Minos Beach Art Hotel
Minos Beach Art Hotel
Photography & art direction: Edvinas Bruzas
Location: Crete, Greece
Commissioned by bluegr Hotels & Resorts
A glorious assembly of waterfront bungalows and gardens stretch across 2.5 kilometers of coastline, enabling you to connect with the island as the locals do, experience a wealth of art in its many forms, and nourish yourself on authentic Cretan food and wine. A landscape of sand, rocks, greenery, and trees is peppered with whitewashed bungalows, villas, and terraces that look to the sea. Drawing inspiration from the traditional architectural style of the fishing villages of Eastern Crete that surround the hotel, the architects wanted Minos to be in physical and conceptual harmony with the island. Low-lying villas and bungalows don’t distract the eye from the natural horizons that are comprised of the sea, the beaches, and the inland hills. Together, it all comprises the first truly luxury hotel in Crete.
“Artwork inspired by natural surroundings and the island’s heritage has been especially created for the hotel and its garden. Much of the G. & A. Mamidakis Foundation art collection is found in the hotel and its Open Art Air Museum, while muted colors, tactile fabrics, natural woods, and the occasional artifact from a bygone era keep things minimalistic, inside and out. Sound and nature also play a key role in the design: Trickling water sooths the mind and a lonely piano invites the creative flourish of a passerby. Award-winning chef Giannis Baxevanis oversees the culinary program, drawing upon a handful of trusted local suppliers. Much of the produce used in the three restaurants, four bars, and kafenio (traditional coffee shop) are sourced from trusted local suppliers in and around Agios Nicolaos, including the majority of the wines that come from area vineyards and wineries. Guests have an abundance of options for great Greek and Cretan cuisine and inspired drink, from a pool bar or seafront wine bar to al fresco dining and a more formal fine dining experience at La Bouillabaisse.”
— Gina Mamidakis for Design Hotels