Island Indulgence: Luxurious New Points Resort Coming to Idyllic Greek Isle in 2023
Island Indulgence: Luxurious New Points Resort Coming to Idyllic Greek Isle in 2023 - New Luxury Resort Bringing Sophisticated Style to Lesser-Known Greek Island
The idyllic Greek island of Kimolos, located in the Cyclades island group, has largely remained under the radar of most travelers. But that's about to change with the highly anticipated 2023 opening of the new W Resort. The island, known for its dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and sleepy fishing villages, will soon become home to a stylish luxury resort experience brought to you by one of the world's leading lifestyle hotel brands.
While better-known neighbors like Santorini and Mykonos attract hordes of tourists each summer, Kimolos has retained its low-key charm. Its stunning beaches are unspoiled, archaeological sites uncrowded. The island moves at a slow pace, with residents keeping old traditions alive through celebrations, customs, and cuisine. But Kimolos is ready for its time in the spotlight.
The new W Resort, built into the island's distinctive limestone cliffs, promises to bring a sophisticated style while respecting Kimolos' natural beauty. Architecturally, the resort blends into the cliffs with neutral tones and curved lines emulating the island's famous grottos. Interiors by Athens-based specialists bring the textures and colors of Kimolos indoors through hand-crafted items and custom-designed furniture.
Guest experiences will be tailored and personalized, from couples' spa treatments to family sailing adventures. At the world-class AWAY Spa, ancient Greek healing meets modern wellness incorporating local botanicals. Farm-to-table dining will showcase the island's freshest seafood and produce.
Eco-friendly features like solar panels and sustainable water systems aim to preserve Kimolos' precious natural resources. Guests can explore the island through guided cultural excursions, yachting, scuba diving or simply relaxing on a secluded beach.
Island Indulgence: Luxurious New Points Resort Coming to Idyllic Greek Isle in 2023 - Resort Promises Bespoke Experiences Tailored to Guests' Interests
One of the most exciting aspects of the new W Resort on Kimolos is the promise of bespoke, personalized experiences tailored to each guest. On an island known for its sleepy charm, the resort aims to create connections between visitors and locals that offer a true taste of island life.
According to the W’s mission statement, no two guests will have the same experience. Upon arrival, you’ll sit down with your host to discuss your particular interests and travel style. Do you love sampling local cuisine? Exploring culture and history? Trying new adventures? Based on your preferences, your hosts will craft an itinerary of exclusive experiences to make your stay unforgettable.
For food and wine connoisseurs, the options are endless. Visit small family wineries and cheesemakers to sample their wares over leisurely conversations. Tour secluded groves of ancient olive trees before enjoying a private lunch under the shady boughs. Learn traditional recipes during hands-on cooking classes in local homes, then dine on your creations as the sun sets over the caldera.
History buffs can arrange private tours of lesser-known archaeological sites with expert guides ready to share their extensive knowledge. Or delve into the island’s fascinating myths and legends on a hike to an ancient temple hidden among the rocks. Custom sightseeing excursions by yacht allow you to experience Kimolos’ dramatic cliffs and secluded beaches at your own pace, away from crowds.
For families, kid-friendly sailing trips and beach adventures offer the chance to sea kayak, snorkel, and swim in crystalline coves. Parents can relax at the spa knowing children are happily occupied at the fully-supervised kids club with activities like treasure hunts, crafts, and movie nights under the stars. Teens will love learning to windsurf and having epic boat days with new friends.
Couples can charter a private yacht to explore deserted island beaches before indulging in relaxing massages upon return. Adventure seekers might choose cliff diving lessons and paddling excursions to discover hidden caves. Hiking and biking trails cater to all levels, winding through olive groves and along the coast. Or simply spend quality time soaking up the views from your private pool and terrace.
Island Indulgence: Luxurious New Points Resort Coming to Idyllic Greek Isle in 2023 - Architecture Inspired by Island's Distinctive Limestone Cliffs and Grottos
The architecture of the new W Resort Kimolos takes its inspiration from the island's distinctive topography of limestone cliffs and sea-carved grottos. Blending into the landscape through neutral tones and curves, the resort aims to highlight rather than compete with Kimolos' natural beauty.
