ARCHITECTURE
Dexamenes Hotel: A Luxury Destination with a Rich History
Article
Dexamenes
Writer
Yana Karnaukhova
Dexamenes Hotel is a luxury destination in Greece with a rich history dating back to the “currant era”. The hotel was originally built to load ships with wine directly from the tanks before sailing to foreign markets. Today, it stands as an example of how abandoned industrial structures can be transformed into a place of tranquility, comfort, and relaxation. The design of the hotel features a complementary palette of concrete, steel, wood, and engineering glass that ensures new building elements act softly, leaving existing buildings relatively untouched and maintaining their strong presence. Upon entering the reception area, guests will feel the weight of history in the surrounding concrete buildings and artfully exposed ruins, but the chic minimalist boutique and central courtyard will lift their spirits with their light-filled spaces.
Dominating the site are two concrete blocks, each of which is divided into rows of ten wine storage tanks transformed into hotel rooms with bathrooms and shaded patios. The rooms with tanks in the courtyard are identical in their ergonomic layout, and original elements, such as hatches and pipes on the facade of each tank, as well as patina on the inner surfaces of the walls, were preserved. The internal layout of the pools with sea views makes the most of their direct connection to the beach. In addition to the tank halls, their pavilions, and the courtyard garden, the two original stone wings have been carefully rebuilt to provide the hotel with its own restaurants and event spaces. The tavern has an open kitchen with a shared dining table for wine tastings and cooking classes, as well as an outdoor dining terrace where guests can enjoy dishes made from local products throughout the day. Opposite the terrace and the kitchen is a large cultural building, fully equipped for artistic events of various scales, such as exhibitions, workshops, or lectures.
“Today, the hotel stands as a stunning example of how to transform abandoned industrial structures into a place of tranquility, comfort, and relaxation.”
The hotel constantly hosts a program of art events where local artists present performances, installations, and exhibitions throughout the summer season. Guests can also enjoy a wide range of activities, including water sports, yoga, and cycling. The hotel offers a variety of wellness treatments and massages to help guests unwind and relax. The rooms at the Dexamenes Hotel are designed to provide maximum comfort and relaxation. Each room is equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The rooms are decorated with minimalist furnishings and soft lighting to create a calming and peaceful atmosphere. If you’re looking for a unique and luxurious vacation experience, the Dexamenes Hotel is the perfect destination. Book your stay today and experience the beauty and tranquility of this one-of-a-kind hotel.
Dexamenes Hotel is a hotel with a rich history dating back to the “currant era” in Greece. In the 19th century, currants were the main export product of Greece, and the area where the hotel is located was a center for the production of this sweet fruit. However, when the currant trade collapsed in 1910, the first wineries and distilleries were created, and the Dexamenes Hotel was built to load ships with wine directly from the tanks before sailing to foreign markets. The hotel’s location on the seashore made it easy to transport wine from the tanks to the ships, and the hotel quickly became one of the most important centers of the wine industry in the region. However, over time, the hotel became obsolete, and the buildings fell into disrepair. In recent years, the hotel has been transformed into a luxury destination that combines the rich history of Greece with modern amenities and design. The existing buildings have been preserved, and new building elements complement their brutality with elegant elements. The design of the hotel includes a complementary palette of concrete, steel, wood, and engineering glass that ensures new building elements act softly, leaving existing buildings relatively untouched and maintaining their strong presence.
“Dexamenes Hotel offers a unique experience that combines the rich history of Greece with modern amenities and design.”
The design of the Dexamenes Hotel is a stunning example of how abandoned industrial structures can be transformed into a place of tranquility, comfort, and relaxation. The hotel’s existing buildings have been preserved, and new building elements have been added in a way that complements their brutality with elegant elements. Upon entering the reception area, guests will feel the weight of history in the surrounding concrete buildings and artfully exposed ruins. But, the chic minimalist boutique and central courtyard will lift their spirits with their light-filled spaces. Dominating the site are two concrete blocks, each of which is divided into rows of ten wine storage tanks transformed into hotel rooms with bathrooms and shaded patios. The rooms with tanks in the courtyard are identical in their ergonomic layout, and original elements, such as hatches and pipes on the facade of each tank, as well as patina on the inner surfaces of the walls, were preserved. The space between the two blocks has been transformed from an industrial dump into a meditative courtyard garden with a shallow pool that reflects light and provides a cool breeze on hot days. The impressive steel barrels that give the hotel its distinctive logo have been carefully preserved and stand proudly in the water. For those seeking a more cultural experience, Casa Cook El Gouna offers a variety of tours and excursions to nearby historical sites, such as Luxor and Aswan. These tours allow guests to explore the ancient temples and tombs of the Pharaohs, as well as experience the vibrant and colorful culture of modern-day Egypt. One of the hallmarks of Casa Cook El Gouna is its outstanding service and hospitality. The hotel’s staff is known for their warm and friendly demeanor, as well as their attention to detail and personalized service.
From the moment guests arrive, they are greeted with a warm welcome and offered a refreshing drink to help them unwind and settle in. Throughout their stay, guests can rely on the hotel’s staff to provide them with anything they need, whether it’s a recommendation for a local restaurant or a special request for their room. Casa Cook El Gouna is a destination that truly has it all – from its stunning design and luxurious amenities to its serene location and authentic cultural experiences. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo retreat, this unique hotel is the perfect destination for the discerning traveler who wants to indulge in the best of both worlds – a bohemian oasis that offers the ultimate in comfort and luxury.