INTRODUCING KALESMA, MYKONOS
December 16thORNOS BAY, MYKONOS
Set to elevate the desirable island of Mykonos to new heights, Kalesma is a brand new 25 suite and two villa luxury hotel, opening 1 June 2020.
‘Kalesma’, meaning ‘inviting’ in Greek, is perfectly suited to the ethos of this boutique, privately-owned property. The whitewashed, beautifully designed collection of houses have been created to resemble a charming Mykonian village, tumbling down a slope to Ornos Bay, just a short walk from the beach. The look and feel of a traditional village is deliberate, as Kalesma is all about making guests feel at home and encouraging a neighbourhood vibe, enhanced by weekly intimate dinners. Inspired by Cycladic architecture, combining tradition with contemporary elements, Kalesma is a design aficionados dream – offering sleek and minimalist interiors using locally-sourced materials, evident at every turn. Spectacular sea views are promised from every part of the hotel and its location is truly unique, with guests being able to see the sunrise and sunset from the same spot.
CYCLADIC CUISINE
Created by the Greek owners of acclaimed Athens restaurants, Pere, Ubu and Sea Spice, Kalesma will feature a modern destination restaurant, leading the food scene on the island. Greek cooking is imbedded within the DNA of Kalesma and the offering focuses on food for the soul. The hotel’s restaurant, PERE UBU, will focus on seasonal and local produce, and will come complete with a wood fired oven which will be used to bake a daily selection of fresh homemade bread. PERE UBU overlooks the hotel’s spectacular infinity pool and is the social hub of the hotel, offering a laid-back atmosphere during the day with chilled summer music, delicious small plates and light lunches. By night, it transforms into a sophisticated eatery, serving simple, elegant dishes showcasing the local produce alongside innovative cocktails keeping guests fuelled into the early hours. The owners are genuinely passionate about hospitality and aim to bring people together through food, hosting weekly intimate dinners at PERE UBU. The restaurant is open to hotel residences and island visitors alike, however the hosted dinners will be exclusively for Kalesma guests. The Sunset Lounge is the ideal spot to watch the sun disappear behind the sea and a perfect place to end the evening with a nightcap.
INFORMAL ISLAND LIVING
Kalesma’s accommodation is in the form of suites andvillas and is the only hotel in Mykonos where all accommodation comes with its own private heated pool. Each room also comes with unobstructed sea views and private terraces, complete with sun loungers that catch the breeze from the Aegean. All accommodation features original artwork and expansive bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs and an outdoor shower on a private patio. Guests of Kalesma can arrange in-room spa treatments, private yoga and Pilates, as well as personal training sessions. Kalesma’s outstanding location provides 360 vistas of the bay below, providing guests with the unique opportunity to enjoy both sunrise and the legendary sunsets from the same spot.
The hotel’s 25 suites are generous in size at 680 sq. ft with 970 sq. ft terraces and can sleep up to three adults or two adults and two children. Kalesma is also home to two spectacular, earth coloured private villas, one with two bedrooms and one with three. Ideal for entertaining or family holidays, both feature an open plan living room with cosy sofas, dining area and a fully equipped kitchen with pre-stocked food and wine fridges. A personal chef is available to villa guests if they wish to organise an intimate gathering or romantic meal on their terrace. Villas also come with their own fitness rooms complete with Technogym equipment. A stay in one of these private villas combines self-contained serviced residences, with access to exceptional hotel facilities and each will have a dedicated Villa Manager on call to coordinate guests stays.
INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN
The architecture has been exclusively designed by distinguished Greek design company K-studio, responsible for high-end Greek restaurant OPSO in London and the brand new Mykonos Airport. K-studio takes a holistic approach and their work pays homage to the skill and craft of traditional Greek architecture. With a fierce sense of pride in its heritage of craftsmanship, this new generation design studio takes elements of Greece and puts them into a contemporary context. Interiors are by Vangelis Bonios, behind Kalesma’s sister restaurants Athenian hotspots Pere, Ubu and Sea Spice. Bonios’ style is sophisticated and modern yet timeless, utilising pure and tactile materials. His approach prioritises comfort and attention to detail. Both the architecture and interiors of Kalesma were inspired by the laid-back glamour of Mykonos, with its whitewashed walls, a neutral and earthy colour palette, traditional elements of a Greek villa and bougainvillea filled archways.
AUTHENTIC MYKONOS EXPERIENCES
Kalesma prides itself on providing guests with exclusive access to lesser-known hotspots, within the sought-after destination of Mykonos. The bustling Mykonos town, covered with bougainvillea, is situated just 3km away. The hotel team has a deep-rooted connection with the island and Private Experience Concierges are on hand to help guests discover the islands hidden gems including local eateries, exclusive boutiques and picture-perfect tiny churches. They can also arrange trips to some the island’s 25 beaches – from the hottest beach clubs to wide stretches of golden sand and secluded swimming caves, known only to the hotel’s private tenders. Private yacht charters and helicopter transfers are also available upon request for those who wish to truly push the boat out and experience the island from a different perspective.
HOW: Rates in a Suite at Kalesma will start from €1,200 per night on a bed and breakfast basis while Villas are from €3,500
Several airlines fly direct from major UK cities to Mykonos International Airport in 3 hours 30 minutes. Kalesma is located in Ornos Bay, a 15-minute drive from the airport.
Stay tuned…