Our World

Amanzoe - Designed by Edward Tuttle

Travel & Experiences

Port Heli, Greece

I have an affinity for anything Greek. I fell in love with Grecian art during a school visit to the Royal Ontario Museum when I was ten. There was something special about the black and terracotta vase designs that appealed to my sense of beauty. From that moment, I have had an appreciation for Greek pottery, sculpture and classical architecture that still informs my sense of beauty and elegance today. Simplicity of line, restraint and divine proportion play a major role of my design ethos.

Photo by Liz Metcalfe

Photo by Liz Metcalfe

During the summer of 2020, when Covid made travelling almost impossible, I was extremely fortunate to be invited to stay at the beautiful Amanzoe Resort, a secluded enclave nestled between the Aegean Sea in the Peloponnese Hills in south-west Greece. This UNESCO-protected area has been at the heart of Greek culture for over a millennium. Amanzoe was designed by the highly acclaimed architect Ed Tuttle. Born in Seattle, Washington in 1945, he inherited a love of design from his great-grandfather and grandfather, both of which had been renowned architects. Following in their footsteps, he studied both interior design and architecture and ultimately specialized in luxury hospitality work. In 1977, he founded Design Realization with his partner Christian Monges, and relocated his studio to Saint-Germain-de-Près, Paris. Tuttle’s work on the Aman resorts defined the hotel groups signature high standards of luxury and design as well as their commitment to embrace local culture and sensitivity to environmental impact. Ed Tuttle was named by Architectural Digest in 2010 as "the architectural world’s great alchemist". His guiding principles of, “the relationship of proportions and a surprise, or two being thrown in”, together with his love for “pure spaces” resulted in work that in every respect is perfection. In 2020, at the age of 75, Ed Tuttle died from a brain tumour. He left a legacy that will be appreciated for decades to come.

Photo by Liz Metcalfe

Photo by Liz Metcalfe

Ancient Theatre of Epidavros. Photo by Liz Metcalfe

Tuttle’s design for the Amanzoe was inspired by classical Greek architecture with a pared back aesthetic, allowing for panoramic views of the ocean and countryside framed by his modernist approach. His buildings with flat roofs are supported by graceful colonnades connecting open terraces and stone walled courtyards. It has been described as simple, orderly, and tranquil - the definition of perfection and beauty. The wonderful scent of rosemary, lavender, sea salt and olives add another sensory layer. As a designer, Amanzoe is a reminder that the principles of design when applied with experience, grace and respect create a beauty that is undeniable.

While staying at the Amanzoe, I also spent a day at the magnificent Greek theatre, Epidavros, built in the fourth century BC by the architect Polykleitos to hold up to 15,000 guests. It’s regarded as the best-preserved ancient theatre in Greece with perfect acoustics, symmetrical and harmonious proportions. The theatre was dedicated to the ancient Greek God of Healing, Asclepius, son of Apollo.

Photo by Liz Metcalfe