Owner: One&Only/ Kerzner International
Architecture: MVP Architects
Interior design: Bureau Lacroix
Furnishings: Custom made on design by Bureau Lacroix
Photos: Sylvaine Sansone
Departing from its Parisian sibling on Avenue Montaigne, Manko Athens seamlessly adapts to the vibrant beach life of Glyfada, near Athens. Owned by the luxury brand One&Only, the Manko Athens restaurant and beach club celebrates rich Peruvian cuisine – a dynamic fusion of ancient Andean culture and Amazonian exuberance with European, Japanese, Chinese, and African influences – set against the backdrop of Greece’s elegant southeastern coast. In an area steeped in archaeological heritage, MVP Architects‘ careful integration of the architecture onto the site demanded continuous adaptation as excavations uncovered new discoveries. This fostered an ongoing, respectful dialogue with both history and the lush surrounding vegetation.
The result is a structure spanning six distinct yet interconnected zones: the entrance, marked by monumental wooden doors and a symbolic arch, conceived as a threshold between different worlds; the VIP area, with private cabanas, a bar, and a pool, serving as a sophisticated transition to the DJ area and nightlife; the main restaurant, including the central bar, a space that fluidly transforms from a vibrant beachfront dining spot by day to a festive evening atmosphere; the main pool, encircled by a dedicated dining area; and the beach deck, offering direct sea access.
The architects aimed to create expansive open spaces while meticulously preserving a sense of intimacy. This commitment is evident in the detailed lighting design, crafted to guide the transition from day to night, and in the acoustics, where sound absorption is discreetly yet precisely integrated. The sensory journey extends beyond taste to visual delight, thanks to the interior design by Bureau Lacroix, who skillfully integrated Peruvian tradition with the local environment.
This begins with the materials: woven straw, patinated woods, local stones, and warm metals forge a language that is both tactile and visual. Woven straw-clad ceilings diffuse natural light, while custom-made golden accents capture sunlight by day and subtly transform the space at night. Everywhere, elements are both functional and visually striking. For instance, the entrance walls, marking the threshold, are composed of colorful, knotted ropes inspired by Inca patterns. Or the pools, which contribute to structuring the space, reflecting light and adding fluidity to the layout.
Furthermore, the monumental arch, conceived as a welcoming gesture, serves as a landmark and sets the tone for the entire experience. All furnishings were custom-designed by Bureau Lacroix and meticulously crafted by local artisans. «This allowed us to control the narrative down to the minutest detail», they explain, «from the graceful curve of a chair’s backrest to the exquisite texture of the fabrics, infusing Manko’s distinct identity into every single aspect».
