Amanzoe in Greece is a temple to luxury

Domes Resorts are transforming the Greek luxury hospitality landscape by offering year-round vacation experiences that seamlessly blend high design, hyper-local activities, and refined service. With properties across mainland Greece and its islands, Domes is establishing a unique brand identity that is both deeply rooted in local culture and exquisitely elevated. This approach is evident in their newest offerings, from the glamping-style resort on the Athenian Riviera to the historic Domes Miramare in Corfu and the tranquil Agali Hotel in Paxos. The 91 Athens Riviera, The Resort, situated just 30 minutes south of the bustling capital, introduces a unique glamping concept designed by Chadios Architects. This resort redefines outdoor luxury with 28 upscale tents that merge the comforts of a boutique hotel with a profound connection to nature. Each tent is meticulously appointed with modern amenities, nestled within manicured greenery, and complemented by shared facilities including pools, a spa, a fitness center, a private beach, and various sports activities. This design ethos creates an experience that balances rustic barefoot escapism with conscious, high-standard living, making it distinct from traditional camping. Culinary experiences are a cornerstone of the Domes philosophy. At 91 Athens Riviera, the beachside outpost of Barbarossa, a renowned Greek restaurant, serves elevated interpretations of local cuisine. Dishes such as a cloud-like taramasalata or refined lobster ravioli exemplify a culinary approach that honors traditional flavors while incorporating modern techniques and presentation. The Michelin-starred Makris, Domes’ flagship restaurant in Athens, led by Chef Petros Dimas, further elevates Greek gastronomy. Dimas draws inspiration from his personal history, including his grandmother's cooking and farm-grown vegetables, to create inventive and refined Greek dishes like the Hellenic red mullet, prepared with a skillful blend of tradition and modernity. Beyond Athens, Domes Miramare in Corfu reimagines luxury within a historical context. Once the private retreat of Aristotle Onassis, this adults-only resort seamlessly integrates its rich past, having hosted iconic figures like Maria Callas and Jackie O, with contemporary design and a vibrant cultural program. The resort offers diverse accommodations, from beachfront rooms and olive tree-view suites to sea-access pavilions and a newly opened panoramic wing featuring a pool and spa. Makris, the restaurant, also originated here and continues to operate alongside other dining establishments. The proximity to Corfu's UNESCO-listed town allows guests to explore its Italian-influenced architecture and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Further afield, a boat trip to Paxos reveals the Agali Hotel, a 30-room resort that embodies slow-living luxury, offering a refined, relaxed, and nature-immersed experience along the island's dramatic coastline. These diverse properties collectively showcase Domes Resorts' commitment to redefining luxury travel in Greece through thoughtful design, culinary excellence, and a deep appreciation for local heritage and natural beauty. #DomesResorts #GreekLuxury #HospitalityDesign #AthensRiviera #Glamping #Corfu #Paxos #MichelinStar #SustainableTravel

The Myconian Collection, initiated by George Daktylides in the early 1960s, began its journey from a local bus transportation business to a prominent hospitality portfolio on Mykonos. Starting with the 25-room Kohili in 1979, the family gradually expanded its offerings, culminating in the Myconian Ambassador, the island's first five-star private hotel, in 1986. The development philosophy emphasized integrating structures respectfully into the natural landscape, considering local environmental factors like wind, sun, and topography. This ethos is continued by George and Eleftheria’s four sons, who manage the collection as an organic, place-responsive growth rather than a standardized franchise. Myconian O', opened in 2022 in Ornos Bay, exemplifies this design approach. Designed by Antonis Kalogridis, the hotel was conceived to harmonize with its environment, featuring 65 rooms and suites with private terraces or plunge pools, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces. The material palette is restrained, utilizing local stone, wood, sand, and various muted tones, complemented by custom-designed lighting fixtures from natural materials. The landscaping incorporates native plants and palm trees, while a desalination system and treated greywater are used for