Tell us the story behind Ekies Resort. How did the idea of creating a hospitality destination rooted in the authenticity of its surroundings first come about, and how has it evolved over the years?
Trying to tell a 26-year story in just a few words isn’t easy.
In the beginning, it was simply an impulse.
A collection of images, experiences, and a love for beautiful spaces that engage the senses and quietly inspire those who inhabit them.
There was no rigid business plan. We wanted the rooms to emerge naturally from the landscape, blending into their surroundings. We imagined spaces that were understated and peaceful, filled with small, unexpected details waiting to be discovered.
What were some of the biggest challenges along the way, and what principles continue to define the resort’s architecture and interior design?
There were countless challenges—large and small, serious and sometimes even amusing.
Whatever came our way, we approached it with respect and with unwavering commitment to our values and our culture.
The central focus of our design has always been—and remains—the contemporary individual.
From the outset, we worked with natural materials and a colour palette inspired by the landscape and local heritage. Traditional elements were thoughtfully integrated with contemporary design pieces and works of art, reflecting both our aesthetic sensibility and our professional philosophy. Our goal was to create an environment that is beautiful, functional, and serene—a place where guests can truly unwind, whether they come to relax or to work.
With a sense of humour and the confidence to experiment, we introduced unexpected interventions throughout both the guest rooms and the shared spaces, giving familiar places entirely new functions. This also led to the creation of intentional “empty spaces”—areas that respond to our growing need to escape constant stimulation and information overload.
The resort’s continuous evolution is equally important. By entrusting each renovation to talented teams with whom we build long-term relationships, Ekies remains distinctive, contemporary, and always relevant.
What makes the Ekies hospitality experience unique?
Hospitality—our way.
Relaxed, yet respectful of the essentials. Free-spirited and quietly daring. Surrounded by lush greenery that has been carefully cultivated over the years. Effortlessly barefoot, yet beautifully dressed. A place where like-minded people return time and again because they feel at home.
Every season, we create new spaces and experiences that refuse to follow convention. Reinvention is part of our own journey too.
People often tell us that Ekies has soul. We believe they’re right.
As a member of Design Hotels, what role does design play at Ekies, and how has that relationship evolved over time?
From day one, Ekies has been a home for authentic design—not only in terms of furniture and objects, but in the way we conceive, curate, and care for every aspect of the guest experience.
That’s why we choose to collaborate with designers and artists who are deeply passionate about what they do—people who speak the same creative language as we do.
Our relationship with Design Hotels has been a wonderful one. Time has shown us that there could never have been a more natural fit.
I still remember the first time I came across Design Hotels at a trade fair. It was love at first sight. I remember thinking, “I don’t know exactly what this is, but I know this is where I belong.” Since then, we’ve grown together—and it’s been a beautiful journey.
Who is Ekies designed for, and how important is it to offer guests a place where they can truly pause and reconnect with nature?
I feel fortunate—and proud—that the people who choose Ekies value its sense of beauty, individuality, freedom, and its deep connection to nature.
Our guests come from all over the world. They appreciate quiet moments, honest, delicious food, and experiences without excess or the need to impress. Ekies is a place where modern life makes an appointment with stillness.
Where can guests discover the authentic spirit of Greece—both within the resort and in the surrounding area?
Halkidiki, and Vourvourou in particular, welcomes you from the very first moment you arrive at Ekies. Everywhere you look, there are subtle references to what existed here long before us.
The plants, the stone, the forms, the scents, the fabrics, the materials—everything has been chosen with care.
People often tell us, “Ekies feels as though it grew here alongside the landscape.” For all of us, that’s the greatest compliment we could receive.
Which collaborations have had the greatest impact on the resort?
I’ve had the privilege of working with extraordinary people across every aspect of the resort.
Each of them has left something of themselves here.
Some of those collaborations continue today—not because they are simply the best, but because we’ve grown together over the years and share the same way of thinking, creating, and evolving.
Does the result feel like the dream you originally imagined?
Yes, it does.
With immense gratitude for everything that brought us here—and with many dreams still ahead.
Many guests return year after year. What kind of feedback do you receive, and why do you think they keep coming back?
The number of returning guests is deeply moving, and it makes all of us incredibly proud.
We have couples who have been visiting for years, and children who spent their first holidays here and are now teenagers.
People return because of the soul of Ekies, the sense of freedom it offers, the way it continues to evolve every season, and the unique relationship that develops between the people and the place.
What are the rare qualities that make Ekies truly unique?
Respect—for people and for nature.
Passion for what we do.
And the consistency to remain true to it every single day.
Do you believe Halkidiki attracts a discerning traveller, and how could the destination continue to evolve?
How does one define quality tourism?
The Halkidiki we know attracts exactly the kind of guests we created Ekies for.
If I had to answer simply, I would say yes—Halkidiki is an extraordinary destination for thoughtful, high-quality travel. But that depends on all of us who shape the experience. We need to be clear about what we want to offer and remain faithful to our own values and culture, with consistency and care.
What else is on your horizon?
I could talk about my plans for hours…
I’m a dreamer by nature and endlessly creative.
How do you imagine the resort ten years from now?
Much as it is today.
Lush, fresh, peaceful, and full of joy.
A place that continues to hold both the celebrations and the quiet moments of the people who choose it.
What is your personal definition of beauty?
Beauty is the quiet feeling of dreaming, longing, and finding peace.
What does authenticity mean to you today?
Authenticity is something that doesn’t need to be explained.
It’s something you recognise instantly because it carries truth.
Photography: Elias Joidos
