Overlooking the sapphire waters of Ornos Bay in Mykonos, Greece, the newly opened Kenshō Boutique Hotel & Suites is surely a sight to behold. Designed by Greek architect Alexandros Kolovos, the property blends the natural beauty of Cycladic architecture with a signature take on functional spaces.
Upon arrival, guests are quickly immersed into an environment reminiscent of the labyrinth paths found in Mykonos Town: Handcrafted walls and passages of wrought iron plate and stone slabs meet at the core of the complex, where benches of carved marble showcase fine Greek products, vintage wines and exquisite delicatessen. From there, each nook and cranny has its own story to tell, and whether you’re a furniture maker, craftsman, art enthusiast or someone who simply appreciates the finer things in life, you will no doubt find that the hotel’s architecture and interior design is where it truly shines.
Every piece of furniture that peppers the property is made of genuine, solid wood of reforestation, with varieties ranging from maple, cherry, oak and walnut to the thousand-year old Kauri from New Zealand, Briccole of Venice and scented Cedar from Lebanon. In all of the hotel’s 25 rooms and 10 suites, each individually furnished by such distinguished designers as Kenneth Cobonpue and Patricia Urquiola, these natural wood fixtures meet with bold slate and stone to combine elegance and practicality in perfectharmony.
Kenshō’s stylish aesthetics, complemented by soothing shades of warm white to sea blue, then flow into the hotel’s romantic restaurant area where handmade tables, chairs and alcoves with suspended ceilings appear to float in mid-air, creating an exceptional ambiance for dining.
Nearby at the bar and sunset lounge, natural rocks, olive trees and a unique stone arch frame a gorgeous sea view, which melts into the swimming pool’s blue surface to create the illusion of an endless horizon. Above the pool, a loft opens to a majestic rooftop veranda overlooking Ornos Bay. Guests can also take in the picturesque views of Mykonos and enjoy the warmth of a blue-flamed fireplace at the hotel’s Osier Willow Tree lounge.
For each tree used in the making of Kenshō’s interior another seven are planted, and with the incorporation of only vinyl glues and vegetable-based oil and wax, every piece contributes to an atmosphere that is totally organic, unspoiled and wholly connected to nature. As a result, each and every space throughout the hotel is a unique destination unto itself.
Admirably discreet yet distinguished, purely rustic yet refined, resolutely modern yet timeless, the architecture and interior design of Kenshō Boutique Hotel & Suites is most certainly “an awakening experience” for everyone who visits.
