In 1974, Nikos Varveris founded Interni Group to imagine a suite of Greek design, retail, and hospitality concepts. Its story began with Moda Bagno—a curated platform of design and distribution services, available online and in 13 stores across Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey. Hand-selected from world-class design brands and offering exclusive hand-crafted lines, Moda Bagno’s items range from bathroom and kitchen collections to furniture and accessories, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic. For the past 50 years, these pieces have been available to the region’s most prestigious hotel, restaurant, and superyacht clients, solidifying Interni Group as the go-to for all things design lifestyle.
Interni Group’s First Chapter
Courtesy of The WILD.
Photo by Yiorgos Kaplanidis, courtesy of The WILD.
In 1997, the Varverises ventured into the world of hospitality by opening Interni Restaurant & Bar. Designed by Paola Navone, the eatery was set within a secret garden in central Mykonos, and quickly became a must-visit destination for Mykonian nightlife. In the years since, Interni Group has opened Twentyone and The Grand by Interni restaurants in Athens, Twenty Two within the Metropol Palace in Belgrade, and a revamped The Twenty One Hotel in the Kifissia district in Athens. In the five decades since, the brand has also blossomed into a family-owned collective, with Alexandros and Filippos Varveris joining their father in spearheading the business.
Opening The WILD Mykonos
Photo by Yiorgos Kaplanidis, courtesy of The WILD.
Five years ago, the Varverises applied decades of experience to a brand new property—a hotel named The WILD on the southwest coast of Mykonos. “Captivated by people, hotels, and good taste, a hotel in Mykonos was a natural next step,” said Alexandros Varveris, co-owner of the destination, alongside his brother, Filippos, and the architects Sofia and Matina Karavas. Overlooking a former fishing village on the Aegean Sea, the site’s amphitheater-like setting is built into and atop a cliff, offering unforgettable panoramic views from 40 guest rooms, two restaurants, an infinity pool, a spa, and an open-air gym. Beneath them, a private seashore dotted with beach chairs awaits.
Photo by Yiorgos Kaplanidis, courtesy of The WILD.
Once home to courageous fishermen off the coast of Mykonos, this site was known locally as a spot for the “wild ones”—a haven for those with fearless spirits and unconventional lifestyles. Today, The WILD’s tranquil spirit embraces the same aspirations of its visitors from the past, greeting visitors to a rustic, bohemian space. For a contemporary, authentic twist, natural textures and an earthy color palette are accentuated by Greek terracotta pottery, rattan lamps, African artifacts, a help-yourself library, candles, slippers, robes, and hammocks strung under the sun.
“What we are all about is a mixture of being true, kind, not pretentious, genuine, fun and I would dare add flirty, in a sense,” Alexandros said.
New Experiences at The WILD Mykonos
Photo by Yiorgos Kaplanidis, courtesy of The WILD.
New for this year, the hotel launched a sailing excursion with a trata—a traditional fisherman’s vessel, created from curved wood trays and a double-ended slender hull, native to the region. At both dusk and dawn, and available for solo travelers or groups, explorations are available for those who wish to set sail and learn about traditional fishing techniques with locals.
Additionally, guests can embark on WILD experiences of guided and bespoke explorations, including visiting the archaeological treasures of Delos and the uninhabited land of Rhenia; swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Frangia and Kapari; horseback riding through the rugged land of the Mykonian landscape; and touring the active Rizes Folklore Farmstead.
In celebration of Interni Group’s 50th anniversary, Whitewall spoke with Alexandros about The WILD’s unforgettable ethos and how he recommends spending a perfect day in Mykonos.
Embracing Your WILD
Courtesy of The WILD.
WHITEWALL: The hotel is named after the local courageous fishermen, known as the “wild ones,” for their fearless spirit and unconventional lifestyle. How does the hotel embody this essence and offer something similar to its guests?
ALEXANDROS VARVERIS: At the WILD, nothing is overly curated. Authenticity and true essence are valued, creating a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere for guests. The surrounding environment is preserved in its natural state, highlighting the rugged beauty of the landscape, where goats roam freely. For example, the stone stairway leading to the beach has a few uneven steps—some broad, others narrow. It’s not manicured for comfort but intentionally kept “untidy” to maintain its authenticity.
WW: Interni is a family-owned company founded by your father, Nikos, 50 years ago. How are you and your brother carrying on the family legacy, but in a contemporary way?
AV: Our father is still with us on the journey, we are very much alike, but somehow different, we complete each other. Philip and I are in charge of almost all our activities and we are open to new challenges all the time.
Creating a Mykonos Oasis
Photo by Yiorgos Kaplanidis, courtesy of The WILD.
Courtesy of The WILD.
WW: You mentioned creating a hotel in Mykonos was a natural next step. Why this city? What do you feel is special about it?
AV: We came here in 1985 as a ten-year-old and a four-year-old, and we have been coming every summer since then. We love the island so much (although are fed up sometimes, as well!) and we both believe that there is a special kind of magic about it.
WW: Can you tell us a bit about your other properties—including Twentyone and Twenty Two?
AV: Twenty one is a completely different story. It’s a posh, retro, old money hotel in a contemporary fashion, on a beautiful green Athenian suburb with a fabulous garden and one of the best restaurants in town, but also very different from our other restaurants. A more come il faut dinner place, where politicians, statesmen, and prominent business people meet together and wealthy Athenians with their wives.
A Day Well-Spent in Mykonos
Photo by Yiorgos Kaplanidis, courtesy of The WILD.
WW: For those new to Mykonos, where do you recommend them to eat, drink, party, relax, or otherwise?
AV: It depends on what kind of Mykonos they want to experience. The one I prefer is the more quiet one. I would suggest going to the Mykonos town promenade at 10:00 a.m.; taking a Rinia boat cruise; visiting the Kalafatis, Ag. Sostis, Lia, and Agrari beaches; going to tavernas like Tavern Lia, Fokos, Tsaf, and some in Ano Mera; visiting restaurants like Katrins (for food), Interni (for the party), and Nobu (for the retro vibe); going to the open-air cinema Mando for the best souvlaki in the garden; and ending the night at Scorpios for the vibe and the music, but definitely not on a DJ or party night.
WW: What are you working on next?
AV: We are working on the next WILD hotel on a less fancy Greek island, and on an Interni boat to come soon.
Courtesy of The WILD.
Courtesy of The WILD.
