Voices of Select Green Hotels: Conversations with the people shaping sustainable hospitality.
Everyone who arrives at ALERÓ Seaside Skyros Resort mentions the same thing: it feels like being in a summer house where you can walk barefoot almost anywhere. Every detail, crafted by sisters Alexandra and Iro Gkrimpizi, has been designed as if it were a place for themselves — somewhere where the tranquility of the surroundings and the aesthetics play a vital role.
Each of the 12 suites with their own private pool is decorated with works by artists who passed through, found inspiration in the place, and created pieces especially for it. The finer details — such as a printed map that guests use during their stay and take home with them afterwards — are a testament to how everything at ALERÓ is designed to pamper you and make you feel at home on the island of Skyros.
“When we created ALERÓ it was done instinctively, to make it feel like our home.”
1. This is a women-owned hotel and a family business. What’s the story behind it?
Alexandra: We are not originally from Skyros, but we fell in love with this place. My sister Iro and I run it, and our mother helps us, and our father does too, from a distance.
Iro: We’ve travelled to a lot of islands. We appreciate every island’s distinct character, but this place is very special. We were not previously owners of anything or businesspeople, so when we created ALERÓ it was done instinctively, to make it feel like our home. We built it the way we would build our own summer home.
2. You are open from May to October. How do you combine managing ALERÓ Seaside Skyros Resort with what you do during the rest of the year?
Alexandra: I am a yoga instructor, and we have a wellness philosophy that extends to our food. We now run a Pilates retreat twice a year and have returning customers who come just for that. This year we might also offer regular yoga classes at the hotel
3. What are some sustainability actions you have recently implemented, or are planning to implement?
Iro: The whole operation of the hotel is built on sustainability. From the very beginning, we did everything that was within our hands. We have our own sewage system. We have implemented many water-saving measures. We have water desalination. We have our own well for cooking. We have solar panels. The restaurant was built following Greek green protocols, and all the machinery used is low consumption. To be honest, the only thing we’re not satisfied with is recycling, but the new mayor is taking big steps towards improving it. We are also looking into food composting as our next step.
4. You are a member of Friends of the Skyrian Horse, an organization that protects a rare horse breed that has inhabited the island of Skyros for more than 2,000 years. How can guests get involved?
Iro: The organization is really trying to keep the breed intact because there has been a lot of crossbreeding. They work closely with universities for research. We help them with fundraising and encourage guests to book a visit — it is by appointment — to go and see them.
5. If a guest had only one full day at ALERÓ, how would you suggest they experience the place, the people, and the landscape?
Alexandra: Guests could start with our amazing breakfast at our restaurant, under one of the big trees we have, and then head to our beach, which almost feels like a private beach as it is so serene and quiet. Have a walk and head to Magazia beach, a big sandy beach very close to the hotel. Iro: While in the Magazia area, one should visit Ftoulis’ ceramic workshop where they will find Skyrian ceramic art at its finest. Skyros is very famous for its lobster and not meaning to brag we do make the best lobster pasta that our guests could enjoy in the rooftop accompanied by the view of our beach, Agios Ermolaos little chapel, Kohylas mountain, Chora and the hotel. Later, they could enjoy the pink skies either in the privacy of their small pools or the sunbeds at our beach.
6. A series of paintings and collages are displayed throughout the hotel and can be purchased by guests. Who are the artists, and why did you choose them?
Iro: We are from Thessaloniki, the second biggest city in Greece. There is a really vibrant art scene there, but unfortunately the artists don’t get a lot of exposure. Being from there and loving art, we wanted to promote our artists a little. We started with two artists and did a collaboration. One is an architect and an artist, and the other is a painter. They created works especially for the hotel — large paintings for the rooms — and collages were used for fundraising for the Friends of the Skyrian Horse. Then we had a photographer named Sophia who came and photographed during the Carnival festival. We are closed at that time of year because it is always very windy. We are now looking to run some pottery workshops, possibly this year if everything goes well, and the next collaboration would be with a potter.
7. Any other future plans that you would like to share with our audience?
Alexandra: We would love to add six more suites by the sea and three on the other side. That way, we could complete the big project we always had in mind. And, because we love wellness, maybe an outdoor gym too. We keep planning and dreaming!
ALERÓ Seaside Skyros Resort – In Short
8. Your favorite spot in or around the hotel?
Iro: I could easily picture myself on the new terrace, sitting on a low chair in the very corner where you have a view of the mountain, the beach, and Agios Ermolaos, a little island with a small chapel.
Alexandra: For me it’s the big trees that we have in our restaurant.
9. A detail most guests overlook, but you care about deeply
Iro: Preserving those trees that Alexandra mentioned was not easy. It was something we didn’t imagine would make such an impact.
Alexandra: Another surprise for us was the small pools. At the beginning, we thought they wouldn’t make much of a difference, but guests really enjoy them because of the privacy they offer and the possibility of being there with their children, for those who come as a family.
10. Your favorite hour of the day to spend at the beach
Alexandra: Early afternoon — although I never actually have the time to go then!
Iro: She just stole my answer.
Want to know more about the owners of another Select Green Hotel member located in a lesser-known spot on a Greek island? Read our interview with Costas and Nikos Antimisaris from Stamna Sifnos.
