Remember that little hospitality project I mentioned a while back?
Well, two years (and one very big learning curve) later, I finally have something to show for it.
So, let’s catch up! ☕️
Good things take time
Back in 2024, I embarked on a rather ambitious project to build two boutique villas on Limnos, the Greek island that inspired LXS in the first place.
At the time, construction was underway, and I was optimistically crossing my fingers for a summer 2025 opening.
Spoiler alert: that didn’t happen. 😂
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about building in Greece, it’s that timelines are more of a suggestion than a commitment. And when you’re trying to create something that’s both beautiful and made to last, sometimes the best thing you can do is give it time.
Fast-forward to summer 2026, and we finally reached some pretty incredible milestones. Construction was completed, the interiors came to life, furniture was installed, and the villas started to feel like the places I’d spent so much time imagining. 🥹
I want to take a moment to recognize some of the talented people who helped bring this vision to life: architect Sofia Lazarou, who helped shape the original design; contractor Odysseas Sfounis, who turned those plans into reality; and the wonderful team at Fineline Studio, whose care and expertise brought the finishing touches together.
Through a different lens
With construction behind us, we recently brought in an incredible photographer and stylist for our first professional photoshoot.
I’m currently making my way through hundreds of images (a handful sprinkled throughout this post), and seeing everything captured through someone else’s lens has been a bit surreal.
A special thank you to Alessandro Kikinas for photographing the villas so beautifully, and to Katia Maria Sarantidou for helping bring the shoot to life.
After two years of construction updates, floor plans, furniture deliveries, and countless decisions, it’s pretty exciting to have images that capture not just what we’ve built, but what it might actually feel like to stay there.
Bringing hospitality to life
Of course, building the villas is only half the equation. The other half is figuring out how to actually run them.
And this summer, a huge amount of my energy went into laying those foundations.
Hiring a local team, building relationships with people I trust, putting systems and processes in place, and thinking through all the details that guests will hopefully never have to think about themselves.
As some of you may know, I live in New York City and work a full-time corporate job. So while I’d love to personally oversee every little thing on the island, that’s neither practical nor sustainable (although my tendency to micromanage might suggest otherwise 🙃).
Fortunately, I’ve found some great people in Limnos who understand what I’m trying to create and what it will take to get there.
In the end, beautiful design might bring people through the door, but thoughtful hospitality is what makes an experience memorable.
A proper introduction
My focus is now shifting toward the guest experience and everything needed to officially open our doors for the 2027 season.
First up is a new website, alongside a broader brand and social media refresh to better reflect everything LXS is becoming.
The images throughout this post are just a small taste of what’s to come. The new website will put hospitality front and center, with a digital experience that I hope feels just as warm and inviting as the villas themselves.
I’ve made a conscious decision to focus on direct bookings. For me, it’s about keeping LXS personal and intentional, building relationships with guests from the very beginning. I’m also hoping to work with a select group of travel advisors who specialize in authentic, luxury experiences.
And while the website is being developed, we are welcoming inquiries for summer 2027!
Still part of the story
Of course, I haven’t forgotten about the backgammon boards that started it all.
Backgammon has always represented something more than a game. It’s about slowing down, spending time together, and celebrating the little rituals that make life special.
Those same ideas are at the heart of what I’m trying to create through LXS hospitality.
Our boards will continue to be available through the LXS website, and now they’ll also have a home in the villas, where guests can enjoy them during their stay and even take one home if they’d like.
So while the business is evolving, the original vision hasn’t really changed. It’s simply finding new ways to come to life.
A familiar favorite from our Signature Backgammon Collection, atop a custom-designed travertine table.
A moment to take it all in
I will admit, for someone building a business inspired by slowing down and enjoying the little things, I’ve been doing a rather questionable job of practicing what I preach.
It’s been a busy couple of years, and I’ve become so accustomed to focusing on what’s next that I haven’t spent nearly enough time appreciating what’s already here.
Even sitting down to write this update (a casual two years later!) has been a nice reminder of just how much has happened since I first started LXS.
All that to say, I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve created, and even more grateful for the people who’ve been there through all the highs & lows along the way.
Coming full circle
There’s still plenty to figure out, and I’m sure more unexpected twists along the way. But for the first time in a long time, it feels like I’m turning the corner from building something to sharing it with people.
And that’s a pretty exciting place to be!
When I started LXS, I simply wanted to share what I love most about my Greek heritage and the Mediterranean way of life.
I didn’t know exactly where that idea would lead. But looking back, the journey from backgammon to boutique villas feels more connected than I ever could have imagined.
To everyone who’s followed along, asked for updates, offered advice, or simply cheered from afar, thank you.
Here’s to a little more breathing room, a lot more learning, and finally welcoming you to Limnos in 2027! ✨
With love,
Natasha 💌