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Hotelier, restaurateur and former fashion executive Aby Saltiel is the co-owner and visionary behind Kalesma, a design-focused, soulful sanctuary set atop a hill overlooking Ornos Bay in Mykonos. Born and raised in Thessaloniki, Greece, Aby grew up spending summers in Mykonos, and that familial warmth is what sets Kalesma apart (Aby can often be found welcoming guests and having dinner with new friends at the restaurant, and he's based on-property all season). Here, he shares his guide to the “real” side of the island, including the places to eat and explore off the beaten path.
Indagare Intel: Kalesma has just added a holistic spa for the summer season, featuring a sauna, hammam and cold plunge; a fitness studio with personal trainers; two treatment rooms; and an exclusive Dr. Barbara Sturm skincare menu. Plus, stay tuned for more news about an exciting expansion to the property (at a more approachable price point), coming next year. Kalesma has availability through the summer for last-minute Greece getaways—email info@indagare.com to inquire!
There is an energy there. I get to work in a place that is magic.
AS: I traveled all year round, all over the world, for my work in fashion, and I was always critical of hotels (and obsessed with design and service), so I wanted to create an environment that would be up to my satisfaction. Aesthetics have always been a part of my life—in clothes, art and the environments I place myself in (showrooms, stores and homes)—so the idea was to create a hotel that felt like an extension of my home, but pulling ideas and notes from all of my experiences around the globe, together with the talent of local artisans and chefs, to create a truly authentic Greek experience with a level of service unparalleled in the Cyclades.
AS: The vibe—It has been there since I can remember (the first time was in 1971!). People from all around the world come to Mykonos because it is a unique place that can satisfy all tastes.
AS: Yes, the island is misunderstood. Most people think of it as a party island, but it is so much more. I know so many families that spend every summer on this island, including mine. That is the reason there are so many homes on the island. (And, interestingly, the majority of the most valuable homes are owned by women today—since historically, the estates that were higher up, where the farmland is, were passed on to sons, and the "less productive" land on the water was given to daughters.) In Mykonos you can have anything you want, 24/7. You can go to the most chic beach with a Louis Vuitton boutique a few feet away or take your towel and some water and walk to a deserted beach. The whole island is about choice, which is something you cannot really find anywhere else.
AS: Serenity in the middle of craziness.
AS: Sitting at the bar with my coffee watching the sunrise.
AS: Not surprised but impressed—The view as you walk out of the lobby. From the same spot, you can watch the sun rise in the morning with a coffee, and then watch it set in the evening with a cocktail. We look upon the island of Delos—the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, in Greek mythology, and it's one of the most sunlit places in the world.
EXPLORE THE HOTEL
Just two miles from the heart of Mykonos, overlooking the peaceful Ornos Bay, Kalesma is a boutique resort that feels utterly cool and fresh—thanks to architecture by K-Studio and interiors by Greek designer Vangelis Bonios. It gives a taste of the Mykonos scene, without being in the center of it. With only 25 suites (each with their own personal pool and terrace) and two 2,600-square-foot villas, Kalesma invites the romantic, family or social traveler. The resort concept radiates the full warmth of Greek hospitality across its five acres of hillside grounds, through such traditions as family-style dinners and sunset dance parties at the panoramic restaurant Pere Ubu. Wake up every morning to the smell of lavender, honeysuckle and freshly baked horiatiko bread (there’s a brick oven on property, manned by a local breadmaker).
Explore the Indagare Guide to Mykonos, Greece—with expert advice on where to stay, eat, shop and more. For personalized, full-service assistance with custom itinerary planning, contact your Indagare Trip Designer or Indagare, if you are not yet a member, to get started.
Published onApril 11, 2024
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