Opened in June 2020, Crete’s Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa takes its inspiration from the natural and cultural landscape of the island, combining local history and craftsmanship with modern furnishings and a cool, neutral palette. Gian Paolo Venier, the Milanese interior designer behind the project, tells us more.

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How would you describe your approach to design?

For me, designing a hotel is a process that involves many aspects. It is about finding a place’s identity and making connections between the project and the destination itself, as well as discovering the typical features of the location, the artisans, and working in tandem with the territory. The main objective is to make it an essential part of a travel and discovery experience. Designing is a journey for me, and travelling is who I am.

When did you first get involved in Cayo Resort?

All design projects arise from an encounter – in Cayo’s case, it was preceded by two meetings. The first, with its founders, took place over lunch during Paris Design Week and marked the start of a beautiful friendship. The second was my encounter with the islet of Spinalonga and its fascinating history and landscape.

What materials were used to bring the project to life?

For the materials, we worked as if in the old days – an experience I had never had before in my career. I created a mood board, and with it in hand, we searched for materials that would serve the concept. Only when they arrived on site from around the world were we ready to decide where and how to use them.

It was an approach that I loved, because it allowed me to perceive the materials’ true assonances and effect on the surrounding environment. We also incorporated many materials broadly used throughout Greece’s history, like white marbles, Volaka marble, terracotta, pebbles typically found in ancient squares of several Greek islands. I defined the materials as the result of a silent choice. I did not want them to showcase themselves, but rather to contribute in a “silent” way to the overall outcome – the big picture of you like.

Did you face any significant challenges along the way?

All hospitality projects are a challenge. We don’t work alone, and the project is only one of many phases in the construction of a resort. The big challenge is to keep together a team of motivated people who share the same objectives. In our case, the energy was intense and the project very complex with tight deadlines.

The hardest part was the unusual use of materials and custom furnishings. We had to convince the builders that breaking beautiful terracotta pots to cover the walls with shards was the right thing to do. We also had to convince ourselves that using pebbles to adorn the spa’s walls was right. Another hard decision was to order custom furniture that we know we couldn’t see, touch, or feel until its delivery to the site. It proved to be the right thing to do, but it took a lot of trust from the owners, and I’m grateful and honoured by that.

Where do you see hotel design headed in the future?

That is an exciting question after this strange period we’re witnessing all over the world. I am confident that Cayo points to the future of design; you can enjoy privacy, a natural social distance, a sustainable approach, respect for the environment, detailed attention to gastronomy and personal attention to guests’ wellbeing. The goal is to offer a natural and a cultural experience, and human beings are crucial in this project. This dual experience is something that people will continue to look for, and Cayo was created with this in mind.

From a design point of view, I believe guests going forward will ask for more simplicity and a transparent experience. Everyone is bored with hotels that have no identity and no connection with their surroundings.

Will sustainability be a driver of change in hospitality?

Sustainability is a must nowadays in all kinds of projects, and hotels are on the front line. We are more confident with nature, and we look at a better, more harmonious relationship with it through a more natural rhythm of life. Sustainability also impacts the style and the aesthetic view. Imagine Cayo without a sustainable and environmental approach such as its gardens and its rooms’ planted roofs? It would be a totally different style and message in terms of design, and of course, nothing close to as beautiful as it is!

In my office, we are currently working in this direction and are testing some new projects where sustainability impacts the hotel identity and changes the experience. It is a great challenge! Stay tuned…