Tranquil haven emerges from historic roots in Greek forest

In a remarkable transformation, the historic Manna Sanatorium in Arcadia, southern Greece, has been revitalized into a luxurious forest hotel by Greek architecture offices K-Studio and Monogon.

Originally constructed in the 1920s to provide a healing environment for tuberculosis patients, the iconic structure has now become the Manna Hotel, offering a five-star wellness retreat in the heart of nature.

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The Manna Hotel, situated within the enchanting fir forest on Mount Mainalo, the tallest peak in the region, boasts 32 rooms adorned with natural materials and soothing neutral tones. This boutique hotel goes beyond traditional accommodation, featuring state-of-the-art gym and spa facilities, along with a restaurant that emphasizes locally sourced produce.

Athens-based K-Studio envisioned a design that would magnify the sanctuary of the remote location and strengthen the connection with nature. The goal was to honor the building’s history while creating a year-round destination. Stratis Batayas, the visionary owner of Manna and a Greek entrepreneur with deep roots in the area, aimed to preserve the sanatorium’s legacy.

“The client’s ambition was to reinterpret the concept of a sanctuary in the mountains with contemporary terms,” reads K-Studio’s design statement. “The hotel would have to be a place for isolation, as well as community-making and participation in the primary activities of everyday living.”

Collaborating with Monogon, the renovation was a substantial undertaking, involving significant building work such as reconstructing a derelict rear wing and installing a new roof. The meticulous restoration process brought the building back to life, ensuring a seamless blend of historical charm with contemporary luxury.

The Manna Hotel stands as a testament to the dedication to preserving heritage, with each detail carefully considered. When the sanatorium closed its doors in 1938 due to the advent of penicillin, the building underwent careful preservation. Stone window sills were relocated, and the original roof found new purpose on a hospital in nearby Tripoli. Concrete replaced the old sills, and a new timber roof now graces the hotel, standing as a symbol of the past meeting the present.

Manna Hotel represents not only a triumph in architectural restoration but also a commitment to creating a haven where guests can immerse themselves in nature’s healing embrace. This transformation ensures that the Manna Sanatorium’s legacy lives on, offering a unique and rejuvenating experience for visitors seeking the perfect blend of history and luxury in the heart of the Greek mountains.

Images by Ana Santl via Dezeen