What if you traveled to a beautiful island but found no comfort, no real care, and nothing that made you feel connected? The trip would lose its magic, leaving only disappointment. That’s why true leaders in hospitality matter—they turn simple stays into experiences full of warmth, culture, and meaning. With vision and dedication, a remote island can be transformed into a world-class destination where guests feel at home, discover wellness, and connect with authentic local traditions.
Irene Giannakopoulos, the visionary Founder of Aegialis Hotel & Spa on the island of Amorgos, has led her dedicated team to remarkable international acclaim. Under her leadership, Aegialis has been recognized among the top 10% of hotels worldwide by TripAdvisor, selected as one of the 100 Michelin-recommended hotels in Greece, and honored with distinctions from the Greek National Tourism Organization. These achievements reflect Irene’s lifelong commitment to excellence, authentic hospitality, and her passion for sharing the beauty and culture of Amorgos with visitors from around the world.
Irene herself has been honored internationally for her work in promoting Greek art, culture, and tourism. She is the Founder of the Cultural Association of the Amorgos Women, of the Gastronomy Club of Amorgos, of the Amorgos Film Festival (which celebrates its 16th edition this year), and she is the Author of the culinary book “My Amorgos”. She continues to embody the values of philoxenia—authentic Greek hospitality—leading with vision and purpose while turning Aegialis into a home for guests and a beacon for the island of Amorgos.
Global Benchmark in Hospitality
Behind Aegialis’s remarkable journey is Irene’s relentless dedication to excellence and innovation.
Under her leadership, Aegialis grew significantly:
- Expanded from a modest 30-room property to a 5-star resort with 70 rooms
- Added six yoga shalas and a world-renowned spa
- Grew the team to over 130 staff members, extending the tourist season from only 30 days in its early years to nine months today
- Created stable jobs that support the local economy
She also established several initiatives to promote Amorgos and preserve its culture:
- Founded Aegialis Tours to promote the island
- Created the Cultural Association of Amorgos Women
- Launched the YPERIA International Convention on Culture and Tourism, running for over two decades and attracting worldwide recognition
A Family Legacy in Hospitality
Irene Giannakopoulos’s journey in tourism began early, rooted in her family’s history. In 1965, her father built the first rooms for rent in Lakki, Aegiali, and she vividly recalls welcoming the first English visitor, learning the value of communication and personal care.
Growing up on Amorgos, which had no electricity, roads, or port, Irene learned resourcefulness—she even suggested serving breakfast to guests and keeping drinks cool in a well. After studying in Athens and spending ten years in the U.S. with her husband, Nikitas, Irene returned to Amorgos to continue her family’s hospitality legacy, overcoming skepticism and infrastructure challenges to make her vision a reality.
Overcoming Skepticism and High Financial Hurdles
When the Aegialis opened in 1992, Amorgos had minimal infrastructure, with just one telephone line serving four villages, and basic tasks such as transporting materials or securing utilities were challenging. Many doubted the hotel’s survival, especially with mortgage rates as high as 29%–36%. Finding skilled staff was challenging, as it required hiring employees from Athens and other regions, along with ongoing training and motivation to maintain high-quality service. Despite these obstacles, Irene Giannakopoulos and her husband Nikitas turned challenges into opportunities.
A Home Away From Home
From the beginning, Aegialis was built to make visitors feel at home rather than in a hotel. Irene’s goal was to showcase Amorgos’ beauty, traditions, and hospitality while offering world-class comfort and wellness. Aegialis distinguishes itself through authenticity and genuine connection, offering guests a warm, home-like experience rather than just luxury or scale.
The resort combines world-class comfort and wellness with cultural immersion, featuring organic Greek cuisine, cooking classes, visits to local homes, exploration of Amorgos’ herbs and scenic trails, and encounters with its history and traditions. These experiences allow guests to connect deeply with the island’s culture and spirit, making their stay truly memorable.
Guided by philoxenia, the hotel emphasizes:
- Sustainability, wellness, and community
- Staff trained to be friendly, caring, and attentive
- A family-like environment for guests and employees
This culture has created a positive, meaningful workplace, reflected in long-term staff retention and strong guest satisfaction.
Genuine Communication
Irene Giannakopoulos believes the heart of hospitality lies in genuine communication:
- Making every guest feel valued and welcome
- Seeing no “difficult clients,” only people needing understanding and sincere care
- Boldly promoting Amorgos early on by inviting journalists and public figures to experience the island, creating nationwide recognition
Personalized, Sustainable, and Wellness-Focused Experiences
Irene shares that the future of tourism is shifting toward personalized, sustainable, and wellness-focused experiences, and Aegialis Hotel & Spa embodies this vision through holistic offerings like the Lalon Idor Spa, where everything runs smoothly under the close supervision of her daughter, Kaliovi.
The Spa uses local essential oils and seawater for rejuvenating therapies. Guests can enjoy spa treatments, mindful dining, guided explorations of Amorgos, and six state-of-the-art yoga shalas with stunning sea views, all designed to blend relaxation, healthy living, and authentic local culture. These initiatives have positioned Aegialis as a leading yoga and wellness destination in Greece and globally, attracting visitors seeking renewal and meaningful connection.
A Signature Approach to Hospitality
Aegialis has developed its own signature approach to hospitality, built around personalization and holistic care. Alongside the creation of yoga shalas, the team also established a yoga school that attracts students from all over the world to earn diplomas in different styles of yoga. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was the only yoga school in Greece and perhaps around the world to host in-person students, thanks to specially designed individual plexiglass rooms that ensured safety while allowing classes to continue.