irrigation, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. The restaurant focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, continuing long-standing relationships with island farmers and fishermen. Panoptis Escape, situated on a high point above Elia Beach, offers a different experience, emphasizing tranquility and panoramic views. Completed in 2022 and a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, it comprises 18 independent suites and a central estate designed as a secluded micro-village. The architecture features minimal, low-volume structures of Cycladic white, stone, and raw wood, integrated into the hillside. Interiors are defined by natural textures and bespoke furnishings, with each unit including a private terrace with a pool or whirlpool. The expansive Panoptis Escape Villa provides a self-contained luxury experience for a large number of guests, while remaining discreetly concealed within the terrain, maintaining the Collection’s architectural principles. Deos, located above Mykonos Town, offers a unique perspective balancing traditional charm with modern luxury. Designed by GM Architects, the hotel provides a sequence of sensory experiences, from stone-paved private roads to sunlit terraces and narrow passages opening to broad panoramas. The interiors use wood, marble, and limewashed surfaces, and the spa is carved directly into natural rock, utilizing filtered light. Epico, the hotel’s signature restaurant, focuses on Mediterranean traditions and Greek gastronomic heritage, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a wine list highlighting independent Greek wineries. The dining experience transitions from informal lunches to curated multi-course dinners, all designed to maximize views of the Aegean and Mykonos Town. The Myconian Ambassador at Platis Gialos, established in 1992, marked a significant milestone as Mykonos’ first five-star hotel. As a member of Relais & Châteaux, it set a benchmark for Greek island hospitality. Its architecture respects the natural slope, offering panoramic views, and its materials reflect Cycladic forms with whitewashed exteriors and natural stone. Efisia, the award-winning fine dining restaurant, reinterprets local culinary traditions with precise techniques and thoughtful sourcing, featuring dishes inspired by the Cycladic terroir and ancient recipes. Sunrise Mykonos at Agrari Beach represents a return to a more intimate relationship with the land. Positioned on an undeveloped beach, the hotel’s architecture consists of seven elevated volumes that preserve the natural dune morphology. The design emphasizes minimal impact, using thick whitewashed walls, natural stone, timber pergolas, and planted rooftops. Almiriki restaurant, a Relais & Châteaux member, focuses on Greek food heritage through seasonal availability, minimal processing, and ancestral techniques. The Myconian Collection’s sustainability initiatives extend beyond infrastructure to education, biodiversity, and community engagement. This includes operating desalination plants, reusing greywater for irrigation, employing high-efficiency energy systems, and extensive waste recycling. The group also donated a state-of-the-art secondary school with staff residences to Ano Mera and supports local NGOs for beach cleaning and marine biodiversity protection. Their culinary philosophy strongly emphasizes local sourcing, and staffing practices prioritize employee well-being and long-term retention. #MykonosHospitality #VernacularArchitecture #RegenerativeTourism #CycladicDesign #SustainableHotels #FamilyBusiness #GreekArchitecture #LuxuryHospitality #EnvironmentalStewardship

Crete, the largest and southernmost island in Greece, is renowned for its favorable weather, picturesque landscapes, and extended summer season. This guide highlights a selection of stylish accommodations, catering to diverse traveler preferences, from family-friendly resorts to secluded luxury hideaways. With direct flights from the UK, Crete offers numerous options, including beachside resorts and intimate, off-the-beaten-track establishments. The article recommends exploring the island during the shoulder season to avoid crowds, enjoy pleasant weather, and take advantage of the golden sand beaches that distinguish Crete from neighboring islands like Santorini and Mykonos. The selection process for these hotels prioritizes design, incorporating a range of styles and price points. Each hotel is chosen to reflect the local culture, with an emphasis on setting and locally inspired elements. The featured establishments, ranging from sleek resorts to charming boutique hotels, come highly recommended by travel