Theoxenia
In the 1950s, a hotel construction program was initiated by the state in order to promote and strengthen the development of tourism in Greece. Part of this program, was the construction of the hotels «Xenia» at privileged positions. The project was supervised by the National Tourism Organization and the places chosen were mainly in natural landscapes of rare beauty or in areas of major archaeological interest. Moreover, a great generation of Greek architects, unique representatives of modernism, had been involved in the construction of the hotel units and worked under the guidance of Charalambos Sfaellos and Aris Constantinides.
Kos, the birthplace of Hippocrates, with its enormous archaeological history and sandy beaches, was integrated into the program without second thought. In the 1960s, Philippos Vokos, one of the most important architects of the post-war period, designed the «Xenia» in the city of Kos, on Vasileos Georgiou street. Embedded in the urban center, a few meters from the central market and secluded right in front of the sea, «Theoxenia», as it was named, basically signaled the tourist development of Kos Island. Standing proudly with grace right next to the Italian buildings of the area, in his forty-two rooms, the hotel hosted many foreign tourists wishing to enjoy the Greek sun and many people focused in studying the life of Hippocrates.
In order to reach its present form of «Kos Aktis Art Hotel», several interventions took place both on the interior and exterior of the building. First of all, the ground floor layout was changed in order to accommodate two new shops, always according to the H.T.O (Hellenic Tourism Organization) specifications. Then, a new wooden oak reception was made, elevators were replaced, new flooring with ceramic tiles was installed, more trees were planted, outdoor areas were enriched with irrigation systems and lighting fixtures, kitchen was renovated and modern windows were created in all areas. All rooms were modernized, furnishing changed and new equipment was purchased.
The rejuvenation effort of «Theoxenia», which lasted for about ten months, was successfully completed and in 2005 the hotel «Kos Aktis Art Hotel» opened its doors to welcome locals and travelers from all over the world. The hotel, which still operates all year round, has overall boosted the tourist product of Kos, strengthened the local community by creating new jobs - thus supporting young people who want to associate with tourism professionally and, above all, created a tourist model that respects the region and creatively compiles all its strengths and qualities. Producers offered their products, musicians found space to express themselves freely and artists presented their creations. All together, along with the management and employees of the hotel, insist on keeping the vision of «Xenia» alive: that of a cosmopolitan Greece.
