Climate change is the most important challenge of our time, and we want to do as much as we can to help.
Our passion for sustainability and love for hospitality inspired us to create a haven that incorporated environmental stewardship in every corner.
We discovered, alongside our team of architects and engineers, that sustainability really starts with design.
We minimised our ecological footprint from the outset by choosing a location that naturally supports energy efficiency and by constructing buildings that blend seamlessly with the environment through subterranean design.
Half of each suite is nestled snugly within the earth, while the other half sits under a beautifully planted rooftop adorned with native plants and herbs as well as olive trees that were repurposed and replanted from the original property.
Why turn on the lights when you can harness the power of the Sun? To reduce our energy needs, we incorporated skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows in our corridors and communal spaces to let the Cretan sun shine through, and to allow for maximum cross-ventilation.
Each garden acts as a natural insulator, reducing the heat absorbed by the building's roof and creating a cooling effect that lowers the need for air conditioning and energy consumption. They also help manage stormwater runoff, filter pollutants from the air, and create habitats for wildlife in the area.
Tella Thera is proud to be Green Key certified.Our Earth needs tender loving care, just like we all do. To help look after it for future generations, we aim to both deepen the connection between people and planet, as well as embed sustainability in as many decisions as possible at the hotel.
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We honour the land's heritage by replanting the olive trees that once thrived here in our Grove, and we cultivate only native Greek flora to support local ecosystems and wildlife. Our on-site edible garden invites you to experience the freshest flavours, straight from the earth to your plate.
We have done all we can to reduce energy needs on property - from our lighting to building insulation to heat-reflective windows. Our planted rooftops above each suite help dramatically decrease the heat absorbed during the summer and reduces strain on our cooling systems. Our signature villa is also entirely powered by its own rooftop solar panels.
We source our materials responsibly and with a local-first philosophy. From fabric to stone, every element has been carefully chosen for its eco-friendly qualities where possible, and procured from suppliers who share our commitment to sustainable practices. Wooden furnishings in our rooms have been made with FSC-certified wood and handcrafted by our carpenter located just 7.3km from our property.
Our zero-waste kitchen concept and plant-forward menu exemplify our commitment to sustainability. By meticulously managing resources and repurposing food scraps, we minimise waste and make the most of every ingredient. Emphasising plant-based dishes reduces our carbon footprint, and supports local agriculture.
Our commitment to water conservation shines through our use of native plants that thrive with minimal watering, as well as the installation of low-flow shower heads.
People are the lifeblood of the hospitality industry. We adhere to fair labour standards, ensuring that all team members work in a supportive, inclusive environment that values well-being and growth. We also champion diversity and inclusion while prioritising the hire and training of a local workforce, and pride ourselves on embracing a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives to enrich our workplace and community.
Our sustainability journey is only just beginning - we certainly don't have it all figured out. Systemic change takes time, effort and constant innovation, and that's what we're committed to doing at Tella Thera.
We'll keep sharing our progress here - stay tuned.
We're privileged to have worked with esteemed experts in the climate space to design and build Tella Thera.
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Professor Agis M. Papadopoulos from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki advised us on the sustainability and carbon management strategy of Tella Thera.
Mr. Papadopoulos is Professor of Energy Systems at the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Chairman of the Board at EYATH S.A - the Thessaloniki Water Company. His research interests lie in the fields of energy conservation and renewable energy sources, energy and environmental design of buildings, and energy resources management.
Pieris Architects
The unique nature-inspired buildings of Tella Thera are designed by the skilled team at Pieris Architects.
Experts in bioclimatic building design, Pieris is an award-winning boutique firm based in Athens. Their approach to architecture incorporates meaning and respect for the natural environment into each building, and imagines them as living and breathing organisms that exists as one with nature.
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