experts, considering comfort, style, service, and overall experience for solo travelers, couples, and multi-generational groups. Among the top recommendations is Elounda Mare, Relais & Chateaux, located in the formerly quiet fishing village of Elounda. This five-star resort, part of a trio of hotels, offers private luxury villas, many with their own saltwater pools, set on a private coastline. Guests can enjoy fine dining at The Old Mill and access shared amenities like the Six Senses Spa and a golf course. Phāea Cretan Malia is highlighted as a family-friendly option near Heraklion Airport, praised for its modern bohemian interior design, sustainability efforts, and comprehensive wellness and recreational programs, including a Kids' Club and cooking classes. Minos Beach Art Hotel, part of the Design Hotels group, distinguishes itself with an open-air museum featuring over 50 sculptures. Its whitewashed bungalows and villas blend with the natural surroundings, offering access to private beaches and a range of activities such as boat rides and scuba diving. The hotel also provides family-friendly amenities and babysitting services. Domes of Elounda is presented as another excellent choice for families, offering a vast site with two main areas and a long, sandy beach. The hotel features a variety of accommodations, including villas with private pools, and provides numerous activities for children, alongside adult-friendly zones and fine dining. Kapsaliana Village Hotel offers a historical immersion, consisting of 17th-century buildings meticulously restored over 40 years. It provides an authentic luxury experience with original stonework and traditional furnishings, alongside activities like olive oil tasting and soap-making workshops. Elounda Peninsula is noted for its boutique scale, despite sharing extensive amenities with sister hotels. It offers elegantly designed suites, many with private saltwater pools and sea views, and a strong emphasis on fine dining and water sports. Monastery Estate Retreat provides a rural and remote experience in the Cretan countryside, offering suites with private pools or hot tubs, and focusing on privacy and relaxation amidst mountainous landscapes. Minos Palace Resort, an adults-only luxury hotspot, emphasizes wellbeing with a new dining concept, yoga sessions, and herbology classes. Its design incorporates tactile, earthy materials and celebrates natural light. Finally, Phāea Blue, now split into Phāea Blue Palace and the upcoming Rosewood Blue Palace, is celebrated for its strong design ethos, showcasing Greek culture and art, and offering authentic Greek hospitality, including traditional taverna dining and farm-to-table experiences. #CreteHotels #LuxuryTravel #FamilyFriendlyResorts #BoutiqueHotels #GreekIslands #TravelGuide #SustainableTourism #DesignHotels

Leda Athanasopoulou, a Greek designer with a diverse practice in jewelry, furniture, and interiors, considers the island of Patmos her true home, despite having lived in major cities like Athens, London, New York, and Paris. Her connection to Patmos stems from childhood summers spent in Chora, a preserved, whitewashed village on the island, where her parents began acquiring property in the early 1990s. The village, characterized by its winding stone paths and the 11th-century Christian monastery that crowns it, fostered a sense of familiarity and belonging for Athanasopoulou. Five years ago, Athanasopoulou purchased a 5,400-square-foot, two-story mansion in Chora, a property she had barely noticed as a child. Named Sekiari, the house had been uninhabited since the 1980s, with its last significant restoration occurring in the early 20th century. This previous restoration introduced neo-Classical elements such as patterned cement tiles, enlarged windows with exterior shutters, and a faux-marble fresco in the foyer. However, due to UNESCO-protected architectural preservation rules in Chora, which prohibit major structural changes, the house largely retained the essence of its first owner, Zannis Sinetos Sekiaris. Sekiaris, a Greek trader, had conjoined three separate structures in 1799, incorporating island-specific details like beige Patmian stone window frames and stamped terra-cotta floor tiles. Undeterred by the structural limitations, Athanasopoulou embarked on a comprehensive redecoration and rearrangement of Sekiari, aiming to create a modern sanctuary that honored the island's traditions. This project marked her fifth on Patmos, following earlier successes like overhauling one of her family's houses at age 19 and developing Pagostas, a monastic three-bedroom hotel. Her extensive