According to lead architect Nikos Katergaris, "Our vision was to create a property that feels like an extension of Kimolos itself - using natural textures, shapes and colors native to the island." To achieve this, local limestone, known as kimolian earth, comprises the primary building material. The soft white stone matches the color palette of the island's cliffs and grounds the resort aesthetically in its environment.
Inside, custom-crafted furniture and handmade decor continue the theme. Smooth stone surfaces mimic the grottos' weathered interiors. Natural fibers and textiles reference the island's terrain and traditional crafts. Katergaris explains, "We wanted to transport the essence of Kimolos into the interior spaces." This creates an immersive experience for guests steeped in a sense of place.
While inspired by the island, the resort remains uniquely modern in its expression. Clean architectural lines lend a refined minimalism. technology integrates subtly but seamlessly, from solar roof panels to infinity edge pools that blur boundaries between indoors and out. Says Katergaris, "We're evoking the timeless beauty of Kimolos through a contemporary, understated luxury lens."
The W's signature Away Spa exemplifies this vision. Treatment rooms feature heated stone beds and waterfall showers that engender the restorative ambience of the island's grottos. Products utilize indigenous herbs, grapes, and olives. Says spa director Andrea Nikolaou, "We've created an environment where people can connect intimately with the restorative power of nature - the philosophy behind Kimolos' healing culture."
Island Indulgence: Luxurious New Points Resort Coming to Idyllic Greek Isle in 2023 - World-Class Spa and Wellness Offerings Draw on Ancient Greek Healing Traditions
The AWAY Spa at W Resort Kimolos draws deep inspiration from the island's history as a healing destination. Ancient Greeks considered the tranquil setting ideal for restoration and contemplation. Today, guests can experience time-honored therapies utilizing the island's indigenous plants and minerals.
Treatments incorporate locally harvested herbs like sage, thyme, and St. John’s wort, known for their healing properties since antiquity. Essential oils distilled from Kimolos’ native herbs and flowers evoke the landscapes where they grow. cooling aloe, harvested fresh from the hotel's gardens, soothes sun-kissed skin.
Thermal bathing rituals provide the meditative tranquility of the island's sea-carved grottos. Alternating hot and cold plunge pools overlooking the caldera mimic bathing traditions dating back thousands of years. Experiential showers feature water falling like rain, recreating the atmosphere of tumbling cliffs.
The spa's architecture maximizes nature's restorative energies. Open-air yoga studios bring practices outdoors, surrounded by sea and sky. Treatment rooms incorporate the healing resonance of the island's stones through heated benches and massage tables of local limestone.
Holistic therapies guide guests to a place of deep calm. Sound healing uses Tibetan singing bowls tuned to restorative frequencies. Reflexology stimulates healing points on the feet corresponding to organs and glands. Reiki harnesses the universal life force for balance and harmony.
Nutrition and movement wellness reflect the island's Mediterranean culture. Olive oil therapies moisturize skin while imparting antioxidants. Cooking classes teach guests recipes from Kimolos’ long-lived elders using anti-inflammatory ingredients like wild greens, garlic, and olive oil. Hiking tours incorporate mindful walking, breathing, and meditation.
Island Indulgence: Luxurious New Points Resort Coming to Idyllic Greek Isle in 2023 - Farm-to-Table Dining Showcases Fresh Local Seafood and Produce
The farm-to-table dining experience at the W Resort Kimolos provides guests a quintessential taste of island cuisine using the freshest local ingredients. Menus Reflect the Bounty of Land and Sea
The culinary program sources primarily from the island’s small farms, vineyards, olive groves, and fishing boats. This allows the resort’s restaurants to serve ingredients at their seasonal peak of flavor and nutritional value. Menus shift throughout the year to highlight Kimolos’ seasonal bounty.
In the hot summer months, tables overflow with sun-ripened produce like juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sweet watermelon. Local vineyards provide indigenous grapes like the aromatic Athiri, to be enjoyed fresh or as part of the resort’s house-made wine list.
As autumn sets in, kitchens showcase heartier fare such as slow-roasted lamb with wild mountain herbs. Olive oil pressed from the island’s ancient groves forms the basis for silky dressings and sauce.
Tour an olive press to find out how Kimolos’ liquid gold gets from tree to bottle. Visit a local winery to taste vintages straight from the barrel, paired with handmade cheese under the vines.
At the small fishing port, chat with the captains and crew as they unpack the overnight catch. Taste sashimi so fresh it still glistens, paired with ouzo from the shops that line the water.
