Interview with Konstantinos Alexopoulos, Executive Chairman, DHR Hospitality
Originally published in Energizing Greece – September 1, 2026
“From the Cyclades to Semio Collection: A New Chapter for DHR Hospitality”
Semio Collection: A new chapter in authentic Cycladic hospitality:
EG: Mr Alexopoulos, the opening of your hotel in Kea, alongside your presence in Milos, marks a particularly creative expansion of the Group into the Cycladic landscape. What was the vision behind this strategic decision, and what does this new era represent for the Group?
Our presence in the Cyclades is a natural evolution of our Group’s journey, which spans more than six decades in Greek hospitality and approximately 25 years of development of Domotel Hotels & Resorts. From our first hotel in 1964 to the present day, every new step has been guided by the same philosophy: to invest in destinations with a strong identity, highlighting their authentic character through high-level services and modern management.
Our hotels in Milos and Kea are not simply two new additions to our portfolio. They express our strategic choice to diversify beyond the Domotel model, beginning with two authentic Cycladic destinations and offering experiences that combine understated luxury, local authenticity and a deep connection with place. They mark the starting point of the Semio Collection, the Group’s new hotel collection, which will include selected boutique resorts with refined aesthetics, a strong personality and an authentic connection to their destination.
The creation of the Semio Collection strategically strengthens and broadens the DHR Hospitality portfolio, drawing on Domotel’s many years of experience and strong heritage. Our aim is to continue investing in and evolving Domotel, maintaining its leading role in urban hotels, which remain a key pillar of our identity, while at the same time expanding our presence in the premium and luxury leisure hospitality market through the Semio Collection. A new brand designed for smaller-scale destinations and travellers seeking authentic, personalised experiences that are meaningfully connected to place.
For us, this expansion marks a new phase of maturity for the Group. We are preserving the values that have consistently defined Domotel, while broadening our footprint through a more specialised hospitality proposition. We are pursuing consistent, long-term growth, creating value for our guests, our partners, our people and the local communities in which we operate.
The choice and extraordinary beauty of the landscapes:
EG: Kea and Milos are two islands blessed with landscapes of unique natural beauty, captivating light and an almost magnetic energy. What was it about these two destinations that won you over, and how does the distinctive identity of each island engage with the Group’s overall philosophy?
The choice of Kea and Milos is part of a conscious strategy of seeking destinations with a strong identity and a distinctive narrative. As a Group, we aim to invest in places that have their own history, their own rhythm and an authenticity that cannot be replicated.
Kea offers unique strategic value. Its proximity to Athens, the main gateway for international visitors, provides the full Cycladic experience with immediate accessibility, without losing its calm, refined and effortless character. It is an island for travellers seeking quality, privacy and a meaningful connection with the destination.
Milos, on the other hand, captivates through its unique geomorphology. Its volcanic terrain, naturally sculpted coastline and ever-changing scenery create an almost cinematic setting that inspires awe and leaves a powerful imprint on the visitor’s memory. It is a destination that impresses not only through its beauty, but through its uniqueness.
This is precisely what we are looking for. We are not interested in developing hotels that could be anywhere in the world. We want each property to express the spirit of the place where it is located, tell its own story and offer an experience that cannot be replicated. We believe that contemporary luxury is not defined by excess, but by authenticity, a sense of place and the ability to create memories that are meaningfully connected to the destination.
Semio Kea: The new identity of Domotel Kea:
EG: Focusing on your new hotel in Kea, what are the architectural and experiential elements that define its character? How does the hotel become integrated into the wild, sculptural landscape of Tzia while offering guests a sense of refined, “effortless” luxury from the very first moment?
Domotel Kea was designed around one fundamental principle: not to impose itself on the landscape, but to become an organic part of it. Its architecture follows the clean lines of Cycladic aesthetics, using natural materials, earthy tones and open spaces that allow the light and the sea to take centre stage. Our aim was to create an environment in which luxury is expressed through discretion and tranquillity, without unnecessary excess.
The guest experience begins from the moment of arrival. Suites and rooms with private plunge pools, uninterrupted views of the Aegean and a restaurant with a terrace that appears to float above the sea create an environment that invites guests to slow down and connect with the destination.
Beyond the architectural features, however, what we consider truly important is the feeling the hotel leaves behind. We did not seek to create yet another luxury resort, but a space that engages with Kea’s natural terrain and highlights its distinctive character. For us, true luxury lies in a sense of place and in the quality of the experience. This is also the element we aspire to define our overall presence in the Cyclades.
