Set on a hilltop overlooking the timeless landscapes of Porto Heli, Amanzoe is a resort rooted in the spirit of place. Surrounded by ancient ruins and unspoiled nature, the site lies in the heart of the Peloponnese—where olive groves, pine forests, wheat fields, and the turquoise sea converge in a landscape shaped over millennia.
The design integrates the resort into its environment
of pine woodlands, phrygana and maquis vegetation, centuries-old olives and carobs, and traditional agricultural structures like vineyards, terraces (pezoules), and dry stone walls (xerolithies). The masterplan creates a progression through the landscape, from the carefully curated gardens of the main resort core to the more rugged, ecologically driven plantings of the villas. Native species dominate, chosen for their minimal water needs and ecological role. They are planted in gradients, blurring the line between cultivated and wild, producing a seamless integration with the surrounding ecosystems. The result is a landscape that invites guests to inhabit it intimately, rather than observe it from afar.
Excavated soil has been reused for planting and gravel mulching, reducing the environmental footprint of the construction while integrating the resort with the materials and sensations of the surrounding landscape. Stormwater runoff is managed with gravel surfaces, while greywater is recycled for irrigation, which itself is minimal. Native species were grown in collaboration with local nurseries, creating a self-sustaining palette that supports biodiversity and retains sense of place. Most of the beautiful mature olive and carob trees of the site were preserved in an on-site nursery, then reintroduced in the resort. The branches were thinned using a pioneering technique, ensuring the trees’ long-term survivability while preserving their magnificent crowns.
Ultimately, Amanzoe exemplifies how thoughtful design can reconcile luxury with environmental responsibility. The project offers a replicable model of a high-value development beautifully integrated into the existing land.