Architecture in it's built form is the art of construction. Once architecture is applied on the Cycladic landscape, it has to adapt and respond to this unique environment, traditions and history, in order to envelop and shelter human activity.
The hotel complex was first built in 2000 and several renovations, extensions and transformations have occurred to this day. Each intervention aimed to solve different issues of the operation of the settlement at the time. This ongoing three-year total reformation of the hotel, (completed in April 2025) started as an attempt to rethink the initial concept of the place and the reason of its uniqueness. Aim of the project was to bring together all the different faces of hotel, result of years of different construction works, needs and approaches, and turn them into one holistic unified entity with a distinct identity.
The result was the articulation of communal and private areas, lookout and planted spaces, swimming and relaxation zones, in which human activity can shelter, protected from the sun and wind. After all, the locals refer to Mykonos as 'the island of the winds' due to the strong winds that blow all year round, so it was crucially important that the design addressed wisely the elements of sun and wind.
The main concept of the design approach was to attempt to recreate the image of rock formations scattered around the island, as well as the protective atmosphere of a cave. Afterall, the name Rocabella, means “beautiful stone” in Italian and honors the lovely stones that were originally part of its setting. The labyrinthine structure of the existing complex formed an ideal stepping stone for the cave-like setting to flourish. Organic cement surfaces surround spaces, accompanied by natural elements such as marble, wood and fabrics to complete the composition. The actual design of spaces follows simple, primal forms, so that all focus is oriented towards the sea and Mykonos town, as well as the islands of Delos and Rhenia right in front.
One crucial addition to the hotel was the Rocabella Villa. The Villa follows the overall design principle of the hotel and becomes a hideout where someone can enjoy fully the amenities of the hotel, while feel completely secluded. It's open plan living area by the private pool facing Mykonos town, is in a harmonious juxtaposition with the cave-like bedrooms.
Rocabella Mykonos is a quiet retreat where guests can tone down, focus on the surrounding setting, the perpetual moment of the sea, the changing colors of the sun, the sound of the wind, the reflections on the water and the brightness of the white washed walls. Once the guest experiences these conditions and immerses himself into this particular setting, can eventually introspect and begin a self reflection journey. The project's aim is to form a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the Mykonian summer lifestyle and set the tone for a more serene and authentic Cycladic experience.