Semio Milos: From Golden Milos Beach House to a new hotel identity:
EG: On the other hand, Milos has one of the most impressive and otherworldly landscapes in the Mediterranean. How are the island’s distinctive geomorphology, volcanic colours and sea breeze incorporated into the hotel’s hospitality and design?
Milos is a destination that does not win you over through beauty alone; it captivates you through its character. It is an island shaped by the power of the volcano and the wind, creating a unique geological landscape, intense variations in colour and scenes that are difficult to find anywhere else in the Mediterranean. This wild, almost sculptural beauty is what inspired us most.
Golden Milos Beach House is located in Provatas, on the southern side of the island, in a setting completely different from the northern coastline. Here, the bay is naturally sheltered, while the winds crossing the Aegean continually clear the air, creating a rare clarity of light. The sea takes on the feeling of a crystal-clear lagoon, with calm, transparent waters that constantly shift in colour throughout the day. It is a landscape that radiates tranquillity without losing any of the strength and authenticity that define Milos.
We wanted the hotel to function as a natural extension of this environment. The architecture, materials, textures and colour palette draw inspiration from the island’s earth, stone and light, while also reflecting its rich cultural heritage and allowing the landscape itself to take centre stage. We do not seek to compete with nature; we aim to enhance it and create an environment in which guests feel they are in complete harmony with the place.
This is also our philosophy overall. We believe hotels should not alter the identity of a destination, but interpret it with respect. When architecture, design and hospitality engage with the natural landscape, they create an experience that is not simply luxurious, but truly authentic.
Gastronomy with a local soul:
EG: Gastronomy has now become a central pillar of the travel experience. How is the culinary richness of the Cyclades translated into the restaurants of the two hotels, and how do local ingredients and traditions evolve into contemporary, high-level culinary propositions?
For us, gastronomy is not a supplementary hotel service, but an integral part of the hospitality experience and of discovering a destination. We believe that a visitor truly gets to know a place not only through its landscape and architecture, but also through the flavours, aromas and people behind every ingredient.
At Domotel Kea, this philosophy is expressed through Salt House, with Dimitris Katrivesis as Executive Chef. His creative approach, based on the philosophy of coastal fire cooking, highlights the value of simplicity and exceptional ingredients, using fire as a means of enhancing — rather than altering — natural flavours. At the same time, the zero-kilometre approach places the products of Kea, the Cyclades and the Aegean at the centre, creating cuisine that is authentic, seasonal and deeply connected to place.
The same philosophy runs through the entire culinary experience, from breakfast to dinner. Breakfast draws inspiration from local production, with handmade wood-fired bread, local cheeses, thyme honey, seasonal flavours and products from Kea, capturing the philosophy of slow living from the very first moments of the day. At the same time, the Greek table is reimagined through a sharing approach, as many dishes are designed to be shared, highlighting a deeply Greek tradition: food as an opportunity for communication, togetherness and the creation of memories.
At Golden Milos Beach House, the culinary experience takes different forms, following the island’s relaxed yet refined rhythm. Milisio is the gastronomic heart of the hotel, offering a contemporary interpretation of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, where seasonality, local ingredients and Milos’ culinary heritage meet creative techniques and modern presentation. The wood-fired oven is at the heart of the experience, giving a distinctive character from breakfast, where traditional kayanas and omelettes are cooked over the fire, while later in the day it hosts handmade pies, reintroducing a deep Greek culinary tradition in a contemporary way. The experience is completed by a carefully curated selection of Greek and international wines, as well as signature and low-ABV cocktails that perfectly complement the relaxed atmosphere by the sea.
At the same time, Salty Goat expresses a different, more effortless side of our hospitality. With a barefoot luxury philosophy, it offers a relaxed all-day beach experience, with fresh freddo bowls, handmade focaccia and balanced choices that highlight a contemporary, health-conscious approach to Mediterranean cuisine, without compromising on flavour and enjoyment.
This is our overall aim: for every culinary offering to have its own personality and to be a natural extension of the destination where it is located. We are not interested in reproducing international standards or homogeneous experiences. Through local ingredients, culinary traditions and contemporary creativity, we want to tell the story of each place. Because we believe that the Greek table is not only about flavours, but above all about the people who gather around it.
