30 May 2018
Wellness and water: Greek resort Olea set to open in June
BY Jane Kitchen
On the eastern side of the Greek island of Zakynthos, the 93-room design-led Olea All Suite Hotel is set to open in June, with an emphasis on wellness.
Architecture practice Block722architects, who have offices in Athens and Stockholm, have created a 4,000sq m (43,000sq ft) artificial lake at the heart of the hotel, surrounded by the scattered suites. There is an almost complete absence of boundaries between the resort’s suites and its communal spaces, resulting in a sense of freedom and relaxation.
In addition to the lake, many of the suites have private swimming pools, and the element of water is an integral part of Olea’s concept, connecting spaces. Local vegetation is also utilised prominently, and Block722 used the plants and olive trees that have graced the land for centuries in their design, along with rustic oak wood, bamboo and rattan.
“The most important thing to us was how the guests would experience their surroundings,” said Katja Margaritoglou, co-founder and interior designer for the firm. “The design brings people in sync with nature and its elements, connecting the indoors with the outdoors in a seamless way that helps them unwind and explore the resort in its entirety.”
The 300sq m (3,200sq ft) Royal Spa & Relaxation area features treatment rooms for facial and body treatments with special aromatic and essential oil therapies using Mediterranean herbs. Other facilities include an indoor/outdoor pool, sauna, steam bath, emotion shower, yoga pavilion and a 100sq m (1,070sq ft) fitness and beauty salon.
“The idea was to introduce a resort that embraces everything that makes this island so wonderful, but in a contemporary way,” said Venia Xenou, a representative of the Xenos Hotels Group. “From its warm-hearted people and the unique ingredients of local cuisine, to the lush vegetation and the majestic beaches, Zakynthos has just so many meaningful experiences to offer. Olea utilises all the above and adds a bit of magic through modern, minimal design and an ever-present element of water.”
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