Black-sand beaches, red volcanic rock, whitewashed villages… the Greek island of Santorini must have one of the world’s most distinctive and colourful landscapes. Now, in the recently opened Saint Hotel just outside the village of Oia, visitors have an equally striking place to relax and take in all that boundless, epic scenery.
Built just above one of the rock faces of Santorini’s caldera – a former volcanic crater – the hotel comprises 16 ‘cave’ suites dug into the steep hillside. They look out on to the Santorini volcano, whose black, solid-lava sides poke out of the Aegean Sea.
Photograph: Kapsimalis Architects
Each of the suites opens on to a private terrace with pools and loungers, separated by white walls that are designed to mimic the area’s traditional streets and buildings.
Six of the hotel rooms are converted from former homes, barns and cellars that were built into the hillside, while the rest have been built from scratch. They are minimally furnished and painted all-white to mimic the exterior, with a concrete stairway linking each one with an on-site restaurant, spa, gym and communal pool.
The complex, which was designed by Greek studio Kapsimalis Architects, has just been nominated in the ‘best hospital building’ category at this year’s Dezeen Awards. With suites starting at around £350 a night ($462, A$637), it isn’t exactly a budget option, but hell – we could all do with a getaway this picturesque right now.
Find out more about Saint Hotel and book now.
Photograph: Kapsimalis Architects
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