Wellbeing and holistic rejuvenation:
EG: How is the concept of wellbeing evolving as you expand your presence into new destinations, and how do you plan to incorporate local nature and ways of life even more deeply into the wellness experiences you offer?
We believe that today wellbeing is not limited to a spa treatment or an hour of exercise. It is an overall experience that allows guests to disconnect from everyday life, slow down and reconnect with themselves, nature and the place they are visiting.
This is also the philosophy that guides the Semio Collection. Our aim is to offer comprehensive experiences that nurture wellbeing in every dimension — physical, mental and emotional. For this reason, we have developed an activity programme with the contribution of specialised Wellness Curators, who curate experiences that unfold naturally within the rhythm of the island: from yoga sessions and holistic wellness treatments to open-air cinema evenings, tastings and selected cultural activities that bring guests closer to the destination and to themselves within it.
At Domotel Kea, the Wellness Beach House approaches wellbeing through personalised treatments tailored to each guest’s needs. Therapeutic and relaxing massages, osteopathic techniques, reflexology, sound healing and specially designed wellness rituals create a holistic experience in which physical care is combined with deeper emotional release, the restoration of balance and a sense of inner calm, drawing on the energy of the sea — an experience that is literally “on the beach”.
At Golden Milos Beach House, our wellness offering is based on a personalised approach, adapted to the needs of each guest. Through experiences such as the Solo Retreat and Fascia Yoga, guests have the opportunity to reconnect with their body and themselves through movement, breath and mindfulness. It is a holistic experience that creates the space and time for personal release, inner balance and a deeper connection with the island’s natural environment.
We also place particular importance on music, because we believe it is an integral part of the experience throughout the day. We created Semio Radio Station in collaboration with internationally experienced Music Curator Riri Papatsaroucha, based in Sifnos, who curates the musical identity of the Semio Collection, inspired by the light, sounds and life of the Cyclades.
For us, wellbeing is not an isolated service; it is the way in which one experiences and connects with a destination. This is why every experience we design serves as a starting point for exploring Kea and Milos, as well as the other destinations we will approach, encouraging guests to discover their natural landscape, gastronomy, local culture and people. We do not want our hotels to be an isolated world, but the starting point for a meaningful introduction to the destination.
This is also the vision of the Semio Collection: to create experiences that engage all the senses, have a strong sense of place and transform hospitality into an authentic connection with the destination through a range of diverse and carefully curated experiences. Because we believe that the greatest form of rejuvenation is to return from a journey having not only discovered a new place, but having experienced both it and oneself in harmony with its rhythm.
The aura of the properties and emotional connection:
EG: Beyond high-specification facilities, what often defines a stay is the “aura” of a space. How do you cultivate this distinctive atmosphere in your hotels so that guests feel an authentic emotional connection with the landscape and your people?
We believe that the true identity of a hotel is not captured only in its architecture or services, but primarily in the emotion it creates in the guest. It is that subtle yet essential element that transforms a stay into an experience that remains in the memory.
For us, sense of place is the fundamental principle behind every new venture. We do not seek to create spaces that could be anywhere in the world. Instead, we want every hotel to tell the story of the place that hosts it and to be a natural extension of its landscape, architecture, culture and way of life.
This philosophy is reflected at every level of the experience. From the selection of natural materials, handmade ceramics, carefully chosen lighting and objects created by artists and makers, to textures, scents, music and the way each space is illuminated, nothing is accidental. Every detail forms part of a unified narrative, designed with absolute attention to detail, so that guests feel they are experiencing something authentic rather than a standardised luxury environment.
Our people are equally important. The hospitality we seek to offer is not formal or distant; it is warm, discreet and sincere. We want every guest to feel that we are welcoming them as if we were opening the doors of our own home, creating a relationship of trust and familiarity that makes the difference.
This is also our interpretation of barefoot luxury. A form of luxury that does not seek to impress, but to soothe. It is not expressed through excess, but through the quality, discretion and care with which every moment of the experience has been designed.
At the end of the day, we believe that the most valuable element a hotel can offer is not only an impeccable stay, but the emotional connection it creates with the destination. When a guest leaves taking with them not only beautiful images, but also the feeling that they genuinely experienced the destination, we know that we have achieved the true purpose of hospitality.
The lasting imprint of hospitality:
EG: As guests complete their stay at Domotel Kea or Golden Milos Beach House and begin their journey home, what is the feeling or memory you would like the traveller to keep alive?
