A 40-Year Legacy, Piece by Piece

The story of Orloff lives in the details. In the heirlooms and artifacts that line our halls, the carefully curated rituals and beauty products of our Spa, and the signature scents that capture our spirit. For forty years, we have nurtured a legacy, piece by piece, blending history, wellness, beauty, and hospitality. Now, we share our story with you.

A House of Rebels

Back in 1796, Count Orlov decided to build a house on an island he was very fond of; but it was more than a house, it was a “fortress” built on the ruins of an old convent. With thick stone walls and no balconies, to keep watch and stay safe, this manor was a heartbeat of the Greek Revolution. Its very name carries the legacy of the “Orloffika,” the daring 1770 uprising that pre-dated the nation’s independence. As history unfolded, the residence further marked its place in diplomacy, serving as the official seat of Consul Xanthos before eventually becoming the Kladakis family’s private hideaway for eighty years.

A Mathematician’s Dream

In 1986, the adventure took a turn. Petros Kladakis, a mathematician from Athens, decided to trade his pens for a set of hotel keys, transforming his family home into a boutique hotel. He wasn’t alone; Maria Kladakis and Marylise Sauliere, who fell in love with Greece’s ancient soul, joined him to create a new way of living on Hydra. They kept the “Tolstoy-style” charm alive, focusing on inner courtyards and quiet corners rather than the outside world.

Hydra, Distilled

At the Orloff Hotel, simplicity is a form of distinction. In an island defined by the absence of cars and the slow passing of donkeys on stone paths, true refinement is found in the space to breathe. This philosophy is etched into our 18th-century stone, where elegance resides in thick walls, high ceilings, and the soft play of light in our courtyards. Here, Hydra’s untamed essence meets a sense of home.

The Scent of the Garden

Magic lingers in the Orloff garden, thick with jasmine and citrus. It was here, in the summer of 2000, that a chance encounter with a guest, the legendary French designer and perfumer Jean-Paul Guerlain, changed our story forever. Beneath lemon and pomegranate shade, a casual conversation sparked the rediscovery of a lost Mediterranean fragrance. From this encounter came “George Orloff of Hydra”, the first perfume of Greece, bottling Hydra’s scented narrative for every guest to carry home.

A Gathering of Spirits

If these walls could speak, they’d share the stories of the dreamers who’ve called the Orloff home. They’ve watched the Kennedys escape the world’s stage and Princess von Metternich walk our halls with a quiet, lasting poise. The manor still echoes the hums of Demis Roussos and the artistic spirit of Chryssa, Tetsis, and Tombazis, weaving the living threads of our story. Their energy filled every space and never truly left. It continues to breathe through our courtyards, where Orloff remains a living artistic hub.

Hosting the Senses

Wellbeing has always been Orloff’s silent host. From the delicate art of perfumery to a mastery of skincare, our name has become synonymous with excellence in spa operations. Today, with Orloff Spa we bring this signature experience to the most prestigious five-star retreats across Greece and Cyprus. In partnership with icons like Valmont, we offer every guest a personal sensory journey through our curated beauty products and niche perfumery.

Legacy Living in Color

In 2023, the story of the Orloff found a new expression in the Orloff Legacy Suites. We breathed fresh life into a 19th-century mansion, layering its historic bones with the vibrant art of Tom Powell and the seamless grace of modern technology. Still, it feels like Hydra, where the present lives within the past.

Blog

Four Decades of History, One Living Story

Welcome to the Orloff chronicles. Dive into our blog to discover the storied heirlooms, hidden narratives, and timeless rituals that define our world. Join us as we celebrate forty years of heritage, one unforgettable memory at a time.

07.04.2026

Orloff: 40 Years of Legacy, Piece by Piece