Island Indulgence: Luxurious New Points Resort Coming to Idyllic Greek Isle in 2023 - Eco-Friendly Features Include Solar Panels, Water Conservation Systems
The remote island setting of the new W Resort Kimolos presents unique opportunities and challenges when it comes to implementing eco-friendly systems. The luxury property aims to tread lightly, utilizing green building features and sustainable operations that reduce environmental impact. This allows guests to indulge in the island’s beauty without compromising its future.
Solar panels comprise one key renewable energy source, converting the island’s abundant sunlight into electricity. Supplemented by battery storage, the system aims to meet 80% of the resort’s energy needs, reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based utilities. Panels integrate subtly into roofing and other structures, maintaining the hotel’s sleek aesthetic.
Water conservation is also a high priority in the resort’s eco-design. Kimolos is prone to drought, making fresh water a precious resource. Ultra high-efficiency fixtures reduce consumption in guest rooms and common areas. Smart irrigation systems water outdoor plants only as needed based on weather data. Special filters allow recycled gray water from sinks and showers to supply toilets and irrigation.
The infinity pools even do their part, with heat exchange mechanisms capturing energy from water flowing to drains and redirecting it to heat incoming fresh water. This significantly cuts pool heating costs and energy use.
Low-flow native landscaping selected for the grounds thrives on natural rainfall, eliminating the need for additional irrigation. Hardy indigenous species are accustomed to the arid environment, resisting disease and requiring less maintenance.
Food waste generated by the resort’s restaurants gets processed on-site then utilized as compost to fertilize gardens. This reduces the need for chemical fertilizers while completing the lifecycle of organic matter. Excess food is donated to community organizations, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
The eco-design also maximizes opportunities for alternative transportation around the island once guests leave the resort grounds. A fleet of electric vehicles stationed around the island allows for easy rental, reducing reliance on gas-powered rental cars. Well-marked nature trails facilitate hiking and biking to area attractions.
Island Indulgence: Luxurious New Points Resort Coming to Idyllic Greek Isle in 2023 - Activities Range from Cultural Excursions to Yachting, Scuba Diving and More
The remote tranquility of Kimolos belies the myriad activities and adventures to be discovered on and around the island. Guests of the new W Resort can fill their days with as much or as little activity as they desire, perfectly blending luxurious relaxation with once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
For culture lovers, guided excursions unlock the island’s long history and traditions. Archaeologists lead hikes to newly excavated ruins from ancient settlements. gain insight into daily life thousands of years ago. Visit the Byzantine-era Chozoviotissa monastery to admire frescoes dating back to the 8th century. Attend an olive harvest or wine grape crush, learning tried-and-true techniques from Kimolos elders.
On an excursion to neighboring Polyaigos island, challenge your limits with a skillfully guided rock climbing ascent up the imposing cliff face. Take in 360 degree views of the Aegean from the summit. After working up an appetite, dig into a beach picnic of local delicacies.
The protected waters surrounding Kimolos create ideal conditions for sailing adventures. Chart a course across the caldera to visit iconic Santorini. Try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking along the coastline, then snorkel vibrant reefs. Luxurious catamarans stand ready to whisk you and your group away for a private cruise. Stop in secluded coves for swimming and sunbathing before enjoying cocktails aboard at sunset.
Scuba diving opportunities abound for all certification levels. Beginners can complete their PADI certification dives under the guidance of skilled instructors. Experienced divers will marvel at Kimolos’ sponge-covered reefs and intriguing cavern systems with local dive outfitters. Night dives reveal macro marine life rarely seen in daylight hours. After an early morning boat trip offshore, divers may surface to find breakfast waiting on the beach.
For those seeking pure relaxation, each day can be as slow-paced as desired. Lounge by the cliffside pools and private cabanas. Book an aromatherapy massage in your seaside suite. Sip cocktails at the swim-up bar between dips in the infinity-edge pool. Unwind in the villa’s personal jacuzzi while soaking in sweeping caldera views.
When the mood strikes, borrow one of the resort’s luxury yachts for an afternoon spin around the island. Stop in the charming Old Port village for an extended lunch of fresh-caught grilled fish. Kids will love scrambling over unique geological formations at Skala beach. Watch the sunset from the deck on your return trip - a perfect ending to an idyllic island day.