We would like guests to return home with the feeling that they did not simply stay at a beautiful hotel, but that they truly got to know the place. That they moved to the rhythm of Kea or Milos, tasted the local flavours, connected with the landscape, the people and the small moments that make a destination unique.
This is precisely the philosophy of the Semio Collection. It was not created as yet another hotel collection, but as a collection of experiences with a strong sense of place, where each hotel has its own personality, its own story and a meaningful relationship with the destination that hosts it. Kea and Milos are the first chapter of this journey, expressing two different sides of the Greek summer, united by a common denominator of authenticity, effortless elegance and thoughtful hospitality.
We believe that contemporary luxury is not measured in square metres or amenities. It is measured in the memories it creates, in the emotional connection with a place and in the guest’s desire to return. If, when leaving Kea or Milos, guests feel that they have left behind a small piece of themselves and taken with them a piece of the island’s soul, then we will know that we have achieved our purpose.
This is, after all, the imprint the Semio Collection aspires to leave: not simply beautiful stays, but experiences with character, authenticity and lasting impact that remain alive in the memory long after the journey has ended.
Hospitality Excellence: The identity of the Group’s brands:
EG: In the highly competitive world of luxury hospitality, the term “Hospitality Excellence” is often used. How do you define excellence across your Group, and what are the fundamental characteristics that deliver this experience both in the new Cycladic properties and across your portfolio as a whole?
For us, Hospitality Excellence is not a goal achieved through a hotel’s facilities or amenities. It is a philosophy that runs through every aspect of the guest experience and is reflected in the way we design, operate and evolve all the Group’s brands.
Excellence in hospitality begins with our people. It is the genuine willingness to serve, consistency, discretion and the ability to anticipate a guest’s needs before they are even expressed. This culture is the foundation on which we built Domotel over more than 25 years and remains unchanged in every new venture.
At the same time, we believe that each brand must have its own clear identity. Domotel Hotels & Resorts continues to express authentic Greek hospitality through hotels that are landmarks in the country’s urban and established destinations. The Semio Collection, on the other hand, was created to express a new approach to luxury boutique hospitality, with small-scale hotels, a strong sense of place, personalised experiences and a deep connection with the destination.
What unites all the Group’s brands are the same fundamental values: authenticity, quality, aesthetics, attention to detail, sustainability and, above all, a human approach to hospitality. We believe that true luxury does not lie in excess, but in the feeling that every detail has been thoughtfully designed and that every experience is unique because it reflects the character of the place and its people.
This is what Hospitality Excellence truly means to us: creating hotels with distinct personalities, but a shared philosophy. Hotels that do not simply seek to meet guests’ expectations, but to build a relationship of trust and an emotion that lasts far beyond the duration of their stay.
Sustainability and sustainable growth:
EG: Today’s traveller has increasingly high expectations regarding the environmental and social responsibility of hotels. How is the Group responding to this challenge, and through which practices do you seek to protect and highlight the fragile beauty of the natural landscapes of Kea and Milos?
For us, sustainability is not an isolated initiative or a response to contemporary market demands. It is a strategic commitment that runs through the Group’s entire activity and is a fundamental pillar of our development path.
ESG principles are now the common denominator of all our investment and operational decisions, shaping the way we design, operate and evolve every hotel in the Group. We believe that the hospitality of the future must create value not only for the guest, but also for the destination, local communities, our people and future generations.
This philosophy is also reflected in the Semio Collection. We select small-scale hotels that integrate naturally into the landscape and highlight the unique identity of each destination, with respect for its natural, architectural and cultural heritage. We believe that true luxury is not in conflict with nature; on the contrary, it must respect, protect and enhance it.
At the same time, our commitment is reflected in the daily operation of our hotels. We invest in reducing food waste through better procurement and production planning, responsible management of natural resources, energy and water efficiency, as well as the gradual adoption of circular-economy practices. We also place particular emphasis on working with local producers, suppliers and makers, strengthening the local economy, reducing the environmental footprint of transportation and offering guests an authentic experience based on the products and traditions of each place.
For us, sustainable development is not a destination but a continuous process of evolution. Success does not mean only growing our portfolio, but also our ability to leave a positive imprint on every destination where we operate. We want our hotels to be an active part of local communities and to contribute to preserving the authenticity that makes Kea, Milos and all our destinations truly distinctive. Because we believe that hospitality acquires real value when that value is lasting and benefits many.
ADVANCING GREEK TOURISM FROM GROWTH TO MEANINGFUL VALUE
