Seaside wine storage facility in Greece turned sleek, contemporary beach hotel
Dexamenes / Kourouta / Greece
I first heard of Dexamenes from Moncole magazine (one of my main sources for hotel inspiration) and felt a strong urge to book a trip to Greece immediately. And we did. And we were not disappointed. It is a good three hour drive from Athens to the west coast of the Peloponnese. Directly upon arrival we were offered a glass of bubbly which in my book is always the best way to welcome guests to a hotel.
Dexamenes is an old wine plant dating back to the 1930:s. It stood deserted for many years until a local entrepreneur saw the potential of the place and started the drastic transformation into a design hotel. If possible, I recommend to book a room with sea view. It was such a treat waking up in the morning, opening up the glass doors, going back into bed and just stay there and watch the sea before we took the 40 steps down to the beach for a morning swim.
The architecture of Dexamenes is all about lines and geometry. I think this is such a cool entrance that combines the old original wall with the new structure.
I love how you can glimpse the sea through the hotel. It kind of draws you in.
This is what will greet you when you walk through the reception area. Talk about an amazing welcome.
I love that they have kept two wine cisterns in the court yard of the hotel. Me looking like a happy camper…
…and this is the view from when I was inside the cistern. It is M, ready to snap a photo of me walking casually through the opening.
Grey concrete and blue sky in perfect harmony.
I think this is my favorite view at Dexamenes. How tempting doesn’t the sea look?
The patches of wild grass softens the look and feel of the beach front rooms.
The design of our room connected with the industrial heritage of the site. Manages to feel both hard and soft at the same time. Love myself a good contrast.
The two old wine cisterns pop up as design features in different places in the hotel. Like in the bathroom mirrors in our room. Very clever!
The view from the bed. It was magical to lay in bed in the morning, open the floor to ceiling windows and to let the fresh air to fill the room and to hear the crashing of the waves.
Our sea front room in the golden hour.
Loved to just walk around the hotel and take it all in from as many different angles as possible.
I am a huge fan of good hotel shops. Like this one.
The bar of the hotel is a perfect place for a pre-dinner aperitif. M enjoying the last rays of sun
The courtyard is very angular and grey which is a great contrast to the clear blue sea.
The restaurant where you eat al fresco under the stars.
M on the nearby Paralia Voidokilias beach. Well worth the drive if you want a change of scenery.
Paralia Voidokilias beach is waiting for you!
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…want to stay right by the sea, on a beautiful sandy beach but want to avoid feeling like a sardine sandwiched between other beach lovers. And if you don’t want to compromise on design just to be close to the sea, this is your place.
My favorite thing about this place is…
…the architecture. Even though it is a brutalist, concrete building it somehow blends into the surroundings. And isn’t it the best feeling ever to walk barefoot on warm concrete.
What not to miss when staying here…
There is a beautiful beach a short drive south along the coast called Paralia Voidokilias, that is well worth the journey if you want a change of scenery.
If you like this place you might also like…
Timber Cove Resort, Jenner, CA, USA
Zoomers, Castricum-aan-Zee, Netherlands
Furillen, Lärbro, Gotland, Sweden
