Kalesma Mykonos Introduces a Traditional Weaving Program

Kalesma Mykonos collaborates with artisan Faye Hatzi to revive ancient Cycladic weaving in a cultural initiative that bridges heritage and hospitality

Ancient Techniques Meet Contemporary Hospitality

Known for its panoramic sea views, private pools, and award-winning architecture, Kalesma Mykonos is launching a new initiative that expands its luxury credentials beyond aesthetics.

This summer, the hotel introduces a cultural program focused on the revival of traditional weaving, in partnership with Faye Hatzi, a Mykonos-based artisan committed to preserving Cycladic craft techniques.

Hatzi, whose work has been featured in institutions such as the Benaki Museum and the British Museum, brings her loom and spinning tools directly into the hotel. This is not a curated exhibition but a fully functional studio space where guests can observe the intricate processes of thread spinning, natural dyeing, and fabric weaving—techniques that have been practiced in the region for over 7,000 years.

Engaging with Cycladic Heritage

The program includes live demonstrations and interactive workshops. Guests have the opportunity to create their own woven items using methods largely unchanged since antiquity. Pieces range from simple textiles to more elaborate designs inspired by Mykonian motifs.

Hatzi’s work emphasizes sustainability and locality. She spins wool from her own flock on the nearby island of Rineia and cultivates silk from silkworms raised in Mykonos. Her dyes are plant-based and produced through traditional methods, creating a closed-loop, low-impact production cycle that aligns with ancient practices.

This initiative is both a cultural preservation effort and an educational experience, offering insight into the historical significance of weaving in Cycladic society. It sheds light on a form of knowledge that has often remained in the background of Greece’s more widely known heritage narratives.

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