A Place Where Heritage Meets Heart: The Story of ELaiolithos
ELaiolithos Luxury Villa Suites isn’t just a place to stay—it’s an invitation to experience the soul of Naxos. Rooted in tradition and shaped by nature’s wisdom, this one-of-a-kind haven offers more than just breathtaking views and luxurious comfort; it tells a story of resilience, passion, and connection to the land.
Born and raised in the lush, mountainous region of Naxos, Eleni, the founder and visionary behind ELaiolithos, grew up in a family where sustainable living wasn’t a trend but a way of life. Her father, a renowned shepherd and cheese artisan, and her mother, a skilled loom weaver, passed down a deep respect for tradition and a love for their craft. Helen and her siblings lived this ethos daily, from olive gathering to crafting local goods—a legacy that continues today, as each family member runs a traditional business in the picturesque village of Khalkion, staying true to their roots.
Eleni’s childhood was filled with the simple joys of rural life: tending fields with her father, collecting olives faster than anyone in the village, and exploring Naxos’ natural beauty. These moments left an indelible mark on her spirit, even as she ventured to New York to build a life and career. But the pull of her homeland, its serenity and traditions, never faded. Eco-friendly living has always been a fundamental aspect of her lifestyle.
Decades later, her dream took shape—ELaiolithos, a sanctuary that embodies her heritage, her values, and her love for the island. Nestled between Chalkio and Moni village and inspired by the timeless wisdom of her parents, ELaiolithos is a celebration of Naxos: its landscapes, its culture, and its people. Every suite is a reflection of the island’s charm, blending modern comfort with traditional craftsmanship, from loom-woven textiles to bespoke décor inspired by local artistry.
At ELaiolithos, you’ll taste the richness of Naxos through farm-to-table cuisine made with organic ingredients sourced exclusively from the region. You’ll feel its authenticity in the handmade touches that fill every corner. And you’ll see its beauty in the panoramic views of olive groves, valleys, mountains and the sparkling Aegean Sea.
Focusing on Authenticity: Eleni’s deep-rooted connection to Naxos and her early experiences in its pristine landscapes became the foundation of ELaiolithos. From her father’s village, Heimarros, with its otherworldly lunar terrain, to her mother’s village, Moni—now home to ELaiolithos—she grew up surrounded by the island’s natural beauty and timeless traditions.
This upbringing, intertwined with Naxos’ charm and authenticity, inspired Eleni’s vision for a sustainable villa complex. ELaiolithos was designed to offer guests more than a stay— it provides a deep connection to the island, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking vistas and serene beauty that define Naxos.
ELaiolithos is not just a place to stay; it’s an invitation to explore the soul of Naxos. Every detail reflects the island’s rich heritage, and every moment encourages you to connect with its history, people, and unspoiled natural beauty.
Come and create your own story in this extraordinary haven.
Eleni shares:
“ELaiolithos is my life’s story—a bridge between my heritage and the modern world. I built this place to share the magic of Naxos with the world: its beauty, its culture, and its soul. Here, you’re not just a guest—you’re part of the story, experiencing the traditions and landscapes that have shaped me.”
ELaiolithos is nestled among thousands of ancient olive trees, many over 1,000 years old, creating an atmosphere that is both timeless and deeply connected to the land. Surrounded by these natural guardians, the property offers a truly immersive experience, where every breath feels like a connection to history, and every moment is steeped in the earth’s wisdom. Here, luxury and sustainability coexist seamlessly, inviting you to experience the beauty and spirit of Naxos in its purest form.
ELaiolithos is a compound word formed by joining the two words
“Elaion” and “ Lithos”
and reveals also
EL Eleni/Ellas/Ellin/Light – AIO/ELAIO Eternal/Olive – LITHOS Stone
The Eternal Stone of Eleni, inside the Olive Groves
Construction of ELaiolithos was completed in three years, and it opened its doors to the world in late 2017. Eleni transitioned from a decorator in New York to a full-time hotelier in Naxos, becoming the founder, creator, designer, and driving force behind this entire sustainable project.
“A goal of an eco-friendly accommodation was not just met; ELaiolithos surpassed it. It came out exactly as I had imagined it – an accommodation with a sensuous aura, attentive and authentic just as the surrounding area. ELaiolithos was built with love for humanity, love for Naxos, respect for the environment, and passion for life.
Opening up an area as a travel destination is a huge responsibility and risk, and needs every possible effort to preserve the original character of the area. That requires authenticity and transparency, but it comes very easily because it matches perfectly with my personality.” ~ Eleni says
ELaiolithos provides extraordinary Naxos experiences, granting convenient access to numerous picturesque and historic stone villages in Naxos, Greece. Revel in the breathtaking vistas of the Drimalia valley, the majestic Mount Zeus with its eight pyramid-shaped mountain peaks, and the panoramic backdrop of Ios and Sikinos islands in the Aegean Sea. Visitors inevitably fall for the charm of this secluded, lush green, and fertile region—home to thousands of ancient olive trees. Immerse yourself in village life, seemingly frozen in time, explore centuries-old monuments nearby, and savor fresh culinary delights crafted from farming traditions that have endured through the ages.
