cave-like surfaces engulf ekies all senses resort's redesigned suites

ekies all senses resort redesigns 12 rooms + opens organic farm

Led by an ongoing commitment to evolve its facilities, Ekies All Senses Resort in Halkidiki, Greece, has redesigned twelve rooms to reflect the local environment. Owner Alexandra Efstathiadou, in collaboration with Athens-based Agarch+ Architects and architect Rania Stamataki, redesigned twelve suites on the hotel’s first floor and decorated them with contemporary works by Greek artists. The redesign has been inspired by the atmosphere of nearby caves, which suddenly open to the blue light of the sea. In addition, Ekies has set up a new organic farm to supply its award-winning restaurants with fresh vegetables and edible flowers. The resort partnered with The Chill Factor to grow natural crops, establishing a ‘farm-to-fork’ system that will continue to enrich its restaurants’ menus.

all images by Nick Kontostavlakis/Globe & Trotter

deep tones and natural textures evoking GREEK caves

‘High aesthetics, simple forms, and clean lines are some of Ekies’ fundamental characteristics that define our approach to architecture style and interior decoration,’ shares Alexandra Efstathiadou about the recent renovation of Ekies All Senses Resort, done in collaboration with the Agarch+ team and Rania Stamataki. ‘We always aim to design relaxing and welcoming rooms based on natural elements, which at the same time work as a platform for the creativity of local and international artists. Therefore, we invested in unique local craftsmanship, in international design objects, and in contemporary Greek artwork to create an inspiring place to stay, where authenticity enhances the essence of living in nature.’

With that said, a rationale of ‘less tech’ has been applied to the new Ekies All Senses Resort suites (though a wide range of modern technology is available upon request), which derive their resemblance to natural caves from the harmonious combination of the mosaic floor, made with Halkidiki stone, with the concrete roof. The poetic brutality of the area’s rocks is offset by their hand-crafted surfaces, ornamented with green and deep blue velvet, while parts of the bathroom are composed of clay. The terracotta walls shine gently, the desks are crafted from raw marble from nearby Thassos and Kavala, and the hand-beaten iron furniture is made by the renowned metalworker Yiorgos Vargiamis.

evoking the atmopshere of nearby caves

high aesthetics punctuating the handcrafted room designs

The installations by Thessaloniki-based design agency Beetroot and Milan’s CTRLZAK Art & Design play a starring role in the interiors, along with a range of artworks by contemporary Greek artists. The rooms host large photographs by Kosmas Pavlidis and Stratos Kalafatis, oil paintings by Lazaros Pantos and Stratos Kalafatis depicting the heroes of ’21, and artworks from the ‘Wrapping Materials’ collection by Giannis Palatzidis, who utilizes old packaging to raise awareness about the value of reuse.

The rooms also feature lighting fixtures, furniture, and objects from high-quality international brands such as Tom Dixon &Tradition, Hay, Fritz Hansen, Moroso, Driade, Serax, and String System. Finally, honoring its Greek roots, Ekies collaborated with Physis Laboratories for bath amenities, and all rooms are supplied with a series of natural care products that combine Greek herbs, beneficial oils, and vital vitamins.

oil paintings and photographs adorning the interiors

sustainable gastronomy at the ekies all senses resort iN HALKIDIKI

In addition to transforming an entire floor of the hotel to this cultural oasis, Ekies has developed an organic farm to service the hotel’s restaurants. In the field and the greenhouse, edible flowers like calendula, black cumin, and violets along with vegetables will be cultivated. The goal is to support sustainable gastronomy and upgrade the quality of raw materials used by the resort’s chef, Dimitris Pamporis. In the future, dinners will also be organized in the greenhouse, offering guests an unforgettable experience.

a rationale of ‘less tech’ has been applied to the new suites