Kalesma Hotel in Mykonos embodies the authentic Cycladic look with a sleek & contemporary approach

Embracing the raw beauty of the arid rocky landscape and dark blue sea, and taking inspiration from the simple honesty of the island vernacular, Kalesma Hotel in Mykonos Island is a ‘village’ of whitewashed volumes pixelating the landscape. Arranged around a central ‘plateia’ it sits on the spine of the hill of Aleomandra, uniquely positioned to enjoy views of both the sunrise to the east and the sunset to the west.

Kalesma is the fruit of a seamless collaboration between Athens-based architecture practice K-Studio, interior designer Vangelis Bonios, founder of Studio Bonarchi and the hotel owners that binds modernism with the local tradition, reinventing Mykonian hospitality by proposing a laid-back experience of island living. 

Kalesma is not really a hotel. It is a village, in the traditional Mykonian sense. There is a local saying, that when a couple marries, they make a village, meaning that they will build a home that will grow, over the years, to accommodate generation after generation of their family.

“Kalesma reimagines the concept of the extended family home, as an intimate hospitality destination that invites guests to connect to the essence of Cycladic life”.

The hotel’s communal social areas, wellness area and boutique are located at the uppermost part of the site, to ensure that these views can be appreciated by every guest as they relax, swim in the pool or dine on the terrace. Close by a traditional stone ‘Aloni’, a circular structure used for grinding wheat into flour, has been retained and repurposed as a meditative platform from which to enjoy the sunset.

“Accommodation is compiled of 25 suites and 2 villas, each with their own private pool terrace and sea view”.

Internal and external spaces are equal in size and seamlessly connected. Entry is through a small courtyard that offers the chance to ‘de-sand’ in the external shower. The suites are divided into a sleeping/living volume and a bathing volume, and space is shared equally between them so that both activities can be enjoyed in balance. The volumes frame the terrace which features lounge and dining areas looking over a private pool to an uninterrupted view of the Aegean.

Mykonian tradition, local history and the “aloni”, an old existing threshing floor, were the source of inspiration for the style of the Kalesma Mykonos hotel. This unique origin arise the necessity for Vangelis Bonios, the interior designer of the project to create an elemental dialogue between the exceptional surroundings and the interiors.

“An amalgam of tradition with contemporary design elements culminated Studio Bonarchi’s interpretation of the Cycladic style”.

The interiors of both accommodations and main spaces are characterized by the coexistence of pure Mykonian sculptural geometries together with modern linear gestures that intertwine in an organic way. Contrasts between the brightness of white, the natural feeling of brushed wood and the sharpness of dark brass details, illuminate the heritage of this exceptional property.

Whitewashed walls together with natural sandblasted stone floors in earthy colors and dark wooden ceilings with chestnut beams and bamboo reeds create an ideal natural canvas for the interiors in a way that allows the blue color of the sea to stand out.

“Kalesma, which in Greek means ‘invitation’, is a real exploration of themes and textures”.

Most of the furniture, which are custom made, created by Greek craftsmen and individual artists so as to achieve a unique, ‘one of a kind’ feeling. Comfortable upholstered sofas with stonewashed linen fabrics, handmade oak armchairs with rattan details inspired by traditional furniture coming from the 50’s  and sculptural curved black lava stone coffee tables “co-exist” with iconic ultra-sleek lighting pieces. Beautiful lights coming from the New York based “Apparatus studio” seem to be the most ideal choice for the project, reflecting a rough yet sophisticated style.

Fashion designer Rick Owens’ magnificent brutal furniture with their primitive materials were selected by Studio Bonarchi for the reception and lounge areas adding an artistic value magically connected to the serenity and pureness of the project’s authentic Greek style. Kalesma hotel’s interiors are characterized by a noble simplicity. Sensual materials, rich in spirit, create timeless spaces that allow the visitor to enjoy the true essentials: the Greek light and the stunning Aegean Sea view.

Facts & Credits:

Project title: Kalesma, Typology: Hotel, Rooms: 25 Suites & 2 Villas, Location: Mykonos Island – Cyclades – Greece, Architects: K-Studio, Architecture & Master planning K-Studio’s Design Team: Skitsas Mihalis – Vasia Mavrogianni – Arianna Mexili – Lila Simou – Elpiniki Kekelou – Dafni Dimopoulou, Interior Design and Styling: Studio Bonarchi / Vangelis Bonios, Art Direction: K-Studio & Studio Bonarchi / Vangelis Bonios, Structural Engineer: Dimitris Poulidis, Mechanical Engineer: TEKEM / Giorgos Kavoulakos, Lighting Designer: CPLD, Kitchen Consultant: XENEX, Surveyor: Panagiotis Stathis, Project Manager: Black Hawk, Main Contractor: AZAS Constructions, 3D Visualization: Cloud No9, Year of completion: 2021, Text description: K-Studio & Studio Bonarchi / Vangelis Bonios, Photography: Vangelis Paterakis – Yiorgos Kordakis

Suppliers:

Wall Paints: SIKA Hellas ΑΒΕΕ, Plasterboards: KNAUF INSULATION, Window/Door Frames: TSIGAS, Marble Cladding: MAVROMARAS – ANTONOPOULOS, Marble Floors: DELTA MARBLES, Sanitary ware: VARELAS, Lighting & Switches: LITHOSS (Technodome Technology Solutions) – AACE (Advanced Construction Engineering S.A.) – SOLOMON (Jeffrey Solomon) – GALLIS Lighting S.A., Electrical Equipment: KAFKAS, A/C: DELTA TECHNIKI, Security Systems: ZARIFOPOULOS, Furniture: BOX INTERIORS, Interior Design: KAKAROUNTAS INTERIORS – APWOOD