experience on Patmos has allowed her to forge strong relationships with local artisans and contractors, who have significantly influenced her minimalist design aesthetic. This style is characterized by a palette of pale greens and blues, the use of rustic loomed textiles, often dead stock, and an embrace of vernacular craft techniques. For the Sekiari project, Athanasopoulou had the freedom to experiment, pushing custom-designed elements to the forefront, which might have been more challenging with a client. The house's intricate hallways, winding through former pantries and closets, now showcase bespoke Greek elements. These include reclaimed marble-topped consoles in the kitchens, beds created by soldering antique metal frames, 1960s Greek Keramikos pottery repurposed as table lamps, and numerous reclaimed wood pieces, such as juniper sofas and a chestnut dining table. The designer also thoughtfully integrated items left by previous generations, including Ottoman-era trays and trunks from when Patmos was under Turkish rule, and 19th-century mirrors and French gravures reflecting its European history. A central feature in the main living room is a cerulean-and-sage Pronoia rug, a treasured possession of Athanasopoulou. This rug, made around 1960 in a rural region of Greece, draws its floral medallion pattern from Byzantine and Greek folk art. The rug is perfectly situated beneath a late 19th-century English walnut table, framed by built-in banquettes. Athanasopoulou views Sekiari as an ongoing project, consistently refining and rearranging its lighting, art, and objects with each return to Patmos. This adaptive approach reflects her understanding that Patmos, like her personal connection to it, is continuously evolving, necessitating an ongoing dialogue between tradition and contemporary life. #GreekHouse #PatmosIsland #LedaAthanasopoulou #HistoricPreservation #InteriorDesign #ChoraVillage #TraditionalCraftsmanship #MediterraneanArchitecture #CustomFurniture

The purchasing and customization of mega-mansions by the super-rich and famous involve intricate processes and extraordinary features, often highlighting a desire for privacy, security, and personalized luxury. Before even viewing a property, potential buyers, guided by experienced luxury real estate agents like Dolly Lenz, must typically verify their wealth through reference letters or bank statements. This stringent vetting process ensures that only genuinely affluent individuals gain access to these exclusive properties. Once qualified, clients often present real estate agents with extensive and sometimes unusual requests, ranging from specific musical instruments to perfume refrigerators or rooftop beehives. Many high-profile individuals prefer their teams to preview properties, often buying homes sight unseen to maintain their anonymity. Privacy is a paramount concern for many celebrities and ultra-wealthy individuals. They often employ methods like setting up trusts or limited liability companies to acquire properties, thus keeping their names off public real estate documents. This strategy allows them to maintain a low profile and avoid unwanted public attention regarding their lavish purchases. When selling properties, sellers occasionally sweeten deals with luxury incentives such as high-end cars, helicopters, or club memberships. Property flippers like Scott Disick often include all furnishings and art, providing a turnkey luxury experience. Upon acquisition, customization becomes a key aspect of mega-mansion ownership. Celebrities frequently invest heavily in transforming their properties to reflect their unique tastes and needs. Examples include rapper French Montana converting a lounge into a jungle-themed movie theater or a Bel Air mansion designed with gold fixtures, a 50,000-crystal chandelier, and a car viewing gallery. Many owners engage renowned interior designers like Martyn Lawrence Bullard or Kelly Wearstler to achieve their desired aesthetic. These designers often work with luxury brands to create bespoke environments that exude opulence and individuality. Beyond living spaces, mega-mansions often feature specialized areas for collections and security. Large, customized closets or 'glam rooms' are common, designed to house extensive collections of fashion items, as exemplified by Kylie Jenner's shoe and handbag display. The wealthy also curate enviable collections of cars, art, and unique memorabilia, storing them in bespoke environments, sometimes even featuring illuminated shelving for display. High-value possessions are often protected within luxury safes, such as Boca do Lobo's Millionaire Safe, designed