ekies all senses resort fuses local tradition with contemporary design in halkidiki, greece

located on the east side of sithonia, in halkidiki, greece, ‘ekies all senses resort’ fuses contemporary design with traditional greek culture for the ultimate ‘barefoot luxury’ experience. the idyllic resort, which sits on an unspoiled beach in vourvourou, comprises a cluster of small buildings and open terraced zones that expand among the pine trees and crystal clear waters of the area. for its latest redesign, alexandra efstathiadou, the owner of ekies, in collaboration with agarch+ architects and fytron landscape design, has expanded the hotel’s facilities with new rooms that pay tribute to the ascetic tranquility of the nearby monasteries of mount athos.all images by nick kontostavlakis/globe & trotter

right across the sea from ekies all senses resort, mount athos is home to 20 monasteries under the direct jurisdiction of the ecumenical patriarch of constantinople. the mysticism and ascetic way of life in the monasteries inspired alexandra efstathiadou, agarch+ architects and fytron landscape design to create a new set of rooms that focus on absolute serenity. the ten brand new suites and five renovated rooms are designed with a ‘less-is-more’ aesthetic, where emphasis is placed on natural materials, both on a structural and decorative level.

‘seamlessly blending contemporary international design with greek elements has always been part of our DNA’, says efstathiadou. ‘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’.

a delicate balance of soft and hard natural materials define the resort’s new rooms, where organic fabrics, such as pure linen curtains, bedding and pillows harmoniously coexist with the solid wood furnishings and rough concrete ceilings. the color palette consists of authentic local hues, including rich olive greens, blues, whites and burnt siennas. the heat-resistant floors are a combination of handmade ceramics with patterns found on local orthodox churches and mosaic floors that recall those found in traditional greek houses from the 60s and 70s. some of the suites are complete with circular bathtubs and baptismal bowls that serve as water basins, which enhance the spiritual atmosphere inside.

‘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. ‘key design elements for us were marble, bronze, and wood and an earthy color palette.’ the architects also revamped the resort’s lobby, which now combines old, wooden furniture with contemporary elements such as chairs from vitra, magis and arper. there, guests can also explore the new, curated shop, where they will find objects and ornaments that represent the aesthetic identity of the region.

hidden amidst lush trees and greenery, the resort’s boutique spa and pool offer a zen retreat where guests can enjoy holistic treatments or just relax under the greek sun. as part of the renovation, ekies has redesigned its 300 sqm pool area to include a playful oasis for the little ones. this area is complete with exotic palm trees, comfy floor pillows and handwoven parasols that all together exude an ‘80s, bohemian spirit.

ekies is widely popular with guests and locals alike for its refined food and drink offerings. one of the highlights is the ‘treehouse’, a unique, playful dining space that offers unobstructed views of the sea in front. while locally produced ingredients are already part of the menu, a herb garden was recently added to provide the resort’s chef and bartenders with the freshest and most fragrant herbs.