IN TRANSIT
PHOTOGRAPHY MARCO VAN RIJT
WORDS SUNE PALNER
MILANO, ITALY
(SENATO)
Discreetly elegant, the Senato Hotel offers a quieter kind of Milanese luxury. Housed in a neoclassical building near the fashion quarter, it pairs historic grace with contemporary ease. The heart of the hotel is its inner courtyard — a tranquil garden mirrored by reflecting pools, a place where guests linger over espresso or prosecco beneath the rustle of leaves.
Inside, clean lines and natural materials create an atmosphere of effortless sophistication. Senato is not about grandeur, but balance — a reflection of Milan’s essence: composed, creative, and quietly magnetic.
(ARMANI HOTEL)
Located in the heart of Milan’s fashion district, the Armani Hotel is the embodiment of Giorgio Armani’s aesthetic universe — sleek, sensuous, and impeccably tailored. Every line, surface, and texture reflects the designer’s philosophy of pure elegance and refined restraint.
The interiors are a masterclass in harmony: muted tones, custom furnishings, and a meticulous attention to proportion and light. From the panoramic spa to the private dining experiences, every moment feels choreographed yet deeply personal — a sanctuary of urban calm above the city’s electric energy.
HYDRA, GREECE
(BRATSERA HOTEL)
Tucked within the heart of Hydra town, the Bratsera Hotel was once a 19th-century sponge factory — now transformed into a tranquil retreat that radiates character and charm. The courtyard, shaded by blooming bougainvillea, is the heart of the hotel: a serene enclave for breakfast, reading, or slow conversation.
Inside, the design is timeless — whitewashed walls, antique accents, and handcrafted details that reflect the island’s rich maritime history. Bratsera feels like a home gently shaped by time — quietly elegant, endlessly welcoming.
(MANDRAKI)
Once a naval fortress, Mandraki Hotel is now a sanctuary of contemporary elegance anchored in history. The architecture retains its maritime soul, with arched windows and limestone walls that frame endless sea views. Inside, modern simplicity reigns — pale woods, crisp linens, and subtle design details that echo the island’s nautical heritage.
Guests arrive by boat, stepping directly from sea to serenity. Each suite opens to the horizon, where the Aegean stretches infinite and blue. It’s a place that celebrates both stillness and adventure, honoring Hydra’s past while embracing a modern vision of coastal luxury.
SIFNOS, GREECE
(VERINA)
At Verina, life feels effortlessly balanced between luxury and authenticity. Nestled among olive trees and overlooking the shimmering sea, the hotel captures the true spirit of Sifnos: refined but grounded, modern yet deeply connected to its landscape.
Every detail is deliberate — the geometry of Cycladic architecture softened by organic materials, the palette of sun-bleached whites and muted blues echoing the island’s natural hues. Here, mornings begin with local honey and fresh fruit on the terrace; evenings unfold under a canopy of stars. It’s not just accommodation — it’s an experience of harmony.
Cantina & Loggia. Sifnos has long been a culinary beacon, and Cantina embodies this legacy with contemporary flair. Tucked within a coastal setting, it reimagines traditional flavors through a modern lens — each dish a dialogue between land and sea, memory and innovation.
Nearby, Loggia offers a different rhythm: golden-hour cocktails, soft music, and the hum of conversation as the sun sinks into the Aegean. Together, these spots capture the island’s essence — elegant, effortless, and full of soul.
(FOS COLLECTION)
Perched above the Aegean, the Fos Collection is a poetic ode to the island’s quiet radiance. Its architecture draws on the elemental beauty of Sifnos itself — clean lines, natural textures, and a soft dialogue between light and shadow. Every suite feels like a private horizon, where sea and sky meet in perfect calm.
Inside, modern design meets handcrafted tradition: stone, linen, and oak coexist with sculptural forms and thoughtful minimalism. The experience is deeply sensory — morning light filtered through white curtains, the hush of the wind against the terrace, the distant chime of a church bell. Fos Collection isn’t just a place to stay; it’s an immersion in the art of island living.
ATHENS, GREECE
(PERIANTH HOTEL)
Nestled in the heart of Athens, The Perianth Hotel is a serene haven amidst the vibrant rhythm of the city. Just steps away from the city’s most beloved culinary destinations, it’s the perfect starting point for discovering Athens through its rich flavors and aromas—from tucked-away tavernas to modern fine dining.
Wake each morning to a golden sunrise spilling over the Acropolis, framed perfectly by your private balcony. At night, the illuminated Parthenon bids you goodnight—a timeless companion through your stay. Few places offer such an intimate, uninterrupted view of Greece’s most iconic monument. Inside, The Perianth is a living gallery. A carefully curated collection of contemporary Greek art adorns its walls, celebrating both emerging talent and established visionaries. The interiors blend Bauhaus-inspired minimalism with local craftsmanship, where glass brick, exposed concrete, and native marbles converge to create an aesthetic that is both grounded and ethereal.
The building itself, a 1930s modernist masterpiece, has been lovingly restored and reimagined by the acclaimed K-Studio architecture firm, honoring its heritage while embracing the present. Every detail—from custom furniture to curated design pieces—whispers understated luxury and thoughtful elegance.
Whether you’re exploring the buzzing Psirri neighborhood, or retreating to your suite for a moment of stillness, The Perianth invites you to experience Athens in a way that is both timeless and deeply personal.