What makes the experience truly unique is the thoughtful combination of elements offered at Aegialis. Guests can enjoy spa therapies using essential oils made from local Amorgos herbs, explore scenic hiking trails, savor organic meals prepared with fresh produce, and take part in daily yoga sessions led by Kaliovi or Eleni—all while surrounded by breathtaking sea views. Together, these experiences create a sense of rejuvenation, balance, and lasting wellness for every guest.
Global Recognition
Aegialis and Irene Giannakopoulos have received international recognition:
- Aegialis: Top 10% of hotels worldwide on TripAdvisor, Michelin-standard recognition, recognized by the Greek National Tourism Organization as one of the best hotels in Greece.
- Irene Giannakopoulos: Awards from international film festivals (Poland, St. Petersburg, Portugal) and European foundations
- Media coverage: Forbes, Travel Weekly, The Culture Trip, La Madia Travel Food, Brides Abroad Magazine, The National Herald
- Publications: Author of series of My Amorgos
1. Greek flavours & Culture – A culinary journey
2. A Timeless Journey of yesterday and today.
Creating Unforgettable Memories
Aegialis has created countless memorable experiences, including a couple who returned to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary—their original wedding being the hotel’s first destination wedding. Having stayed at renowned hotels worldwide, they described Aegialis as unmatched, thanks to the team’s personal attention, thoughtful touches, and warm hospitality.
Many couples who married there return repeatedly, often saying it feels like coming home, while special occasions, such as birthdays with live violin performances by Irene’s son Stamatis, continue to create lasting memories. Another guest returned years later simply to thank the team for helping her secure accommodation during a busy summer, a gesture she had never forgotten.
Private Pools, Spa, and Fine Dining
Aegialis is developing an exciting new project called Aegialis Seafront, a luxurious 5-star complex featuring 31 suites (each with a private pool), a restaurant, a spa, and a large swimming pool. The suites will be available for purchase, offering buyers a vacation home and an investment opportunity.
Fully managed by Aegialis, the property includes rental services when the suites are not in use, ensuring convenience and value for owners, who have the chance to obtain the Golden Visa. This project combines the latest trends in tourism and real estate, providing luxury, flexibility, and investment potential while maintaining Aegialis’ high standards and its deep connection to Amorgos.
60% of Guests Return Year After Year
Today, Aegialis welcomes guests from over 40 countries each year, with nearly 60% returning—a testament to its unique experiences. Despite Amorgos having no airport, travelers from across the globe make the journey, often saying, “The journey is worth it.” In the early days, tour operators would turn away upon learning of the island’s remoteness, but now Irene Giannakopoulos takes pride in seeing visitors return repeatedly, drawn by Amorgos’ beauty and Aegialis’ warm hospitality.
Over the years, the hotel has expanded with enhanced facilities, wellness programs, fine dining, and personalized excursions, extending its season to nine months. With a team of over 130 dedicated staff, it creates stable employment and supports the local economy. Consistent growth in occupancy and guest satisfaction has placed Aegialis among Greece’s top-rated hotels, proving that personalized service, authentic experiences, and a vision for sustainable growth endure over time.
Commitment to Ethical Hospitality Practices
At Aegialis, guest trust and ethical practices are at the core of everything they do. The team focuses on transparency, clear communication, and high standards throughout the guest experience—from booking to departure. Feedback collected through surveys, conversations, and reviews plays a key role in improving services, whether in wellness programs, dining, or room experiences.
The company is equally committed to sustainable tourism, supporting the local community, and maintaining a respectful and inclusive workplace. This philosophy has helped Aegialis build lasting trust with guests, staff, and partners, earning loyalty and credibility. By combining care, authenticity, and attention to detail, the hotel has created an environment that keeps visitors returning year after year.
Create Experiences That Genuinely Touch People
Irene Giannakopoulos advises leaders and entrepreneurs in hospitality and wellness to value passion, patience, and authenticity, emphasizing that success comes from commitment to a vision, hard work, learning from challenges, and staying true to core values. She highlights the importance of creating experiences that genuinely touch people, building meaningful connections with guests, teams, and the community, while balancing excellence with kindness and integrity. For her, embracing opportunities for growth and focusing on relationships, memories, and lasting impact are the true measures of success in hospitality and wellness.
Long-Term Goals
Irene Giannakopoulos envisions Aegialis as a global benchmark in hospitality, wellness, and cultural connection, while maintaining its intimate, personal touch. Her focus is on thoughtful expansion, responsible innovation, and preserving the heritage of Amorgos. She aims to foster meaningful human connections, promote sustainable tourism, and position the island as a destination that balances culture, luxury, and natural beauty.
Through her leadership, Aegialis aspires to be remembered not just for exceptional service, but for creating experiences where guests feel welcomed, inspired, and at home—demonstrating how care, integrity, and vision can leave a lasting impact on people and places. “Irene takes pride in seeing her children embrace her love and passion for people and hospitality, confident that they will carry forward the story of Aegialis Hotel & Spa with the same warmth and dedication in the years ahead..”
Irene Giannakopoulos’s 5 Impactful Business Mantras
- Lead with Philoxenia: Genuine care, warmth, and hospitality create unforgettable guest experiences.
- Turn Challenges into Opportunities: Obstacles are a chance to innovate, adapt, and grow.
- Prioritize Authentic Connections: Meaningful relationships with guests, staff, and community drive lasting success.
- Blend Tradition with Innovation: Honor heritage while embracing modern wellness, sustainability, and luxury.
- Commit to Excellence and Integrity: Transparency, high standards, and ethical practices build trust and loyalty.
