The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, has announced the opening of Cosme, a Luxury Collection Resort developed by Kanava Hotels & Resorts, on the Greek island of Paros…
The idyllic island of Paros is home to serene landscapes, refined culture, rich culinary history, naturally sculpted whitewashed architecture, cobbled pathways and stretches of crystal-clear beaches.
A few months ago, in conversation with Kalia Konstantinidou, who is the co-owner of Kanava Hotels & Resorts, plans for Cosme were high on the agenda. With a design to embrace the authentic Cycladic lifestyle and encouraging a carefree state of mind, Cosme has now opened its doors, and is able to make good on the promise by Konstantinidou to welcome global explorers an invigorating journey of experiences on the shores of the Aegean Sea, celebrating the joy of life in the charming town of Naoussa. Developed by Kanava Hotels & Resorts, Cosme embraces hoteliers Antonis Eliopoulos’ and Kalia Konstantinidou vision and ethos for understated luxury while elevating authentic, Greek hospitality.
Image credit: Marriott International / Kanava Hotels & Resorts
“We strongly believe in creating authentic, timeless experiences for our guests, encouraging deeper connections between themselves and the destination, by embracing the culture, rituals and traditions as well as evoking a sense of calm,” said Konstantinidou, Co-Owner of Kanava Hotels & Resorts. “The time is right to celebrate life and feel free. This is the concept behind the creation of Cosme. Our location, architecture, services and people open up possibilities, allowing guests to express their individuality and choose how they connect, imagine, and enjoy. Every aspect of the hotel is designed to give guests the freedom to make the experience their own.”
Image credit: Marriott International / Kanava Hotels & Resorts
The property’s design, created by architecture and design studio ID Laboratorium, is characterised by the one-of-a-kind ‘Aegean Touch’ and elegantly blends rare elements from around the Mediterranean with bold Cycladic lines. Design details throughout reference the style and beauty of Paros. All buildings are clean-lined and made with local stone showcasing harmonious architectural compositions inspired by the island’s bright fishing villages and indigenous houses. Even the hotel’s half-moon pool is an ode to the destination, reflecting the shape of the bay in which Cosme stands. Designed as a natural extension of Naoussa, meandering pathways throughout the property create an intimate village-style feel, reminiscent of the town itself, encouraging guests to revel in chance encounters and serendipitous moments of discovery. The resort’s open-air entrance and stone pathway, decorated with a curated explosion of greenery, leads into a marble-floored reception and lobby area that references historical Cycladic buildings. The entrance is light-filled and brought to life with a mural by artist Christina Mandilari of Naked Summers as well as distinctive wallpapers and fabrics featuring handmade embroidery by Pierre Frey. The resort also features a private beach and beach club.
Image credit: Marriott International / Kanava Hotels & Resorts
The resort shelters an intimate 40 suites, each uniquely appointed and with select suites featuring private pools and views across the crystalline waters. All include custom-made furniture by renowned Spanish designer Jaime Hayon, paired with fabrics in warm shades of burgundy and red as well as classic designs with stripes in shades of blue, a colour synonymous with Greece. Spanning 60 square meters and with views of the Aegean Sea, the exclusive and lavish Cosmos Suite is one of the most luxurious accommodations on the island. The ultimate escape, its expansive terrace comes with a private pool, open-air dining area, sunbeds and views across to Cosme’s private beach.
“The opening of Cosme, a Luxury Collection Resort, Paros this summer is an exciting development for Paros, for the Marriott International portfolio and for discerning travellers from around the world,” said Candice D’Cruz, Vice President of Marriott International Luxury Brands, EMEA. “As we move into an exciting season for the true resurgence of global travel, Cosme now sets a new international standard through creating a luxury experience that is both emotive and fulfilling.”
Image credit: Marriott International / Kanava Hotels & Resorts
Remaining true to the island’s roots, Kalia Konstantinidou has personally crafted concepts that bring a true sense of individuality to the hotel. These include a culinary journey by celebrated Greek chef, Yiannis Kioroglou, who brings his passion for ‘Medite-Grecian’ cuisine to the hotel’s dining destinations, beachside Parostia and laidback Volta at the heart of the resort.
Art is also an integral part of the guest experience with an eclectic mix of native multimedia Greek artists on display. Combining modern and classical approaches, these include Margarita Myrogianni’s abstract images of details and shadows from traditional handmade embroidery, which become an abstract place of reference for images such as fishermen’s nets, sea urchin shapes, nautical ropes and the light of the Cycladic islands. The potter Dimitris Spyros decorates various hidden corners of the hotel with his unusual forms that are inspired by the sculptural stones of the island’s landscape. Outdoors, ID Laboratorium selected the artist Terpsichore, who collaborated with the ceramicist Nikos Gagiatsos to create the faces of its famous lazy sailors, painted on pots.
Located at the highest point in the resort and named after the Greek God of the Sun, Elios Spa pays tribute to the extraordinary setting in which it is nestled. Embracing the slow-paced Cycladic way of life, Elios Spa is a sanctuary for the senses where guests encouraged to rediscover harmony through holistic treatments using exclusively indigenous resources, pure extracts and innovative techniques. The carefully selected spa partner, KORRES, blends rare organic ingredients from Greece and the wider Mediterranean to create locally-inspired healing rituals, treatments and therapies that can be crafted to guests’ needs and are designed to stimulate and revitalise the body, soul and spirit.
Main image credit: Marriott International/ Kanava Hotels & Resorts
