The special territory, characterized by the presence of one of the world's best-known volcanoes, along with its rich history, culture, and unique cuisine, forms the foundation of the hospitality narrative of the new RG Naxos Hotel.
by Elena Cattaneo
Giardini Naxos, the first Greek colony in Sicily, remained a quiet fishing village for several centuries until, in the late 1800s, it became a holiday destination for the wealthy classes who built their villas here. Today, this renowned seaside resort still embodies these different influences, now enriched with a contemporary flair, perfectly encapsulated by the iconic Sicilian imagery spread worldwide by the Dolce & Gabbana fashion house. It is from this blend of inspirations that the concept of interior design developed for the RG Naxos hotel by the British studio THDP which is made up of half British and half Italian designers.
For a hotel of this kind (296 rooms and suites), the challenge was to create an international appeal that would cater to the sophisticated tastes of the global market, while also conveying a deep sense of authenticity and connection to the local culture.
All’ombra del vulcano
"The tale of our project," says Nicholas J Kickson, "could only begin with the hotel's beautiful location, nestled within a beautiful Sicilian town on the slopes of Mount Etna. We therefore wanted to follow a visual narrative that always acknowledged the geographical significance, particularly the presence of the world-famous volcano, but also the area's rich culture, history, and cuisine. The à la carte restaurant La Sciara, for example, features dark grey walls sculpted from lava, tables made of enamelled lava, and a color palette of deep blue and copper tones.
The narration of the territory is evident in every detail of the project, from the overall orientation of the structure to the color palettes chosen for each area. RG Naxos is situated on the seafront, with all common areas and most rooms overlooking the sea. The large windows allow guests to enjoy the salty air even from their beds. The ambition was to bring the energy of this unique territory into the building, while also placing great emphasis on minimizing environmental impact. "We worked extensively on research, both in terms of materials and finished products," explains Nicholas J. Kickson. "Our goal was to source supplies as locally as possible and collaborate with local craftsmen. At least 90% of what was ordered for the hotel comes, if not directly from the country, then from the region."
From an ancient stone
The narrative of the hotel's interior has evolved around the territorial origins of the building, with a particular focus on the significant presence of Mount Etna. This is reflected in the lobby, in the La Sciara restaurant and in the Fluido Bar, where the counters are distinguished by surfaces featuring Etna lava stone tops from the Nerosicilia Group. Also by the same manufacturer, the cladding of the counter and the Panarea restaurant wall made of light blue Multiplem in natural lava stone. Nerosicilia's lava stone is quarried on the slopes of Mount Etna from a volcanic flow dating back to the 1600s. The stone is meticulously sorted into blocks, which are then cut and processed in patented ovens. It is the precise control of high temperatures and varying degrees of firing that allows the creation of different and exclusive finishes.
Reception areas
The previous version of the lobby was an open space of over 700 square meters, decorated in a heavy neo-baroque style. The designers' vision was to revitalize it by creating a vibrant and inviting core that would appeal to guests, locals, and day visitors alike.
Inspired by the warm sense of welcome typical of the region, the reception area was divided into three large counters with dark grey lava tops (from Nero Sicilia), complemented by the back wall covered with hand-painted local tiles (by La Fauci) and illuminated by Aromas del Campo's copper and rattan accent lights.
La Sciara, the à la carte restaurant for lunch or dinner, takes its name from the local term for the accumulation of volcanic debris that forms on the mountain's slopes. The interior design aimed to reflect the intensity and majesty of the nearby volcano. The walls are finished with rough lava stones, while the color palette ranges from the dark blue of the sea to the copper red of molten lava. The curved seating and tables are designed to mirror the fluidity of the volcanic landscape.
Immediately outside La Sciara, the pool terrace features the Fluido Bar, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the grey volcanic sand beaches. The bar, with a counter covered with Nero Sicilia lava stone tiles, is an elegant meeting place open to all, with the ambition of becoming one of the focal points of the vibrant local nightlife scene.
