Istoria Beach, a Member of Design Hotels, Santorini
Santorini, Greece
Perissa
Vibe
Black wooden gates open to an understated seaside retreat of terracotta accents, raw stone, and tranquil open-air lounging.
“Volcanic design showpiece”
Raw stonework, terracotta accents, and dark volcanic textures deliberately reinvent traditional Cycladic architecture across twelve serene suites.
Intimate twelve-suite beachfront hospitality with private plunge pools, attentive terrace dining, and quiet black-sand loungers.
Volcanic black sands and quiet southeastern coastal living offer an unhurried alternative to crowded caldera cliffs.
On the black sands of Perivolos Beach, calm coastal lanes away from the crowded caldera.
“This is arguably the most stylish hotel in Santorini, with spaces that effortlessly blend local tradition and handmade textures with clean contemporary design…”
Rooms
Sculpted archways frame polished plaster, bespoke timber, and private terraces, with outdoor plunge pools or hot tubs in selected suites.
“You could easily imagine Odysseus and his crew crashing here for the night—but this 12-suite retreat has all the modern luxuries.”
Wellness
Green artisanal tiles line the central swimming pool, while Elios Spa delivers holistic botanical massages using regional organic oils.
“the 12-suite Istoria is a languid sprawl of raw stonework, greenery and white walls.”
Backstory
Built on the former estate of a local socialite, the property incorporates original stonework and five historic horse stables.
Eat & drink
Under canvas shades beside the sand, Mr. E Restaurant serves modern Greek cuisine and seafood alongside drinks at the sunken pool bar.
The neighborhood
Directly outside the gates, the inky volcanic sands of Perivolos Beach offer calm swimming far from the crowded caldera cliffs.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.