Emphasis is placed on natural materials, both on a structural and a decorative level. Ekies, true to its family-friendly character, has further redesigned its 300sqm pool area to include a playful oasis for the little ones.
Acknowledging and honoring its proximity to Mount Athos, home to 20 monasteries under the direct jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Ekies has expanded its offerings to include new rooms with a distinct ascetic vibe and a focus on absolute serenity.
Alexandra Efstathiadou, the owner of Ekies All Senses Resort, in collaboration with Athens based Agarch+ Architects and Fytron Landscape Design, drew inspiration from the area’s rich spiritual history to design ten brand new suites and five renovated rooms that envelop guests in an aura of mysticism, elevating everyday rituals into acts of transcendence.
“Seamlessly blending contemporary international design with Greek elements has always been part of our DNA”, says Efstathiadou about the new suites. “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 in a more spiritual way”.
Baptismal bowls, serving as water basins in some of the suites, draw upon the power of water to sanctify and rejuvenate. Meanwhile, high quality beds seem stripped down to a “bare-boned” aesthetic, quietly inviting you to lie down and immerse yourself in a true mystagogy of sleep.
“We wanted to rethink the ‘less is more’ approach in our interiors for the new suites, taking cues from the ascetic tranquility we encountered upon visiting the stunning monasteries of Mount Athos”, say Giorgos Anagnostellis and Angeliki Pappa from Agarch+ Architects about the project. “Key design elements for us were marble, bronze, and wood and an earthy colour palette”.
Emphasis is placed on natural materials, both on a structural and a decorative level. Organic fabrics, like the pure linen adorning the curtains, the bed and the pillows on the sofa provide a balancing softness to the solid wood of the furnishing and the nude, concrete ceilings. Using ecological paint, the walls follow a color scheme of authentic local hues such as rich olive
greens, blues, whites and burnt siennas. Heat-resistant floors, combining handmade ceramics with patterns that can be found in local Orthodox churches and mosaic floors that pay homage to traditional Greek houses from the 60s and 70s, enable guests to walk barefoot – as they should.
Ekies, true to its family-friendly character, has further redesigned its 300sqm pool area to include a playful oasis for the little ones. Exotic palm trees, comfy floor pillows and handwoven parasols juxtapose an ‘80s, bohemian spirit with the timelessness of the verdant nature surrounding the pool, whereas a uniquely configured area made complete with a junior pool keeps the resort’s petite travelers happily entertained. There is no time for stress and all the time in the world for merry escapades at this watery oasis.
Another important addition to the resort’s revamped offerings is its redesigned lobby where old, wooden furniture coexists with contemporary elements such as chairs from Vitra, Magis and Arper. Within this intimate lobby area, guests will also have the opportunity to explore the new, curated shop carrying objects and ornaments that represent the aesthetic identity of the region.
Last but not least, a new herb garden close to the entrance provides the resort’s chef and bartenders with the freshest and most fragrant herbs.
It is this commitment to highlighting the rich history, spiritual character and natural beauty of the Halkidiki region, that drives the ever-evolving mission of Ekies All Senses Resort’s to elevate hospitality and offer its guests the experience of a lifetime.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
