photo © James Bedford

photo © James Bedford

Even though the first snow of the season is already a fact in several cities around the world, we just refuse to let the carefree summer days go. The island of Crete is well known for its endless sandy beaches with turquoise waters and rustic restaurants with superb food. Ammos Hotel which is located just 5km away from the old town of Chania, Greece, has a lot more to offer than just any seaside resort. 

Elisa Manola, Head Architect of Ammos Hotel who has a unique eye for details and design claims that 'every project is considered unique, but the studio's signature touchstones are dynamic, innovative and creative design.' And this project perfectly reflects these very principles in every element of its new design makeover.

photo © James Bedford

photo © James Bedford

photo © James Bedford

photo © James Bedford

photo © James Bedford

photo © James Bedford

photo © James Bedford

photo © James Bedford

The hotel was initially constructed during the 80's and later on, in 2005, was then renovated and reopened. All along, Mr. Nikos Tsepetis, the owner, has been devoted to transforming the hotel into a contemporary vacation experience. Minimal and smart design aggregated with instinctive hospitality and small surprises are just a few secrets that make this resort so special. The project was completed in 2008 amounting to a built area of 1100 m2 and Elisa Manola has thoroughly designed not only the resort’s interior but also the furniture within it.

The initial concept was to retain a plain, white outer cell keeping the emphasis focused on playful and colourful interiors. The primal volume of the building has been preserved whilst extracting the existing arches and balusters from the earliest construction. A number of colourful tesserae decorate the newly designed reception, forming homocentric circles, inviting guests to enjoy their stay in fresh and contemporary surroundings. In the same direction, a key storage construction was created, in full keeping with the reception’ pattern and colour palettes while the unique, tailor made furniture combined with bold colourful walls and art deco details create a fascinating and flirtatious atmosphere. Moreover, the rebuilt bathrooms  and bedrooms also pursue the overall minimal style, through the use of lively colours and striking design items. Iroko and Teak wood surfaces used both in the interior and exterior decoration, act to highlight the patterns frequently found in seats, sofas and cushions even more.

All in all, the Ammos Hotel compounds elements of traditional warmth and comfort with an excitement for exploration and design.  Set right by the sea, the resort makes for idyllic vacations wrapped in an insatiable package of luxurious simplicity and eye catching style. 

Ceramic plate by Konstantin Kakanias, photo © James Bedford

Ceramic plate by Konstantin Kakanias, photo © James Bedford

photo © James Bedford

photo © James Bedford

photo © James Bedford

photo © James Bedford

photo © James Bedford

photo © James Bedford

photo © James Bedford

photo © James Bedford

The original Greek Cretan Dakos, photo © James Bedford

The original Greek Cretan Dakos, photo © James Bedford

photo © James Bedford

photo © James Bedford

photo © James Bedford

photo © James Bedford

photo © James Bedford

photo © James Bedford

Ammos Hotel In Crete, Greece

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