White Ark — Santorini, Greece
On Santorini, an old cave complex on the edge of island’s western spine translates into covetable – and, these days, eye-wateringly expensive – real estate. Not that this has stopped local hoteliers from scrambling for their cheque books whenever one comes on the market. Even if the space is only large enough to accommodate three rooms.
For the newly opened White Ark, this translates into an exclusive and intimate bolt-hole. Turning its back, literally, to Thira town, the hotel opens out onto jaw-dropping views of that spectacular caldera.
Local architects Alexandros and Marianna Kapsimalis have wisely stayed close to the Santorini playbook – which is to say, vast expanses of white surfaces, minimalist wire chairs to decrease visual bulk, light grey linen and accents of marble and steel.
The hotel’s relatively bijou size means facilities are limited. There is no restaurant or spa, though there is a tie up with the Andronis Concept Hotel over in Imerovigli. That said, the hotel and the architects have clearly gone to some length to ensure creature comforts are comprehensive. Each room features a kitchenette, outdoor terrace and infinity pool, whilst the Kivotos suite, which sleeps four, includes a hammam.
ADDRESS
Nomikou M.
Thira
Santorini
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Daven Wu is the Singapore Editor at Wallpaper*. A former corporate lawyer, he has been covering Singapore and the neighbouring South-East Asian region since 1999, writing extensively about architecture, design, and travel for both the magazine and website. He is also the City Editor for the Phaidon Wallpaper* City Guide to Singapore.
-
The Brazilian Forest House injects art into a modernist-inspired, contemporary design
The Brazilian Forest House, designed in upstate São Paulo by FGMF, brings together nature and art
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Waiting room inspo: Inside Studioutte’s cinematic Sala D’Attesa at Milan Design Week
Studioutte’s Sala D’Attesa, staged in Nolo during Milan Design Week 2024, was a scenographic interior merging different design sensibilities
By Laura May Todd Published
-
Bang & Olufsen’s Recreated Classics series continues with a CD player revival
Bang & Olufsen’s Beosystem 9000c music system brings the original digital compact disc format back to life and pairs it with the latest in speaker design
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Corfu hotel Domes Miramare redefines beachfront bliss
Make like Jackie O at Corfu hotel Domes Miramare, a property with contemporary luxury and echoes of 1960s glamour in spades
By Bridget Downing Published
-
One&Only Aesthesis blends modernist Athens refinement and Greek island vibes
One&Only Aesthesis in the seaside neighbourhood of Glyfada brings the glamour of Athenian modernism to the 21st century with a sprinkle of seductive, island vibes
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Spa experiences in superlative surroundings, to revitalise mind and body
These spa experiences offer the ultimate in wellness and relaxation in serene settings around the world
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Manna Hotel invites you to hunker down for a soothing stay in Arcadia, Greece
Manna Hotel is a former sanatorium-turned-luxurious retreat in the ancient fir forest of Mount Mainalo
By Kate Lough Published
-
Athens restaurant Gallina serves contemporary design and culinary fusion
Gallina is a new Athens restaurant by Objects of Common Interest, mixing contemporary design and fusion cuisine at the Greek capital
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Bardot is a Greek culinary gem on the tiny island of Antiparos
Bardot in Antiparos, a new restaurant by Manhattan Projects (MPNYC), blends traditional cooking and Greek island atmosphere
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino emerges from the greenery of southern Greece
Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino opens the doors to its leafy home in the western Peloponnese, Greece
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Avant Mar is a minimalist architectural hotel experience on a Greek island
Avant Mar Hotel & Suites on the Greek Island of Paros is a minimalist architectural experience by Tense Architecture Network
By Ellie Stathaki Published