Oku Hotels, a new hotel brand from the owners of Westfort Capital, will launch in the Mediterranean this spring. The new properties are set to open in Kos, Greece and Ibiza, Spain with plans to expand across the Mediterranean.
Formerly Casa Cook Hotels, the two properties were transformed after the collapse of the Thomas Cook brand in 2019. Now, after a design transformation, these contemporary chic hotels have been given a new lease of life.
“The design ethos of Oku Hotels is such a key element of Oku Hotels…It has been inspired by the Japanese Wabi Sabi philosophy which champions the connection to earth through the use of natural materials,” said Enrique Mandl, COO of Oku Hotels and GM of Oku Ibiza. “Our modern bohemian aesthetic combines warm and natural textures—rattan, oak, hessian, stone—in a way that reflects beach and jungle while ensuring our guests have the highest quality comforts. At Oku Kos we collaborated with Lambs & Lions to design the interiors, while at Oku Ibiza the design was overseen by the in-house team from owners at Westfort Capital. Our considered natural design ethos has also been applied to the architecture of the individual properties.”
Derived from the Japanese spiritual and architectural concept meaning “inner space,” the ethos of the brand is to provide relaxing sanctuaries in destinations that captivate, with well-being practices that revive and dining and music experiences that awaken the senses. Oku Hotels will offer a balance of comfort with first-class service, fresh local produce and spa treatments inspired by ancient traditions using natural products.
“Oku Hotels are inspired by their destination and local connections,” he noted. “The island destinations of Kos and Ibiza each offer a wealth of history, culture, nature and unique experiences. Kos is more wellness-focused, as the home of Hippocrates and the ancient healing temple regarded as one of the first hospitals, while Ibiza lends itself more to the pursuit of revelry from your own oasis. At Kos you can feel the reflection of a Greek village in the design of the individual buildings set around winding cobbled lanes. While Ibiza is all about escapism, where we will have our Sunday brunches next to the pool and the al fresco juice bar.”
Oku Ibiza—Opening May 28
Oku Ibiza will have 184 boho-chic guestrooms, suites and ocean-view penthouses, a Oku signature suite and a standalone four-bedroom villa with private pool. In addition, the property will have two pools and a further semi-private pool serving the six swim-up rooms. Destination dining Oku Restaurant and To Kima will be overseen by Executive Chef Mark Vaessen, formerly of SushiSamba. There will also be a spa, fitness studio and juice bar.
“The look and feel of Oku Ibiza has been thoughtfully designed by Oku’s in-house design team, who has taken inspiration from the location to reflect the simplicity of beach life and invite barefoot living,” Mandl said. “The brand’s natural design ethos has been applied to architecture by award-winning father and son duo of MG&AG, who have worked on more than 60 residential and hospitality projects worldwide. Oku Ibiza will also showcase the work of rising modern artists including bespoke commissions by LA-based painter and sculptor Steve Tepas.”
Oku Kos—Opening April 5
Oku Kos will have 100 rooms, including suites with private and semi-private pools and a handful of private two-bedroom villas. Oku Kos’ adult-only resort will have a main pool and direct access to a private beach with views of the Aegean Sea. The property will also have a spa, hammam, sauna and fitness studio.
“At Oky Kos, the concept has been developed by Lambs & Lions, who oversaw the interior design at the property,” Mandl said. “The look and feel of the resort was inspired by the island’s architecture, using minimalist design and cubic buildings to evoke the feeling of a small Greek village. Narrow streets are intertwined with external stairs and outdoor seating as well as a path that leads directly to the private beach.”
