Today, Aegialis Hotel & Spa stands as one of the most celebrated 5-star retreats in the Cyclades, attracting wellness seekers, honeymooners, and travelers from around the globe. At its helm is a woman whose vision transformed a remote, infrastructure-poor island into an international destination without sacrificing its soul. Irene Giannakopoulos has built a legacy of authentic hospitality, sustainability, and cultural preservation—work that has earned both global recognition and the loyalty of guests who return year after year.  

For Irene, hospitality has never been just a profession—it’s a way of life. Growing up on the Greek island of Amorgos, she witnessed tourism take its first steps in the 1960s, guided by the vision of her father, Michalis, who built the first guest rooms in Lakki, Aegiali. Her introduction to the world came early: at just 10 years old, she began learning English from Carolina Mathews, the island’s first English tourist, in exchange for room and board. Irene’s childhood was filled with moments that now seem almost cinematic—riding a donkey under star-filled skies to greet arriving visitors at the port, offering a warm smile and helping hands. These early encounters shaped her understanding of hospitality as something deeper than service—a heartfelt connection that makes people feel truly at home. 

The Call Back to Amorgos and a Vision Against the Odds 

After a decade in the United States, Irene and her husband returned to Amorgos driven by a desire to be close to family and reconnect with their roots. Initially, there was no grand plan to build a luxury hotel on a remote island with no port, electricity, or proper roads. But when a newly completed road opened up the view from Lakki toward Tholaria, Irene saw more than just land—she saw possibility. Purchasing that rugged mountainside, they embarked on what many considered an impossible dream: building a 5-star hotel in a place the world had barely heard of. The financial challenges were staggering, with mortgage interest rates as high as 36% and a tourist season lasting barely a month. Yet, their unwavering belief in the beauty and authenticity of Amorgos fueled a journey that would eventually redefine the island’s place on the global tourism map. 

Overcoming Isolation with Grit and Ingenuity 

In the early days, the challenges were relentless. Amorgos had minimal infrastructure—just one telephone line for four villages and a single weekly ferry connection to Piraeus. With all their savings invested in land, excavation, and permits, turning back wasn’t an option. Irene’s response was to roll up her sleeves and do whatever it took. She organized a groundbreaking familiarization trip for prominent Greek journalists, showcasing both the hotel and the island’s natural beauty. The resulting nationwide publicity was a turning point. During those formative years, Irene wore many hats—receptionist, gardener, driver, waitress, chef—while her husband managed maintenance, cooking, and more. Their determination paid off. Today, Aegialis Hotel & Spa employs over 130 people and stands as a testament to resilience and vision. 

Shaping the Island’s Identity on the World Stage 

From the outset, Irene understood that Aegialis Hotel’s success was tied to the success of Amorgos itself. She became the island’s unofficial ambassador, promoting it at international travel fairs and positioning it as the “hidden gem between Mykonos and Santorini.” While others doubted the wisdom of building a luxury property in such a remote location, Irene saw an opportunity to showcase authenticity over mass tourism. She was also an early adopter of technology, using email in 1994 to connect with global travelers when most of Greece had yet to embrace the internet. Her efforts helped elevate Amorgos into the international spotlight, sparking new investment, creating jobs, and inspiring a new wave of development while keeping the island’s character intact. 

Redefining Leadership in Modern Hospitality 

For Irene, leadership in the hospitality industry is a blend of vision, authenticity, and responsibility. It’s about delivering luxury without losing sight of the culture and community that make a place special. She believes true leadership means setting an example—embracing innovation early, prioritizing sustainability, and ensuring growth benefits both guests and locals. At Aegialis, this philosophy translates into using local products, reducing environmental impact, and creating experiences that reflect the spirit of Amorgos. For Irene, the ultimate measure of success is not just in awards or occupancy rates, but in creating a model where the hotel, the island, and its people thrive together. 

