Nestled in the serene beauty of Serifos, COCO-MAT Serifos stands as a testament to unpretentious luxury and eco-living. At the helm is its visionary hotelier, whose journey from General Manager of the globally renowned eco-homeware brand COCO-MAT to boutique hospitality pioneer is as inspiring as it is impactful. Rooted in a vision of barefoot elegance and a deep appreciation for nature, COCO-MAT Serifos embodies a unique philosophy where guests truly live in their vacation spaces, not just sleep in them. With an unwavering commitment to sustainability, a passion for creating meaningful guest experiences, and a love for the unspoiled charm of Serifos, Konstantinos Maltezos has redefined the art of hospitality—one simple, soulful moment at a time.
Can you share a bit about yourself and what inspired you to enter the world of boutique hospitality?
As GM of COCO-MAT, a global Eco homeware company for many years, we had strong connections as suppliers and designers for many Hotel projects around the globe. We created Coco-mat Hotels and Resorts in 2012. At that time we started with two hotels, and COCO-MAT Serifos was a project that expressing my perspective about vacations.
What vision did you have when you first started as a Hotelier, and how has that vision evolved over time?
There was a vision for a barefoot, unpretentious luxury where the natural environment is highly appreciated, and visitors can enjoy an eco-living experience. My intention was, and still is, that guests use the space and facilities to relax and enjoy day and night in their residences. Living there not only sleeping there. Only swimming suit is needed and the hotel takes care of the rest.
Why did you choose the island of Serifos to be the place of your hotels?
I have created other hotels in different places (Santorini, etc.), but the energy of this island is unique. Serifos offers a tourist-friendly, unspoiled environment, with no distractions for those looking to return to basics.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a Hotelier, and how do you address them?
We are facing challenges with the infrastructure on Serifos, but we are committed to addressing these issues to ensure the best possible quality for our guests. At the top of our priority list during this period is hiring skilled professionals. We invest all our energy into building a happy, strong team each season.
How do you choose your vendors and partners? What do you look for in those relationships?
People who share the same passion and ethos always align with our projects.
What in your life gives you a strong sense of purpose?
The most important thing of all is family. Receiving around 300 hugs and kisses every day is true wealth.
Additionally, simple things like the instant scent of oregano in the hotel, a refreshing summer breeze, or gathering with friends over a book are the key to happiness.
How does a normal working day look like for you?
After many years of effort, we’ve reached a point where no day is ever typical.
What is your favorite hotel in the World?
The million-star hotel, where you lie at night on a quiet beach.
What do you see as the next big thing in the hospitality industry?
I can imagine that many big things lie ahead. I believe that technology – or perhaps a brief pause from it – will show us the way.
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About COCO-MAT Eco Residencies Serifos: In a previous life, COCO-MAT Eco Residences Serifos was a complex of miners’ houses, built in 1910, which has been recently renovated, respectful of both the local traditional architecture and contemporary eco-friendly practices.
Located in the lovely Vagia beach, COCO-MAT Eco Residences Serifos hotel invites you to ease up, slow down and truly enjoy your time on an island that can offer you the authentic – albeit alternative – Cycladic experience, without any uncalled-for tourist hassle.The company’s philosophy is based on the exclusive use of natural materials for the creation of harmonious spaces, where every object has a specific use, but also contributes to the preservation of its user’s physical and mental tranquillity. COCO-MAT’s Interior Design Team has thus equipped every residence with the necessary furniture, beddings and utilitarian objects, all made with natural materials, such as cotton, silk, coconut fibres, natural rubber, herbs (eucalyptus, lavender), goose down, wool and linen.
Whichever apartment type you choose for your stay at COCO-MAT Eco Residencies Serifos, the materials, the earth-toned decoration, the magnificent sea view, the natural air-conditioning and the ample natural light will soon make you feel at home, with the hotel’s most valuable asset, our personnel, ever ready to cater for your accommodation needs throughout your stay.
