MANNA is a minimalist mountain retreat located in Arcadia, Greece, designed by K-Studio in collaboration with Monogon Office of Architecture. This 32-room luxury hotel occupies a landmarked sanatorium constructed between 1927 and 1929 at 1,200 meters altitude, demonstrating how historically preserved buildings can transition from medical facilities to contemporary hospitality through renovation approaches that balance archaeological accuracy with modern functionality. The project required close collaboration with archaeological authorities and extensive archival research to trace original architectural intentions while creating viable twenty-first-century hotel operations.
The building’s Central European design characteristics, atypical for interwar Greek architecture, provided distinctive formal language that K-Studio preserved through extensive limestone, wood, and mosaic flooring conservation paired with newly introduced locally sourced stone and terrazzo. Chestnut panels throughout create material continuity while bespoke furnishings designed specifically for MANNA ensure contemporary comfort standards. The renovation maintained original high ceilings and metal details including ornate iron doors while introducing plush textiles and robust fireplaces that transform institutional spaces into intimate hospitality environments.
The 32 individually designed guestrooms including six suites establish light, airy qualities through preserved ceiling heights complemented by balconies and terraces offering mountain views. Terrazzo and marble flooring with brushed timber patterns combine with artwork by Greek painter Nikos Kanoglou, Belgian painter Joanna Burtenshaw, and French sculptor Diane Alexandre. Lighting design by Eleftheria Deko, who created the acclaimed Acropolis lighting, establishes natural ambiance while bathrooms feature rain showers with sustainable amenities and copper soaking tubs in suites.
The ground-floor restaurant under chef Athinagoras Kostakos emphasizes seasonal menus using Arcadian produce including regional dairy, cold cuts, and meat, following farm-to-table approaches that connect hospitality operations to surrounding agricultural landscape. The lower-level wellness hub provides two treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor saunas, gym facilities, and cave-like pool with skylights creating atmospheric bathing conditions.
Landscape architect Elli Pangalou’s gardens include hillside lounge areas overlooking lily ponds with fireplace spaces for gathering or meditation, while wooden decks equipped with loungers facilitate day and night outdoor experiences. These exterior spaces extend the building’s usable area while connecting guests directly to virgin fir forest and mountain environment.
Sustainability initiatives include geothermal heat pump installations sourcing heating and cooling requirements, single-use plastic elimination throughout the property, wood replacement for plastic materials including keycards and gym equipment, and robust recycling programs. The organic Greek herb-based MYRRO amenities dispensers and filtered water in glass jugs eliminate plastic bottle waste while supporting local small-scale farm suppliers for restaurant operations.