for both security and aesthetic appeal. Garages are transformed into supercar showrooms, accommodating multiple luxury vehicles, as seen in Jeffree Star's pink supercar collection. Security and privacy extend to the architectural design, with luxury bunkers, panic rooms, and advanced security systems becoming standard. Companies like Oppidum create NATO-standard ballistic and blast-protected bunkers, built deep underground to provide safe retreats. Some homeowners implement extreme measures, such as bulletproof windows, underground bunkers, and fog systems to disorient intruders, like in America's 'safest home' designed by Al Corbi. Basements are often repurposed from storage into extravagant entertainment zones, featuring bowling alleys, sports bars, nightclubs, or casinos. Other over-the-top luxuries include car elevators for penthouses, quartz bathtubs, and solid gold finishes. The acquisition of surrounding land, as done by Oprah Winfrey, further enhances privacy and creates expansive estates. Celebrities also engage in property swaps, sometimes purchasing homes previously owned by their idols, and many are known for their generosity towards household staff, highlighting a sense of appreciation for their employees. #MegaMansion #LuxuryRealEstate #CelebrityHomes #HomeCustomization #LuxuryInteriors #AdvancedSecurity #PrivateProperty #AffluentLifestyle #WealthManagement

Rome is preparing for a significant year, marked by a Catholic jubilee, which occurs every 25 years. This event, commencing on December 24 with the opening of the holy door in St Peter’s Basilica, is expected to draw millions of pilgrims seeking plenary indulgence. Coinciding with this momentous period, a new luxury establishment, the Romeo Roma, has opened its doors on Via di Ripetta, near Piazza del Popolo, after over a decade of development. This is the second hotel from the family-owned Romeo Collection, situated within an elegant 17th-century palazzo. The Romeo Roma is among several ultra-luxury hotels that have recently launched or are under development in Rome, including the Bulgari, the W, the Edition, the Rosewood, a forthcoming Four Seasons, and a Nobu. The Six Senses, an IHG-owned wellness brand, also opened its first European hotel in Rome in early 2023. The Romeo Roma distinguishes itself with a starting rate of approximately £2,000 per night, positioning it as one of the world's most expensive hotels. This price point surpasses that of competitors like the Bulgari, a detail the hotel seems to emphasize. Key to the Romeo Roma's extraordinary appeal are its high-profile collaborators: Zaha Hadid, who designed the interiors, and Alain Ducasse, responsible for the culinary offerings. The hotel's design is characterized by avant-garde elements, featuring lacquered Macassar ebony and Carrara marble. The restoration of Palazzo Capponi, originally a government office, began in 2012 and uncovered an ancient workshop in the basement. The construction involved the careful integration of tons of wood, marble, and steel, all while preserving the historical integrity of the building, which includes a rotating head of Livia Drusilla in a glass case in the lobby. The lobby itself, formerly the palazzo's inner courtyard, now boasts a retractable glass roof, a vaulted steel lattice ceiling, a red Schulze Pollman grand piano, Rubinacci floor cushions, and an uplit waterfall that spells out “ROMEO” in rainbow-colored water. The rooms continue the space-age aesthetic, with Hadid’s signature curves evident in the ebony beds, mirrored TV stands, and sinuous white spa baths. Some rooms even feature original 17th-century frescoes discovered during renovation. The owner, Alfredo Romeo, expressed the challenge of merging historical heritage with innovative contemporary architecture and sustainability. Culinary experiences at the Romeo Roma are a major draw. Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse offers a ten-course tasting menu for £232, featuring dishes such as charred puntarelle and pink venison. Breakfast by Alain Ducasse, included in the room rate, provides an extensive spread and the Monégasque chef’s signature hot chocolate. The slightly less extravagant Il Cortile offers a Roman menu with pasta, pizza, and fish amidst Carrara marble columns and a shimmering ebony ceiling. The hotel also includes a Sisley spa with treatment rooms, a hammam, an infrared sauna, and a Sicilian salt relaxation room. The hotel caters to a distinguished clientele, as evidenced by the attendance of ambassadors from various countries at its opening. Despite its opulent nature, the hotel considers micro-level details, such as