The Sun Beach Allsun Hotel, designed by Tsikandilakis Lefteris + Architects, concerns the expansion and total redesign of the existing hotel complex in Crete, Greece. With the large-scale addition of rooms and common areas, the proposal upgrades the resort into a 5* unit, redefining the concept of luxury design through comfort, wellbeing, and contemporary hospitality architecture.
The central design idea focuses on dynamic integration into the environment. The wings containing the rooms are inscribed on organic curves, allowing unrestricted views towards the sea, the greenery, and the pool, while simultaneously ensuring privacy. The existing buildings are incorporated into the new composition, adapted and redefined to align with the fresh identity of the resort.
The hotel is developed into nine buildings, including two existing ones. The interiors are distinguished by their unique character and dynamic design. At the heart of the reception area, a circular atrium enriched with water, plants, and sand becomes a striking centerpiece, creating an immersive arrival experience.
Beyond the reception, the common areas include dining facilities, wellness and spa zones, sports and recreation areas, and multiple swimming pools for both public and private use. The central swimming pool, nearly 1,000 sq.m. in size, flows with the organic lines of the architecture and features a planted island at its center, blurring boundaries between natural and built space.
Mediterranean plants, an olive grove to the south of the site, and a herb garden enrich the landscape design, complemented by rough coatings, local stone, wood, colors, and textures. Together, these elements evoke the identity of Crete and create powerful sensory experiences rooted in place and human scale.
The dialogue with nature, the fluid relationship between interior and exterior, the sense of community, and the interplay of light and shadow revive memories of Greece and deliver a unique emotional experience. This project exemplifies the philosophy of our architecture office in Greece, where hotel design and interior design unite to shape spaces that celebrate both landscape and hospitality.
Team:
Architects: Tsikandilakis Lefteris + Architects
3d rendering: Boava estudio
