Journal
Summer is here
31 May 2016
Can you remember my stay at the San Giorgio Hotel in Mykonos two years ago? The bohemian paradise designed by Michael Schickinger and Annabell Kutucu? Well, they worked on a brand new hotel called Casa Cook on another Greek island called Rhodes. I flew to the island last week to discover the beautiful hotel – and Rhodes.
Casa Cook is the new concept of Thomas Cook, one of the biggest travel companies in Europe. I spoke to Remo Masala, chief marketing officer of Thomas Cook and the man behind the idea of Casa Cook. Masala worked at designhotels.com for years and wanted to create a stylish adult-only getaway for travellers that didn’t have the budget of San Giorgio in Mykonos, but wanted to stay in a bohemian paradise as well, a place where they can recharge the batteries. Not for weeks, but for a few days. They decided to not opt for a location directly on the beach, but for a resort nestled in between the mountains. It’s a stunning backdrop: the white Midcentury-modern resort against the rough mountains with sheep on it. Reminded me of the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs.
You can find the bohemian atmosphere in every corner: butterfly chairs, hammocks and printed pillows. There are four different room types. All of them are pretty, but I would go for the suite with your own private pool or the premium veranda double standard. The double standard room is fine too. Every room has its own veranda with a private loungebed and access to the shared swimming pool. In the room I love the pillows and plaids on the bed, the Paola Navone inspired chairs and the hammock.
There’s a communal pool as well – and you can always find a lounge bed because a lot of people choose to chill at their own veranda. The food in the restaurant is delicious with a capital D. Fresh and typical Greek food like Tzatziki, Feta salads, Moussaka, stuffed tomatoes and peppers, baklava and much more. The breakfast is amazing for people who love to start the day with a fresh juice, oatmeal and fruit and also for the ones who love eggs, bread and tea/coffee. There’s a fitness center, and you can follow yoga lessons all day. I did one at 7.30am and it’s the perfect start of the day!
Check out: casacook.com
