On Mythical Mykonos in Greece, the San Giorgio Hotel

Set on the dramatic coastline of Mykonos, Greece, a small hotel offers a blend of rustic and modern Mediterranean flavors.

Its decidedly understated and monochromatic decor comes from Berlin-based Lambs&Lions.

The design group has used a minimal palette restricted to a modern use of earthy natural shades throughout.

The very few, carefully selected pieces of furniture are unerringly right.

Subtle references are made to the North African and Mediterranean designs that have influenced the region since ancient times.

There is tranquil feeling as a result of such care in choosing the few items inside.

Ancient “built-in” shelving set in to the old hand-built walls still serves a purpose.

Selected by Design Hotels as one of only 240 handpicked boutique resorts globally, it is the care in decoration that really makes the traditional building special.

Outside, just the simplest traditional trellis provides holidaymakers with a serene and shady spot for an al fresco lunch.

The turquoise of the pool is the only shock of color in the very subdued and discrete color story.

Bedrooms continue the subdued and refreshingly simple decor.

A mosquito net is a reminder of the proximity of the tropics.

Mosaic floors of cool tiles, simple wooden furniture and breezy windows complete the minimal decoration.

A place for a night lantern is inserted in the traditional thick walls of the ancient Cycladic vernacular architecture of the region.

The small hotel is set within the piazza on the island.

Illustrative of how these old buildings are constructed, a pour of plaster partially covers the underlying stone walls. Only the crisp white shutters are new.