What resonates with you (Eleni) the most about ELaiolithos and the mountainous region of Naxos?
“I hold a deep affection for the mountains; they’re honest, pure, simple, and divine. The serenity and tranquility of the region captivates me, providing a space where one can either choose to do nothing or engage in everything, relishing the delightful sense of freedom. Here, life unfolds before you, and I find joy in contemplating its beauty. It’s a place where you can truly hear, feel, smell, and understand—a sustainable living that naturally evolves. Heartiness emanates from within.
My ultimate goal is to offer guests more than just accommodation—it’s to provide a memorable experience filled with warmth, comfort, genuine hospitality, and opportunities to create and share their own stories. From the cozy ambiance of our suites to the personalized attention you receive, every aspect of your stay is designed to exceed your expectations and leave you with cherished memories to take home.”
Our perspective on the world? It’s all about spreading happiness and healthiness at ELaiolithos.
Our vision at ELaiolithos is to foster happiness and well-being by guiding our guests on a journey to rediscover the transformative power of nature. Here, amidst the breathtaking beauty of our surroundings, nature’s presence holds the potential to deeply influence the human psyche. ELaiolithos stands as a humble endeavor to reignite the forgotten connection between the human soul and Mother Nature. Immerse yourself in the authentic essence of Naxos at ELaiolithos and experience the rejuvenating embrace of the natural world.
Credits: I dedicate ELaiolithos to my three wonderful children, whom I love deeply. I express my heartfelt gratitude to them for their patience and understanding during this significant and challenging project that demanded my full attention and time, inevitably reducing the moments I shared with them. Now, ELaiolithos enables them to forge a close connection with Naxos, encouraging a deep exploration of their mother’s roots and fostering cherished family moments with relatives during their visits.
Thanks to all my friends for sharing my happiness when starting the project of ELaiolithos and following with encouragement when it seemed too difficult to be completed.
Speaking of encouragement, I must mention my dear brother Mihali for his continuing contribution throughout the process of this project. Special thanks to him. Without his work, patience, expertise, honesty and decency, this project would not have completed. He is a great person and I can only be grateful to be his sister.
Last, I send special thanks to all the teams they have worked on the site and they were hard working, honest and prompt and completed their job with excellence. They know who they are.
I thank you all for your part in my journey……..
Building ELaiolithos was another Naxos experience for me….
Wishing to all of you,
A Heart filled with Love, and as the king of Olympian gods, Zeus, said:
“A true hero is not measured by the size of his strength, but
By the strength of his Heart”
A touch of Naxos Folklore & History…
on the premises….
ELaiolithos is the first and only luxury green accommodation of its kind in Naxos. Unique and contemporary, it exudes character, a warm heart, and an authentic Naxian soul.
Uncover History: The Timeless Olive Press – A Step Back in Time
At ELaiolithos, there’s so much more to experience than meets the eye. One of the many treasures awaiting you upon arrival is the display of a rare antique olive oil press, dating back to 1540-1969, as passed down by the locals of nearby Moni village. This extraordinary piece of history was carefully transported to our premises, alongside other vintage artifacts from the same era.
Everything has been meticulously reassembled as it was found in its original setting: the olive press, the massive stones, the intricate rotating mechanism, and the millstone—all thoughtfully preserved to captivate visitors and bring the past to life. It’s a unique attraction that offers a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage and timeless craftsmanship.
Olives were placed on this large stone slab of 3.5 tons weight, where pressure was applied with a round stone (the millstone) 1.5 ton weight. This procedure produced a paste which was then taken to the olive press. The first type of press consisted of one or two millstones, rotated with the help of a thick, wooden beam. This was the “Trapetum” (from the Greek verb “trepo” – to turn).This type of mill of mills was used also in Byzantine times. After the 18th century, olive presses in Europe were driven by machines, but up until the 1970s, animal-driven presses were still in use in Greece.
The olive press along with all its accessories was offered to Eleni Maraki by Eleni and Dimitrios Nanouri from Moni village. This rare folklore treasure represents many centuries of local life. ELaiolithos displays it in its entrance and offers the opportunity to its guests to come in contact with this local cultural inheritance. This exhibit constitutes an authentic and real evidence of the traditional way of making olive oil.
ELaiolithos is the Greek word for the mashing antique olive oil millstone in the ancient times (or elaiopetra or melopetra). ELaiolithos (Frantoio) is the large cylindrical rolling stone that crushed the olives to produce the pulp and ELaiolithos’ role was to turn and roll on the large stone. The stone was held upright by an axis, which was connected to a long handle. The handle was pushed by humans or animals. The mashing stone rolled along a cavity on the circumference of the base crushing the olives. The crushed olives would then be collected into a basket-then further processed by the oil press.
ELaiolithos is a truly unique place, where nature and design come together perfectly. Surrounded by ancient olive trees, lush valleys, rugged mountains, and marble, it flows effortlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces, offering the privacy and tranquility you need to relax and enjoy the beauty of the environment.
You can read The Story Behind the Name ELaiolithos: Rich in Meaning and Cultural Depth
Let yourself be spoiled, and above all Enjoy!