staff remembering coffee orders and personalized amenities like silk eye masks and branded toiletries. The owner, Alfredo Romeo, personally approved many details, including eclectic artworks and custom furniture. While some minor issues, like a lack of bathroom hooks or temperamental lighting, were noted, they are attributed to opening jitters. The article concludes by highlighting Rome's attractions during the jubilee year, including pedestrianized areas, renovated historical sites, and new cultural experiences, affirming the city's appeal beyond the hotel's luxury. #LuxuryHotel #RomeTourism #ZahaHadid #AlainDucasse #HotelDesign #JubileeYear #ItalianHospitality #ArchitecturalInnovation #HistoricalPreservation

The final high-rise tower at Bonita Bay, named Omega, signifies the last residential building to be constructed within the Bonita Bay community. The tower, a project by The Ronto Group, is designed to offer a luxurious high-rise living experience with a nautical aesthetic, reflecting its location adjacent to the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. Omega has set new records for price-per-square-foot in Bonita Bay, with a limited number of residences remaining, starting at $4.25 million. Scheduled for completion in late 2022, the 27-story building features 67 units. The design philosophy behind Omega focuses on providing residents with the spaciousness of single-family homes combined with the convenience and amenities of high-rise living. With only three residences per floor, the units are generously sized, none being smaller than 4,210 square feet. The residences offer expansive views, with west-facing units overlooking Estero Bay and the Gulf, and eastern units providing golf course vistas. The interiors are equipped with high-end appliances from brands like Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Miele, along with Dornbracht fixtures, and feature large-format tile flooring that mimics wood or stone. Buyers have significant customization options, including the ability to incorporate premium materials like Italian marble or reconfigure living spaces, provided these changes do not impact structural integrity or construction timelines. Beyond individual residences, Omega boasts an array of resort-style amenities. These include a swimming pool with private cabanas, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness center, a theater, a billiard room, and a library. The common areas, conceptualized by Beasley & Henley of Naples, exude a sophisticated yet playful coastal Caribbean theme, characterized by the integration of teak elements, and white and gold accents. The architectural curves of the building are echoed in the interior design, with sinuous and sculptural details incorporated into social spaces and the fitness center. Residents of Omega also benefit from access to the broader Bonita Bay community's facilities, which include five golf courses, a marina, a private spa, a private beach club, and various dining establishments. The project aims to leave a lasting impression as the last development within Bonita Bay. The article also highlights a private home spa, known as a "Spa Casita," designed by John Cooney of Stofft Cooney Architects for Radka and David Mogull's family home in Naples. This standalone structure, mirroring the main house's tropical modern architecture, was a key priority for the homeowners. Interior designer Wilfredo Emanuel created a minimalist spa environment, incorporating elements inspired by the couple's international travels. The spa features a glass-enclosed steam sauna with cedar wood interiors, alongside an adjacent cold plunge pool. The design integrates a smooth stone sink basin perched on a Brazilian zebrawood vanity, complemented by built-in storage to maintain a clutter-free space. Adjoining the wet areas, a flexible space with wood floors and a mirrored wall serves multiple purposes, from a yoga sanctuary to a practice area for ballroom dancing. This versatile room, described as a "little gem," can also function as a guest casita. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide views of the resort-like poolscape and backyard. The spa building is connected to the main house through a private courtyard, designed by Christian Andrea of Architectural Land Design. This courtyard, accessible from the primary suite, features lush greenery, black stones, a hot tub, a two-seater lounge, and a bartop table, creating a secluded oasis for relaxation and unwinding. #LuxuryLiving #HighRiseDesign #SpaDesign #ZenOasis #BonitaBay #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #CustomHomes #WellnessLifestyle