Istoria Beach, a Member of Design Hotels, Santorini
Volcanic design showpiece
Volcanic design showpiece
The retreat trades standard white-and-blue caldera bustle for earthy plaster and volcanic stone right on the quiet south coast.
“the 12-suite Istoria is a languid sprawl of raw stonework, greenery and white walls.”
Where it shines
Notable
Private plunge pools and terrace breakfasts accompany twelve secluded beachside suites.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and Wallpaper*.
This is arguably the most stylish hotel in Santorini, with spaces that effortlessly blend local tradition and handmade textures with clean contemporary design.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
The black sands of Perivolos Beach lie just outside the gates, offering uncrowded swimming along Santorini's quieter southeastern coast.
The rooms
Polished screed floors and vaulted ceilings anchor the suites, which open onto private plunge pools or hot tubs.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Dark green artisan tiles line the main pool, flanked by black stone walls and loungers facing Mesa Vouno.
The spa
Elios Spa offers bodywork and facials using organic Mediterranean botanical oils, arranged around a quiet courtyard water feature.
At the table
Canvas sails shade wooden tables set over volcanic gravel, where Mr. E serves Mediterranean seafood and garden produce.
you could easily imagine Odysseus and his crew crashing here for the night—but this 12-suite retreat has all the modern luxuries.
How it began

A 1970s socialite once kept her estate here, and five former horse stables were preserved during the restoration.
Good to know
Stay here
Istoria Beach, a Member of Design Hotels, Santorini
See rooms and prices on Expedia or Booking.com.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
We may earn a commission when you book through Expedia or Booking.com. It never decides which hotels we include or how we rate them.
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.