This intervention comes at a critical juncture, as the historic complex—out of operation since 1999—faces significant structural integrity and maintenance issues, posing a risk to the safety of the monument. The project aims to restore and reintroduce the building within a contemporary tourism framework that harmoniously blends its historical value with modern wellness and hospitality needs.
The property spans a total area of 7,018.40 square meters, comprising a hydrotherapy wing, a hotel wing, auxiliary buildings, and the emergence point of the Kakavos thermal spring.
Kythnos has a long-standing tradition in thermal therapy, dating back to 1836, when the royal architect Christian Hansen visited the island and designed the original thermal bath complex featuring marble bathtubs. From 1845 onwards, Queen Amalia frequently visited Kythnos for hydrotherapy, further highlighting the therapeutic qualities of the local springs. Hansen’s work was later expanded and enriched with designs by Laurent and Ernst Ziller (1871–1891), while the last major interventions took place between 1964 and 1970.
These facilities are now classified as listed historical monuments, as they represent outstanding examples of architecture closely linked to the heritage of the Kythnos thermal baths.
According to the investment plan and the Environmental Impact Assessment, the new "Xenia Kythnos" project will include the following:
- A Thermal Therapy Unit utilizing the Agioi Anargyroi spring.
- A Thermal Therapy Unit utilizing the Kakavos spring.
- A five-star hotel complex with a capacity of 96 beds, offering not only accommodation but also wellness and beauty services.
- The construction of an outdoor thermal wellness swimming pool.
- Restoration and enhancement of the historic hydrotherapy facility, including interventions on façades, roofs, historically significant floors, and technical infrastructure.
- Energy efficiency and aesthetic upgrades to the hotel wing and auxiliary facilities.
- Landscaping of communal areas, greenery, and parking spaces, ensuring the complex functions as a unified whole.
The main difference from the original building is that the former complex operated solely as a hotel with 46 rooms (92 beds) and a hydrotherapy center. The redesigned "Xenia Kythnos" aims to become a modern thermal tourism center, integrating multiple uses and offering high-standard wellness services, alongside significant aesthetic improvements. The new complex will revive the historic use of thermal baths while also providing a comprehensive hospitality and health tourism experience. It will preserve the site's historical character while showcasing the natural beauty of Kythnos.
The investment is led by the company Xenia Kythnos, owned by Israeli entrepreneur Abraham Ravid. Since 2021, the company has held the rights—granted for a period of 99 years—to develop the "Xenia Kythnos" hotel, as well as the rights to use the two thermal springs located on the property, under agreement with the Hellenic Public Properties Company (ETAD). The total transaction value amounted to €2,862,510.
The overall investment, expected to exceed €25 million in the long term, also includes the development of luxury villas, suites, an open public park, and a marina.
