Thatched roofs, oak wood materials, smooth interior surfaces and bamboo contrast make these tropical-modernist cube structures forming the Olea All Suite Hotel on the island of Zakynthos, Greece. Designed by Athens and Stockholm-based architecture practice Block722architects+, the firm created a unique, luxury suite hotel to escape summers. 

Called Olea All Suite Hotel, the hotel houses 93 suites revolving around a 4,000-square-meter man-made lake that makes water seemingly flows endlessly throughout the resort.

Water was considered as the basic element of Olea and the island-like clusters of tropical-modernist cube structures are designed in between this water piece. 

Perched organically on an evergreen hill in Tsilivi, sheltered from the winds and merging with the emerald colors of the lush natural landscape, the Olea All Suite Hotel is a contemporary, peaceful retreat; a design-led sanctuary that taps into the ever-present element of water.

The suite hotel contains communal areas under skylights, hidden gardens, and age-old olive trees—with many suites also boasting private pools and views of the sea.

For environmental sustainability, the architects used thatched roofing for some communal areas. The earth-colored tones and smooth interior surfaces are the essence of this hotel that show the hotel in smooth transition. 

"The complete absence of boundaries between the resort's suites and the communal spaces cultivates a unique sense of freedom and mindfulness resembling the deep state of relaxation one feels when floating," said the studio.

"Keeping up with the mindfulness, nature and relaxation aspects, Olea All Suite Hotel puts a big emphasis on wellness. Guests can rejuvenate at the Wellness Spa & Relaxation area."

The architects used natural materials such as oak wood, bamboo, and rattan to characterize the furnishings and interior design elements, contrasting the cool geometric form and smooth interior surfaces of the buildings. "On the terraces and outdoor spaces, statement pieces of lounge furniture overlook the resort’s waterways and the sea, inviting guests to sit back and take in the island from a unique perspective."

The 5-star hotel - just 10 minutes from zakynthos town and airport - includes 3 restaurants offering exquisite culinary options and including greek and mediterranean dishes.

Image © Nikos Kontostavlakis

Site plan. Image © Block722architects+

All images © Claus Brechenmacher - Reiner Baumann Photography unless otherwise stated.

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