Set on the Peloponnesian peninsula, right on Koutoura beach, Dexamenes is an architecturally award-winning hotel that has been transformed from a former 1920s industrial winery into a standout seaside retreat.
Boasting stunning surroundings filled with sunflowers, watermelon fields, olive groves, vineyards, and citrus trees, this tranquil spot is the ideal place to unwind, in between visits to nearby archaeological sites, wineries, and historical sites.
Dexamenes is about an hour from Patras city, right next to the town of Amaliada, allowing easy access to the Unesco World Heritage-listed Ancient Olympia – the birthplace of the Olympic Games, as well as the nearby forested mountains of Elis.
Athens’ leading architectural firm, K-Studio, has received a range of accolades for this project that was carried out with the utmost respect for the authentic property’s industrial heritage; and has just been shortlisted for the 2022 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award.
Materials used throughout the space include terrazzo, concrete, birch-faced ply, and black steel; and although it is modern and minimalist in design, it is nonetheless warm and inviting. Most popular with locals, guests are able to make the most of the sandy beach, which is only footsteps away, before coming back and enjoying a private dinner, art installations, live music performances, and of course wine-tasting.
What makes this place even more unique is the experience of sleeping inside old wine tanks, which have been minimally retouched with steel, engineered glass, timber, and a clean-lined aesthetic. Many of the rooms offer uninterrupted views of the Ionian Sea, while others have views of two huge, weathered tanks and a feature pool. Each has a canopied outdoor area for plenty of R & R, and bathrooms are luxuriously appointed, with showers and textured glass walls. There is also a private villa in a neo-classical style overlooking the Aegean Sea; it features two suites, a room with bunk beds as well as a kitchen- perfect for those with children, or if you are looking at a longer stay.
Dexamenes also boasts a laid-back courtyard, unique yoga space for stretching or meditation, bar-lounge with over 100 wines to choose from, a taverna offering Greek cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, a history room with details of the authentic surroundings, and a boutique “Bakaliko” store selling local produce to take home after your stay. Local artists also regularly curate exhibitions and installations in the gallery, where you will find handmade ceramics and jewellery pieces, all designed and crafted by local artisans and available in the small gift shop.
Dexamenes Seaside Hotel | Images by Claus Brechenmacher & Reiner Bauman © | K-Studio