What Nikolaou Residence Aegina offers to guests is an authentic way of living at a private oasis, full of art history
In 1964, the painter Nikos Nikolaou (1909-1986) settled in a peaceful property in Aegina. Like the poets and writers Seferis and Kazantzakis, the painter and sculptor Moralis, or the sculptor Kapralos, he fell in love with the island’s unique light.
Just one-hour boat ride from Athens, Aegina was the first city-state of Greece that minted coins, the first capital of contemporary Greece and a gorgeous island by all means. With its beaches, coves, walking tracks and millenary olive groves, its temples (the temple of Afaia), monasteries (Aghios Nektarios) and old churches (Paliachora), and last but not least, its many delightful taverns, it’s an all-inclusive island than can be visited all year long.
A little bit of history regarding Nikolaou Residence
Nikolaou’s home became the gathering point of the greek intelligentsia of his time. Some of Greece’s greatest intellectuals, like the poet Odysseas Elytis and painter Yiannis Moralis were among the frequent visitors of the beautiful house, gazing at the sunset and enjoying long, inspiring and deep conversations.
Nowadays Nikos Nikolaou’s heirs, the Zoumboulakis Family, decided to open the doors of this timeless property to eclectic visitors who seek a one of a kind holiday experience. Located in the beautiful bay of Kolona, just a 10-minute walk from the city centre, the property can be found in the popular area of Plakakia. At the heart of the property, in an oasis of calm and surrounded by a beautiful Mediterranean garden lies what used to be the artist’s home and studio.
A sculpture by Yiannis Moralis facing the entrance of the property, welcomes guests to the 3 studios, completely renovated by Zoumboulakis Architects. Tastefully decorated with works of art and various design objects from the Zoumboulakis Galleries of Athens, they combine Greek heritage and modern eclectic style, while offering a peaceful stay, away from the island’s buzz.
The 3 suites of Nikolaou Residence Aegina
With its two private terraces and wonderful rooftop view, the suite named “Rhodi” offers a garden oasis of calm. With a surface of 30-square-metres, Rhodi has two separate rooms, a comfortable bedroom and a sitting room with a kitchen. Elegant decoration gives modern allusions to Greek art and heritage. A gentle grey-tone palette soothes the mind, interplaying with the daily passage of Aegean light, illuminating tasteful modern art elements. Imagined for a couple or a small family, Rhodi can accommodate up to 4 people.
Averaging 32-square-metres of space and comfort, Elia is the largest of the three studios. With its two terraces facing the garden and a private courtyard, guests can unwind in the room’s elegant interior of custom-designed furnishings and contemporary details, inspired by Nikolaou’s heritage and culture. Its warm, modern ambience is defined by the soft grey colour palette. Imagined for a couple, Elia can accommodate up to 3 people.
Fistiki is the ultimate romantic nest in Aegina with its magnetic view overlooking the pistachio grove and the sea. When not admiring the view, guests can unwind with a Nikolaou art book, or enjoy the private terrace for an evening aperitif or morning coffee. A haven of modern elegance tailored to inspire, the 23-square-metre Fistiki studio flawlessly blends design and comfort to create a unique Aegean experience. Fistiki is designed for a couple or a solo traveller.
What could possibly be better than staying at a hotel full of art? Spending your days in an artists’ actual home, surrounded by the beauty and the aura of creativity, observing the same things that inspired them. This is what happens at Nikolaou Residence Aegina. Precious and unique.
Visit the website of Nikolaou Residence
Photo Credits: Meltem Magazine / Laurent Fabre
See also:
The best traditional stays in Greece to experience the local hospitality
TheHotelTrotter.com is curated by greek journalist and fanatic hotel lover Eleni Stasinopoulou. With the eye of a fashion and lifestyle editor, Eleni hopes to inspire all connoisseurs of traveling, focusing on stylish hotel moments around the globe.
