Twins Bring Soul to Sifnos
Costas and Nikos Antimissaris

Words Vidula KotianImages Maximiliam Mair

When it comes to crafting a hotel with soul, few can claim the hands-on perspective and global experience of twins Nikos and Costas Antimissaris, the founders of Stamna Sifnos.

Their paths to hospitality were anything but conventional-Nikos spent years leading international financial services companies across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, while Costas built a career in fashion retail with Zara, later overseeing multiple brands across Greece and Spain.

Yet both share a singular vision: a hotel that balances design, service, and humanity, where every detail is intentional.

We sat down with the brothers to hear how Sifnos first captured their imagination, the local artisans who helped shape Stamna’s character, and the thoughtful touches that make guests feel truly at home. From the first spark of discovery to opening Stamna in 2025, they saw how intuition, empathy, and structured management could converge to create a space that feels alive, welcoming, and soulful—a place where they even go so far as to personally greet guests at the port.

How did you end up opening your first hotel in Sifnos?

Costas: We discovered Sifnos almost by accident. Every summer, we’d explore a different island with our families, and on one of those trips in 2011, the island captured us—its beauty, balance, and calm energy were unforgettable.

Nikos: From that moment, the idea began to take shape, slowly and deliberately. It took more than a decade of patience and careful planning, but when we finally opened in 2025, it felt as if the journey itself had shaped the soul of the project.

How has the island spiritually adopted you?

Costas: When you arrive somewhere new, you have to approach it with care and respect. In the early days, the locals watched our project with curiosity and a touch of skepticism, which is only natural.

Nikos: We kept a low profile, listened, and learned the rhythms of the community. We tried to integrate with humility, not as outside investors but as future neighbors hoping to create something the island could be proud of. Today, seeing how warmly the locals have embraced both the project and us personally is one of our greatest sources of pride.

“We tried to integrate with humility, not as outside investors but as future neighbors hoping to create something the island could be proud of.”

Nikos Antimissaris

What’s it like living on the island after years in cities?

Costas: I always say, if I can work in short sleeves, I know I’m in the right place. Life here is calmer, closer to nature, and every free moment feels precious. You leave behind the stress of the city, keep the essentials, and still have a meaningful professional life—welcoming guests, helping them have memorable holidays. It’s the perfect balance.

Nikos: The seasonal rhythm makes it even better. We’re here until October, then spend the winter in Spain, since our wives are from there. This way, we enjoy both the calm of Sifnos in summer and the energy of city life in winter.

Can you share an interesting story about a Sifnian artisan or local identity maker who became involved with Stamna and helped shape its character?

Costas: “Stamna” in Greek means a traditional ceramic pot, and “Pilós,” the name of our restaurant, means “clay.” We chose these names as a tribute to the island’s centuries-old pottery tradition.

Nikos: Early on, we met the owner of the oldest pottery workshop on Sifnos, who crafted all the ceramic pieces you see throughout the hotel—in the rooms and common areas. Over the years, our relationship has grown into a genuine friendship. We send many guests to his workshop for pottery classes, and he often comes to dine with his family, proud to see his work living and breathing in our spaces.

What is a recent memorable trip you went on, and what inspiration did you bring back?

Nikos: Recently, we spent a few days in Japan, exploring Kyoto and Naoshima. It was a deeply inspiring experience: the precision, the simplicity, and the way design coexists with silence.

Costas: We came back with an even stronger belief that luxury is not about excess—it’s about care, calm, and presence. Japan reminded us that restraint can be powerful, and that beauty often comes from what you choose not to add. That philosophy now guides how we refine Stamna—fewer things, done better.

If you could wake up tomorrow having gained one quality or ability, what would it be?

Nikos: Patience—to move even more slowly in a world that keeps accelerating. Running a hotel teaches you that details take time, relationships take time, beauty takes time.

Costas: It would be to make time expand—so that we could enjoy every guest, every conversation, every sunrise just a little longer.

Is there a memorable moment from this past season at Stamna that has stayed with you?

Costas: Seeing our first guest arrive from New Zealand—that moment hit hard. After years of construction and preparation, the hotel was finally alive.

Nikos: Even more powerful was hearing guests describe why they felt so at ease here: the tranquility, the way the design, materials, and surroundings made them feel. These were the emotions we hoped to inspire, and realizing they experienced them naturally, without us saying a word, was unforgettable.

Costas: That’s what gives a hotel its soul. Beautiful design and views are one thing, but warmth, care, and presence that’s what lingers, both in our team and in our guests.

“We came back with an even stronger belief that luxury is not about excess—it’s about care, calm, and presence. Japan reminded us that restraint can be powerful, and that beauty often comes from what you choose not to add.”

Costas Antimissaris

What do you think gives a place its soul?

Nikos: It’s the passion to truly care about your guests—making sure they have a memorable stay and leave Sifnos knowing they’ve experienced the island, not just the hotel. We spend time sharing tips, telling them where to go, what not to miss. Not everyone does that, and guests notice.

Costas: There are also symbolic gestures that matter. We’re always present, not because the team can’t do the job without us, but because it’s natural for us to engage with guests—having breakfast together, chatting, giving personal recommendations. We do this genuinely; we’d never send someone somewhere we wouldn't go ourselves. 

We even pick guests up from the port. Some laughed and asked, “Isn’t that the driver's job?” But for us, it’s the first and last impression we get to give. It’s a chance to welcome them, set the tone, and gather real feedback on their experience. These moments—small, personal, intentional—are what give the hotel its soul.