When you grow up in the hospitality business, your childhood can be defined by hotel lobbies and strangers—or it can become a rare opportunity to learn about the world.
Thanos, Natasha, and Anna Michaelides knew at an early age that hotels would be a big part of their lives. So, for them, the question ultimately wasn’t if they would work in the hospitality industry, but how: How could they each express their own individual talents and passions while working together as a team to create a singular vision?
The answer came down to one word: Architecture. At first glance, it’s an odd word because none of the three siblings studied architecture. However, look closely at their projects in Cyprus—the waterfront Almyra and the cityside Amyth of Nicosia—and you see three unique skill sets combining to flawlessly craft well-balanced hotels: Thanos is the architect of the heart, developing sites that express the character of the island’s people. Natasha is the architect of the brand, imagining how a hotel’s story can enhance the stories of her guests. And Anna is the architect of experience, bringing the flavors and tastes of Cyprus to those around her.
We sat down with Thanos and Natasha Michaelides to learn about the power of individual expression in a team dynamic, what makes their hotel brand so special, and the beauty of their homeland.
What was it like to grow up in a hospitality family?
Natasha Michaelides: It was amazing. Being surrounded by so many people from such a young age made me curious and open. I learned to appreciate people from different cultures, and I became a quiet observer—always noticing how people arrived, relaxed, and connected. I still do that today. I love to imagine their stories, and how we might make those stories special. Because in the end, when people come to us, they’re not just booking a room—they’re buying into a dream, a moment they’ve likely looked forward to for months.
Thanos Michaelides: Growing up in hospitality was intense because you live the business in a literal way. But the knowledge you accumulate becomes very intuitive—you develop a level of understanding that allows you to see things differently. Hospitality is an emotional, personable business and a science at the same time.
What’s it like to have family as business partners?
Thanos: Very dynamic! Different perspectives and personalities absolutely enrich the overall view.
Natasha: The trust we share as a family is something that I’ve never taken for granted. It’s a vital ingredient in everything we do. That said, the lines between work and family life can easily blur. It’s not always ideal when dinner conversations turn into strategy meetings, so we’ve learned to create boundaries and carve out space for just being together.
But surely there have been moments when you’ve wished you didn’t join the family business.
Natasha: I’ve always enjoyed my work and being with my siblings, but I’ve imagined what my life might have been like had I chosen to do things differently. Don’t we all? I think I might have worked for an NGO or found a way to support artists. But really, I’ve managed to weave those passions into my work. Part of my role is to support local talent and uplift the community. We’ve created scholarship funds, and we run an animal shelter. We also provide space for local artists to exhibit their work. I have no regrets! I get to do all things I love with the people I love—my family. That’s irreplaceable.
Thanos: Growing up as I did, it was implied that I would go into the family business. After graduating from school, I briefly thought about taking a different path. But I realized that, through our hotels, I could help create places that represent the character of Cypriots and the history of the island. I’m talking about elements in our hotels that depict who we are in an authentic way, from the language to our very rich cuisine.
Authenticity seems like a core tenet of Thanos hotels.
Natasha: Yes, authenticity, Mediterranean charm, timelessness, and sustainability—these are the foundations of the Thanos brand. For me, Mediterranean charm means elegance rooted in simplicity—the easy rhythm of life, the generosity of spirit, days spent with loved ones in the sunshine.
Thanos: We weave our culture into the guest experience. Yes, this means bringing local artists to exhibit at our hotels. But it also means the design of our hotels: We showcase the culture and the aesthetic idiosyncrasies of Cyprus.
Natasha: That’s right. We offer our visitors a journey into a world filled with genuine experiences, where they can enjoy the local cuisine and traditions. We also believe in preserving what makes our island so special. Our sustainability efforts are designed not only to protect the environment, but to help it thrive for our generation and the ones to come.
“For me, Mediterranean charm means elegance rooted in simplicity—the easy rhythm of life, the generosity of spirit, days spent with loved ones in the sunshine.”
Is there a place you always take friends who come to visit Cyprus?
Natasha: Akamas—a stunning peninsula on the northwest coast. It’s one of the island’s most untouched and beautiful spots. Wild nature, crystal-clear waters, quiet trails—it shows you the real, pure side of Cyprus.
Thanos: The ancient part of Nicosia, because it’s the place where people can get a sense of the history of the island and connect to the Cypriot people in a meaningful way.
For you, what is a perfect day?
Natasha: Spending time near the sea. There’s a crescent-shaped beach close to my home that’s hidden down a sloping passage lined with cypress trees. Here, I am surrounded by nature, with the wind in my hair and the sun on my face—I just love it.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Thanos: To believe that I have not achieved anything great and hence must always strive to achieve more, not necessarily something great but something meaningful.
Click here to read the article in the Design Hotels.