Perched on a steeply sloping 10,000 m² waterfront site in Kefalonia, the five-star Regina del Acqua Hotel occupies a privileged position between the island’s dramatic landscape and the Ionian Sea. Landscape–Roidis Studio was commissioned to develop the complete landscape design for the property, shaping a series of outdoor spaces that enhance the guest experience while responding sensitively to the site's challenging topography.

A central aspect of the project was the transformation of an imposing 11-metre-high retaining wall located along the seafront edge of the development. Rather than treating this necessary engineering structure as a visual obstacle, the design reimagined it as a defining landscape element. A composition of sculpted artificial rock formations, layered Mediterranean planting, and cascading water features was introduced to soften the scale of the wall and integrate it into the surrounding environment.

The landscape strategy extends throughout the hotel grounds, organizing circulation, leisure areas, and planting into a cohesive spatial experience that reinforces the relationship between architecture, terrain, and sea. Carefully selected vegetation contributes texture, colour, and seasonal variation while thriving in the demanding coastal conditions of the island. The movement and sound of water further enrich the atmosphere, creating a strong sense of place and enhancing the arrival experience.

Through the integration of landscape architecture, topographical intervention, and environmental design, the project transforms a significant site constraint into one of the hotel’s most distinctive features. Today, the sculpted retaining wall functions as a recognizable landmark, giving Regina del Acqua a unique identity while contributing to a memorable and immersive coastal setting.