Leading with Sustainability and Social Responsibility 

For Irene, sustainability has never been a marketing trend—it’s been a guiding principle since the earliest days of Aegialis Hotel & Spa. Long before eco-conscious tourism became a global conversation, she implemented practices to protect Amorgos’ fragile environment. The hotel was the first on the island to introduce a biological water recycling system, allowing treated water to irrigate its gardens and preserve the island’s limited freshwater supply. Every swimming pool is filled with seawater, further reducing freshwater consumption. 

Irene’s commitment extends beyond environmental stewardship to the well-being of the local community. She prioritizes employing island residents and sourcing products from local producers, ensuring tourism directly benefits Amorgos. During the COVID-19 shutdown, when the tourism industry worldwide faced massive layoffs, she refused to let her team go. Instead, she launched a mask-making workshop that employed 50 people, providing income and purpose in a time of uncertainty. For Irene, sustainability is not only about conserving resources—it’s about building a resilient, inclusive ecosystem where both nature and people thrive. 

Building a Team that Embodies Hospitality 

Behind Aegialis Hotel & Spa’s reputation for excellence is a team that shares a deep sense of pride in what they do. Irene believes that high standards in hospitality come from empowering people, not just training them. Staff receive continuous professional development, competitive salaries, comfortable living arrangements, quality meals, transportation, and other benefits designed to support both their work and personal well-being. 

By fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and mutual support, Irene ensures her team feels valued and motivated. This positive energy naturally flows to the guests, creating an atmosphere of warmth and authenticity. It’s a people-first philosophy that not only strengthens loyalty among staff but also ensures guests experience service that feels genuinely personal. 

Creating Experiences with Heart and Soul 

Luxury at Aegialis Hotel & Spa goes far beyond plush rooms and ocean views—it’s about connection, authenticity, and moments that stay with guests long after they leave. As a family-run property, Irene and her family are actively present in the day-to-day operations, greeting guests personally and ensuring every detail of their stay feels special. 

The hotel also offers experiences that immerse guests in the culture and traditions of Amorgos—joining local festivals, learning about the healing properties of island herbs on guided tours, or visiting Irene’s grandmother’s home to taste traditional treats and see how island life once was. These encounters give travelers a sense of belonging and a deeper appreciation for the island’s heritage. 

For Irene, the greatest measure of success is when guests leave with more than just photographs—they leave with a piece of Amorgos in their hearts, carrying stories and memories that feel as vivid years later as the day they were made. 

Designing a Haven for the Global Wellness Traveler 

Long before “wellness travel” became a buzzword, Irene was quietly shaping Aegialis Hotel & Spa into a sanctuary for mind, body, and spirit. Recognizing the shift in global travel trends, she envisioned a place where conscious travelers could find more than just a room with a view. Her answer was Lalon Idor Spa—“Talking Water”—a serene retreat inspired by Amorgos’ ancient water oracle dedicated to Apollo. The spa’s seawater hydrotherapy pools, hammam, sauna, and therapeutic treatments invite guests to rejuvenate year-round, extending the island’s season beyond the summer months. 

Wellness here is not just about spa treatments. Seven dedicated shalas—open, sunlit spaces designed for yoga, Pilates, dance, and retreats—draw groups from around the globe seeking transformation and connection. Nutrition is woven into the experience, with fresh, organic vegetables grown on the property under the care of Irene’s husband, Nikitas. Cooking classes, wine tastings, and authentic culinary journeys deepen guests’ connection to the land. Her pride in local flavors is captured in her book My Amorgos, which not only shares traditional Greek and Amorgian recipes but also celebrates the island’s famed herbs, known for their healing and aromatic properties. For Irene, wellness is a holistic harmony—nourishment, movement, culture, and nature—flowing together in one unforgettable destination. 

