How to showcase modern Greece through design, fabrics, and colours: Ekies Resort is a famous destination hotel at an idyllic location!
Ekies All Senses Resort is a highly coveted destination among demanding travelers who focus on aesthetics and seek a true “barefoot luxury” experience. I was curious to be there and see by myself all its insta-famous trademarks such as the folk – chic lamp-like umbrellas or the extra-large hammock in the middle of its private bay as well as the new suites that were added this year, decorated in a monastic style.
The woman behind Ekies Resort
Furthermore, I was looking forward to meeting Alexandra Efstathiadou, the woman behind this everlasting hospitality project that resembles no other in Greece. And so I did. During my trip to Ekies All Senses Resort last fall, I had the chance not only to experience the “Ekies Life” but also to meet the charismatic founder of the hotel.
Alexandra, whom everyone calls by her first name, has managed to make her hotel a favourite destination for design lovers and cool families from all over the world. The love story between the place and Alexandra goes back to her childhood when she and her family used to spend their holidays at a small seaside hotel at this very same spot. After many years, her happy memories from all these carefree summers led her to the decision to transform the old, abandoned at the time, hotel into a modern resort. Her vision was to create an environmentally friendly place with a style that blends Greek culture with contemporary design.
Throughout the renovation process, various Greek architects and firms took part. The result was three unique ‘houses’, where tradition co-exists with minimal design, playful pops of colour, and custom-designed illustrations. Designed to blend harmoniously with this landscape, eco-friendly materials were used throughout, from the non-toxic paints to the ecological mattresses and minimal waste philosophy. Each room and suite is unique in terms of design and aesthetics.
The hotel tour that Alexandra courteously provided us, was abundant with information and visual stimuli. The hotel’s inexhaustible innovations can easily be attributed to its owner’s inexhaustible creativity. As we stroll the hotel premises, we discover the diverse decorative style, which in no way manifests contradiction but constitutes the unique style of Ekies Resort.
Simultaneously with the tour, Alexandra cites past seasons, projects and partners. In her words, she has the gift of inspiring and coordinating various creators including acclaimed architects and designers who have contributed to the fullfillment of her dream resort.
“It took us eleven years, collaborations with various Greek architects and interior designers, and lots of hard work, but finally the hotel has become the place I have always wanted; a place filled with love”
Alexandra Efstathiadou
Staying at a Pine Suite of Ekies Resort
For me and my room at Ekies, it was definitely love at first sight. Room no 202 is one of the award-winning “Pine Suites” of the resort, created in 2018 at an existing wing with storage rooms. I instantly adored the interiors as well as the contact with nature that was provided by the design.
The mosaic and the pebbled floor, the minimal design with the colourful touches and the fact that my private yard with the lush green forest right outside became one with the room made me add Ekies Pine Suite to the list of my all-time favourite hotel rooms. These luxury suites really exude chic relaxation and sublime seclusion.
During my stay, I enjoyed plunging into my private pool, lying in my hammock, taking a sip from my Nespresso and letting the music from the Marshall speakers inside become the perfect soundtrack to my vacations. The world outside my room was equally fascinating. Works of art, brilliant decorative ideas, iconic pieces of furniture, idyllic landscapes, eco-friendly philosophy were all turning my weekend into an unforgettable experience.
Some more things to discover and enjoy when in Ekies Resort
The pool with the best styling ever!
Exotic palm trees, comfy floor pillows and handwoven parasols juxtapose the ‘80s, bohemian spirit with the timelessness of the surrounding verdant nature. Rania Stamataki, is a well-known architect who has contributed to the curation of the place.
The redesigned lobby
Old, wooden furniture coexists with contemporary elements such as chairs from Vitra, Magis and Arper. Within this intimate lobby area, guests also have the opportunity to explore the new, curated shop carrying objects and ornaments that represent the aesthetic identity of the region.
Amazing food from morning to night
With locally-produced ingredients, fresh fish caught every day from local fishermen and infinite inspiration from the rich variety of Greek cuisine. There is also a treehouse restaurant, a unique space that offers great, unobstructed views of the sea, as well as a bit more privacy!