The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott’s 30-brand portfolio, has opened Cosme in Paros.
Embracing the authentic Cycladic lifestyle, the 40-suite property is owned by hoteliers Antonis Eliopoulos’ and Kalia Konstantinidou, whose vision for understated luxury that elevates authentic Greek hospitality has been embraced by developers Kanava Hotels & Resorts and architecture and design studio ID Laboratorium.
“We 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,” says Kalia 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. Every aspect of the hotel is designed to give guests the freedom to make the experience their own.”
For the property’s design, ID Laboratorium channelled the Aegean Touch by blending rare elements from around the Mediterranean with bold Cycladic lines. 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. 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 light-filled entrance has been brought to life with a mural by artist Christina Mandilari of Naked Summers, as well as wallpapers and fabrics with handmade embroidery by Pierre Frey. The resort also features a private beach and beach club.
The resort comprises 40 suites, with select accommodations featuring private pools and views across the crystalline waters. All suites include custom-made furniture by 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 60m² and with views of the Aegean Sea, the luxurious Cosmos Suite boasts its own terrace, private pool, open-air dining area, sunbeds and views across to Cosme’s beach.
Candice D’Cruz, Vice President of Marriott International Luxury Brands for EMEA, comments: “The opening of Cosme is an exciting development for Paros, for the Marriott International portfolio and for discerning travellers from around the world. As we move into an exciting season for the true resurgence of global travel, Cosme now sets a new international standard through creating an experience both emotive and fulfilling.”
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. Having joined the team from La Petite Maison in Cannes and La Guerite in Saint Barths and with a background in some of Europe’s favourite dining spots, Yiannis remains faithful to his Greek heritage and breathes Greek ‘philoxenia’ into all of his culinary creations. Each recipe reflects the generosity and laid-back, yet rich traditions of Paros, Greece and the Mediterranean sea. Guests also have the opportunity learn how to cook traditional dishes in the Aroma Garden with dedicated sessions each day.
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 inspired by the sculptural stones of the island’s landscape. Outdoors, ID Laboratorium selected artist Terpsichore, who collaborated with the ceramicist Nikos Gagiatsos to create 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 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 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. Signature rituals include the Korres Greek Yogurt Facial, the Aegean Sensation Candle Massage and the Elios Sunlight Wellbeing Journey. On the roof of the spa, a dedicated space for star-gazing overlooks Naoussa and the sea, making it ideal for mind-broadening yoga and meditation rituals.
