Ekies All Senses Resort, Halkidiki, Greece, has undergone a redesign and expansion project inspired by an ascetic vibe and its proximity to Mount Athos – home to 20 monasteries under the direct jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.

Resort owner, Alexandra Efstathiadou, worked in collaboration with Athens-based Agarch + Architects and Fytron Landscape Design, to create ten brand new suites and renovate five existing rooms.

The team drew on inspiration from the area’s rich spiritual history to conceptualise the new additions.

“Seamlessly blending contemporary international design with Greek elements has always been part of our DNA,” said Efstathiadou. “This time, our inspiration came from the nearby monasteries and the calmness they exude. It’s all about finding inner balance through connecting with nature in a spiritual way.”

The new rooms are furnished with handmade ceramics patterns that can be found in local Orthodox churches and baptismal bowls, serving as water basins, chosen to draw upon the sacred power of water to sanctify and rejuvenate in religion.

“We wanted to rethink the ‘less is more’ approach in our interiors for the new suites,” said Agarch + Architects’ Giorgos Anagnostellis and Angeliki Pappa, “the design takes cues from the ascetic tranquillity, we encountered upon visiting the stunning local monasteries.”

Emphasis is placed on natural materials, both on a structural and a decorative level, which dictated the project’s earthy colour palette that is complemented throughout with marble, bronze, and wood materials.

Organic fabrics such as pure linen provide a balancing softness to the solid wood of the furnishing and the nude, concrete ceilings. Using ecological paint, the walls follow a colour scheme of authentic local hues such as rich olive greens, blues, whites and burnt siennas.

In addition, Ekies’ 300sq m pool area has also been redesigned to include a playful oasis for children. The outdoor area is designed with exotic palm trees, comfy floor pillows and handwoven parasols to juxtapose an ‘80s bohemian spirit with the timelessness of the nature surrounding the pool.

The refurbishment also transformed the lobby which has been redesigned to demonstrate the contrast between old and new by juxtaposing old, wooden furniture against contemporary features such as chairs from designers including Vitra, Magis and Arper.

Within this area, guests will also have the opportunity to explore the new, curated shop carrying objects and ornaments that represent the aesthetic identity of the region.