Interaction with nature is the asset, in the island of metal mines. Serifos: Odysseus and Perseus, Cyclopes lived in its caves
Coco-Mat hotel in Serifos
In a previous life, Coco-Mat Eco Residences Serifos was a complex of miners’ houses, built in 1910, which has been recently renovated, respectful of both the local traditional architecture and contemporary eco-friendly practices. Coco-Mat Eco Residences hotel is located on Vagia beach.
The decision to create it had nothing to do with a financial investment, but mostly, as Mr. Maltezos explains to us, a desire to escape from the hard reality of a big crowded city, such as Athens, and seeing in Serifos a window for this purpose.
Serifos occupies a part of Greek mythology. Its name pays tribute to two heroes of the mythology, Odysseus and Perseus. Further, it is also said that the Cyclops lived in its caves. It is the island of metal mines since mythology times turned to exile location during roman times. It is still part of those places which preserve a greek aura which talks of past and looks to the future.
There is still authenticity in Serifos. You can find sixty virgin beaches. The location is two-and-a-half hours from Athens, making it also quite easy to reach. The so-called Iron Lady of the Aegean is intriguing and inviting at the same time.
Lampoon review: the idea behind Coco-Mat eco luxury concept
The idea of eco luxury is indeed what the customer is looking for today. It is such an aspect when creating a hotel experience since guests today know better than ever how each of their movements has an impact on the nature and surrounding.
Preferring eco-friendly properties, places that respect the environment and harmonise with what is around them, is therefore not an added value, but a necessity in order to create, especially when you pick off and unspoiled locations.
Following this philosophy at its core, Coco-Mat Eco Residences Serifos is bioclimatic, meaning that the ground simulates buildings temperature. Many other eco-friendly policies, such as recycling, energy saving and the elimination of single use plastic bottles of water, shampoo and others also apply to the residence.
Communicating with the surrounding nature and getting an answer back is also what moves Mr. Maltezos. «We receive positive energy from the beach and the ground. The sound of the waves work as a lullaby during the night, which is inspirational for us and guests».
The architectural structure
From a construction point of view, the architectural structure talks of Greece from every angle. The typical local Cycladic architecture style characterizes the residences. The re-use of recycled or antique-like material was respected in every decision.
Coco-Mat Eco Residences was indeed a complex of miner’s houses, built in 1910. The renovation took place with respect to the miners and the initial style constructions. Rust, instead of being discarded or covered works as a decoration item in the building, expressing the charm of simplicity as part of the structure.
Residences offer ocean view apartments, split between two levels. They provide one or two bedrooms, a lounge and kitchen area. Coco-Mat sleep systems – a natural mattress filling technique which includes natural material like goose down, natural rubber or pure virgin wool – characterize them for the ultimate relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Culinary experience
Moving to the culinary experience, the menus are totally based on the Mediterranean cuisine. Every day fresh fishes, meats and vegetables from local producers are selected. In the breakfast buffet, guests will find handmade bread, pies, typical Greek flavors, that the chefs prepare early in the morning. The motto health more than wealth lead the hotel’s direction to make a conscious effort to provide as healthier food as possible.
«I often wonder what the evolution of resorts in off locations like Serifos will potentially look like in the next few years, and maybe perhaps modify». Mr. Maltezos assures me, saying that today what matters lies only in authenticity. Interaction with nature becomes an asset when booking a holiday. It is also a lot about space. People are looking for a place to live during their stay and not an average room that provides only sleep.
Coco-Mat Serifos
Vagia Beach, Serifos 840 05, Greece
Coco-Mat is a design-led eco-friendly hotel located on a remote Serifos beach. This converted nineteenth century miner’s house offers views over the Aegean sea to rival those of any of its more famous island counterparts
