Holistic Boutique Hotels

Casa Cook Kos, a five star hotel on the eponymous island in the Aegean Sea, aims to make tourism more than a cultural product. According to the architects, the hotel is the first step in making tourism "an experience for the guest, connecting him with the place, the history, and the island's culture."

That lofty goal is achieved holistically, beginning with Casa Cook Kos' master plan. The design of the hotel is meant to make guests feel like they're staying with an old friend, with several smaller home-like buildings scattered across the property as opposed to a single large building. Even the main square, which comprises the lobby and a public dining area, is articulated into four different buildings that mimic the layout of a traditional Greek settlement.