesthesis consists of dozens of low-density bungalows, carefully integrated into the landscape to provide privacy to its users while simultaneously nurturing a connection to the landscape through unobstructed views to the sea. The natural surrounding takes central stage in the design that prioritises harmony between the environment and objects manufactured by humans. During their stay at the bungalows, guests can enjoy numerous amenities, including a wellness centre, event venues and outdoor activities aligned with the lifestyle of the Mediterranean. The mild climate in Athens is also honoured through the combination of sustainability, modern aesthetics and a timeless spirit, resulting in a top-notch resort that reconnects the past with the future.
K-Studio’s holistic approach
One&Only Aesthesis was designed by K-Studio, known for creating unique experiences through Interior, Architecture and Hardscape design. Based in Greece, the studio works across disciplines to achieve holistic spatial narratives. This unique approach allows the atelier to tackle any project, big or small, constructing designs with amazing clarity and attention to detail. K-Studio’s One&Only Aesthesis design has recieved LIV Hospitality Design Award (in Architectural Design Beach Destination category).
Almablu Wellness & SPA
Across the Mediterranean, in the Italian island of Sicily, Almablu Wellness & SPA invites visitors for a multisensory journey. The spa located inside the five-star boutique resort Almar Giardino of Costanza offers an array of massages and treatments. The visitors have a chance to relax and detox in its Turkish salt baths, Finnish and bio-saunas, and take a refreshing cold water plunge.
Inspired by the overlapping cultures, which influenced Italy, the spa is designed in the traditions of the most influential Sicilian dominations: Norman, Arab, and Roman. Made under the influence of the Norman Finish sauna is made of dark wood, which releases the scents of nature. On the other hand, the Roman-Arab-inspired hammam features tropical plants at the entrance room and marble finishes and mosaic at the tepidarium.
Apostoli: Wellness creators through architecture
Apostoli is a design company founded by Alberto Apostoli in 1997. Self-proclaimed “wellness creators“, the studio’s primary mission is to contribute to human wellbeing in every project. Knowing how important the spaces we live in are for our overall quality of life, Apostoli designs iconic hotels, spas, retail, residences, as well as offices and objects in almost every continent.
Working beyond design, the studio additionally contributes to spas through research, promotion, innovative products, and training sessions. Located in Italy, the internationally renowned Apostoli studio received numerous awards in the country and abroad. The design for Almablu Wellness & SPA won a prestigious LIV Hospitality Design Award in Interior Design Wellness ( SPA, Yoga, Retreat).
Header: One&Only Aesthesis. A6Architects, AUDO, K-Studio. Photo: Rupert Peace, Will Pryce