A Destination Where Love Stories Begin 

Romance has a natural home in Amorgos, where golden light bathes the Aegean and whitewashed chapels cling to the hillsides. For Irene, the inspiration to create a wedding and honeymoon haven began years ago, when she returned from the United States and planned her sister’s wedding—blending the heartfelt traditions of her island with the elegance she had admired abroad. From that moment, she saw the island not just as a destination, but as a backdrop for life’s most cherished milestones. 

At Aegialis Hotel & Spa, every wedding, vow renewal, and honeymoon is crafted with personal care. Irene treats each celebration as if it were for her own family, ensuring every detail—venue, décor, music, menu—reflects the couple’s unique story. Guests can choose intimate ceremonies in centuries-old chapels, accompanied by local musicians, or receptions featuring regional delicacies and wines. The result is a celebration that is not only beautiful, but deeply rooted in the island’s spirit. For Irene, these events are about more than romance; they are about creating moments of connection, joy, and love that will be remembered for a lifetime. 

Creativity Beyond the Hotel Walls 

While hospitality is her life’s work, Irene’s creativity extends far beyond the walls of Aegialis. Poetry, painting, and writing give her new ways to tell stories and capture emotions—often inspired by the island’s landscapes, light, and traditions. Writing poetry allows her to express the timeless spirit of Amorgos in words, while painting translates the island’s colors, textures, and moods onto canvas. These artistic pursuits are more than hobbies; they are sources of balance and renewal, helping her return to her role as a leader with fresh inspiration and energy. 

A Message to the Next Generation of Dreamers 

To young entrepreneurs—and especially women—who hope to build something meaningful in their homeland, Irene’s advice is simple yet profound: set a clear goal, believe in it with all your heart, and work tirelessly to make it real. The road will not be easy. There will be moments of uncertainty and sacrifice. But if the vision is rooted in purpose and the work is fueled by passion, the results can be extraordinary. 

She speaks from experience. Starting in an isolated island with no infrastructure, she built a hotel known around the world. For her, the greatest reward is not only professional success, but also the knowledge that her work supports the local community, uplifts her region, and honors her heritage. “If I could do it,” she says, “so can you.” Her story is a reminder that with courage, resilience, and vision, even the most remote dream can find its place on the global stage. 

Carrying the Legacy Forward 

Irene sees that the story of Aegialis Hotel & Spa is as much about preserving heritage as it is about embracing innovation. Guided by decades of excellence in hospitality, she envisions the hotel’s next decade as a seamless blend of tradition and modernity—integrating global trends in wellness, sustainability, and digital technology while staying rooted in the values that first built its reputation. 

Her children are already actively involved in the business, bringing fresh perspectives and modern tools to ensure Aegialis remains a leader in its field. As her grandchildren begin to grow into the family story, Irene sees the future not merely as an extension of the past, but as a series of exciting new chapters yet to be written. For her, Aegialis Hotel & Spa is more than a place to stay—it is a living legacy, a cultural bridge, and a sanctuary that will continue to welcome guests, connect cultures, and celebrate the spirit of Amorgos for generations to come. 

As part of this vision, Irene is proud to announce  the group’s next landmark development—Aegialis Seafront, an exceptional new 5-star property in the heart of Aegiali, just 1,200 meters from the renowned Aegialis Hotel & Spa. This prestigious project will feature 32 luxurious suites, each with its own private infinity pool and breathtaking panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. 

Designed for discerning individuals dreaming of a refined retreat on a Greek island, Aegialis Seafront offers a rare opportunity to combine personal enjoyment with investment value. Owners can indulge in the property as a private vacation home and also benefit from a professional rental management program during non-use periods.

Managed by the award-winning Aegialis SA group, celebrated for excellence in hospitality and service, Aegialis Seafront ensures every detail—from maintenance to guest experience—meets the highest standards. This is more than property ownership; it is an invitation to become part of an established legacy of luxury and authenticity in the Cyclades.

Discover more at aegialis-seafront.com—where ownership meets timeless elegance and investment potential.