OLEA ALL SUITE HOTEL, ZAKYNTHOS.
ARCHITECTURE: BLOCK722
STYLE: CONTEMPORARY MEDITERRANEAN MINIMALISM
YEAR: 2018
COUNTRY: GREECE
Greek island hotels have a tendency to rely on whitewashed walls, blue shutters and the occasional strategically placed bougainvillaea. Olea All Suite Hotel, tucked into a hillside among olive trees on Zakynthos, has decided to take a slightly different approach. Here, water does much of the architectural work, and the result is rather more interesting than another postcard-perfect interpretation of the Mediterranean.
Designed by Athens-based practice Block722, the hotel is arranged around an expansive network of pools that weave between low-rise buildings, terraces and planted courtyards. The architecture follows the natural contours of the landscape, with simple geometric volumes, shaded walkways and carefully framed views creating a sense of openness without sacrificing privacy. The distinction between building and landscape becomes pleasantly difficult to identify.
Inside, the material palette is deliberately restrained. Pale plaster, natural timber, stone and woven textures establish a warm, tactile atmosphere, while generous glazing allows light and water to become part of the interiors. The suites favour quiet proportions and thoughtful details over unnecessary decoration. Some open directly onto the pools, making the usual journey from bedroom to swimming pool almost comically effortless.
Beyond the water, mature olive trees and Mediterranean planting soften the architecture, connecting the property to its surroundings. Restaurants, terraces and shaded outdoor spaces encourage a slower rhythm, although one suspects that the real attraction is simply finding a comfortable spot and watching the reflections move across the walls.
