Numo Hotels & Resorts, a new Greece-based hospitality company, has debuted Numo Ierapetra, its first project—a modern, adult-friendly, seaside resort that showcases a unique part of southern Crete.
Each of the 132 rooms and suites has its own private swimming pool, placed in a cozy terrace, surrounded by mature gardens. The property is located on a secluded beach dotted with tamarisk trees, sunbeds and cabanas. The hotel’s swimming pool, nestled within a 32,000-square-foot bar and restaurant area, is expected to be the heart of the resort.
Spyros Kouris, managing director and partner at Numo Hotels & Resorts, said on the project: “We see ourselves as the ambassadors of the destinations we operate in. Our goal is to reinvent unique locations by forming strong bonds with their respective communities and showcasing the best they have to offer.”
A Barefoot Luxury Approach
A “bohemian sophistication inspired by nature” was the main idea behind Numo’s design, according to the press release. Seventeen low-rise guestroom buildings cascade toward the beach. The rooms range from cozy to super-spacious suites.
Earthy, natural finishes complement the surrounding landscape with light gray tones and gentle greens inspired by the tamarisk trees adorning the area. The furniture is relaxed and versatile, with tactile materials and soft fabrics. Arranged on the terraces are round beds for lounging on cool gray slate decking, while low chaise lounges are a great way to spend lazy afternoons under the olive trees.
Cretan Flavors
Numo’s cuisine highlights local produce through a farm-to-table approach and is helmed by Konstantina Voulgari, a San Pellegrino Young Chef of the Year finalist. She has been trained at the Michelin-starred Auberge de l’Ile.
The restaurant Menoa specializes in contemporary Cretan fare with an emphasis on fine meats, as well as in the traditional meze/deli Kafenè, where guests can savor and purchase delicacies from local producers. As for Tamarisk, the main restaurant, diners can lounge on the laidback furniture and enjoy the open cooking stations. Its highlight is the degustation menu, a Greek ode to fresh seafood. Voulgari is also overseeing the creation of a bio herb garden that will be the centerpiece of a communal eating experience involving cooking workshops and various tastings.
Bordering the beach and main restaurant, the Marè Marè bar offers signature cocktails with liquor distilled with Cretan herbs.
Sustainability and Community Connections
To be a responsible part of the local ecosystem, Numo will adhere to various energy-saving protocols. It aims to be 100 percent plastic-free by 2022 and will recycle most of the waste produced. Its bars will implement a low-waste program, with plans to become zero-waste by next season. The majority of the produce will be locally sourced from small farms, closing the loop between consumer and producer and minimizing CO2 emissions.
The sustainability angle is also inherent in all design choices. Tired, old wardrobes and headboards were upcycled, reassembled and revarnished to fit in with the resort’s fresh and airy aesthetic, while bedside tables and all the old timber structures of the outdoor areas were reconditioned.
Always looking for more ways to give back to nature, Numo will also hold donations and educational programs about wildlife in collaboration with ANIMA, Greece’s most prominent wildlife care and rehabilitation non-profit association.
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