AKARA | Karpathos
Akara stands as the premier destination in Karpathos, seamlessly blending the charm of an authentic Karpathian home with contemporary luxury. Situated to offer panoramic views of the main town, Pigadia, as well as the unexplored side of the island, the hotel immerses guests in local culture through modern-traditional touches that evoke a sense of heritage and comfort.
What we did for this project:
Typology study
Concept Development
Design & Operational Briefs
Branding & Implementation
Location
Karpathos
Expected
To be announced
Official Website
Hotel Synopsis
The below text is a full description of the new, under development property, giving all the details regarding the hotel's story, concept, operation, and experiences, that will provide to its guests
Akâra is not simply a hotel. It is a contemporary ode to the authentic life of Karpathos—its rituals, its generosity, its raw and resilient beauty. Nestled in a panoramic spot above the main town of Pigadia, Akâra invites guests to experience the island as locals would: slowly, soulfully, and surrounded by nature.
Designed as a modern Karpathian home, every element of Akâra whispers stories of the island’s heritage. From handcrafted wood and woven textiles to dishes that taste like childhood memories, the essence of place is woven into every corner. Here, hospitality is warm and spontaneous, like an impromptu feast in a village square.
Whether you wake up to the scent of sage and bread, swim in your private pool overlooking the mountain, or join a Karpathian cooking session under the stars, Akâra becomes your own version of home—one that is deeply connected to the land and lovingly curated to be remembered.
Hotel Typology
The first stage of our Services, which includes the Research & the Typology Study, helped the Hotel Owners take their final decisions regarding the hotel's Typology (type of property, room types, grounds, etc) and its main Features and Facilities, aiming to increase the hotel's ADR as well as its sales potentials from its various departments and services.
Hotel Grounds
Reception Lounge
Main Restaurant
Pool Bar
Spa Area
Active Zone
Room Types
Double Room with Balcony
Junior Suites with Private Pool
Open Plan Suites with Private Pool
One-Bedroom Suite with Private Pool
Signature Suite with Private Pool
Windmill Villas with Private Pool
Your Karpathian home, reimagined.
Hotel Concept Development
The next stage was the development of the hotel's concept, which included the narrative as well as all the specifications of all the experience and operation elements that will make the new property stand out from its competition.
Sources of Inspiration
The island architecture, folk art, and traditions of Karpathos,
The mountainous and rocky landscape that defines its character,
The deep meaning that the idea of “home” held for its people.
Signature Experiences
Karpathian Cooking-Together Sessions
Hotel Branding & Implementation
At the final stage of the new hotel's specification, we created an initial branding as well as its indicative applications and implementations, in order to give a fuller idea of the new hospitality product.
Name Description
The name Akâra derives from a combination of concepts that express the tradition, cultural identity, and geographical relevance of the area. The main reason for choosing this name is that the entire view from the hill where the hotel is located is known to the local community by this name.
At the same time, the name is connected to the local church of Agia Kara, which was formerly situated on a hill near the hotel. Its feast — the Ascension — also marks the beginning of summer, giving Akâra a spiritual and seasonal dimension, linking the hospitality experience to the start of a new, radiant season.
Moreover, Akâra draws inspiration from the word “kanakará” — a unique term from Karpathos that describes the beloved daughter of the household, the person raised with care, affection, and special significance. This symbolism is directly reflected in the guest experience, where visitors are treated not merely as customers, but as honored guests, surrounded by care and embraced as part of the “family” of the place.
Logo Description
The Akâra logo expresses the brand’s identity with clarity and a cultural background. It combines three main visual elements: a geometric pattern, a windmill symbol, and a typographic wordmark with a clean presence.
The upper pattern is inspired by Karpathian textiles and ceramics, organized in a triangular layout reminiscent of a roof. It conveys traditional craftsmanship, the structure of the home, and the symmetrical order of local architecture. The use of an abstract windmill — a characteristic element of the island as well as of the property itself — serves as a symbol of energy, simplicity, and cultural continuity. Its rotating blades enhance the sense of flow and connect the natural landscape with the brand’s identity.
The typographic part of the logo is simple and balanced, with gentle curves that echo the architectural calm of the hotel. The letter “â” at the center of the word functions as a distinctive identity element, adding the character of a roof and serving as an aesthetic reminder of the curve that reappears in the interior design of the spaces.
Implementation Examples
Project Partners
For the completion of the project, Destsetters collaborates with the Architectural and Design teams, in the context of the thorough application of the concept to the overall experience, the correct specification of the anticipated operational needs, and the new hotel's commercial potentials. The Architectural & Design teams are selected by the investors/project owners and play an active part in the overall decisions regarding the development of the new property.
List of Partners
To be announced