Introducing: Vora, Santorini

January 2020…/ We are pleased to announce that we are now working with Vora, a beautifully handcrafted property raising the bar for luxury design hotels in the Greek island hot-spot of Santorini. 

The concept:

Overlooking the volcano with stunning views of the Aegean Sea, Vora enjoys one of the most exclusive locations on the island. Here in Imerovigli, three heavenly private villas have literally been carved into the caves and cliffs, suspended high above the sea to create a very special, intimate place to stay. The sublimely private villas were inspired by the volcanic environment and combine minimalistic Cycladic design with custom-made furniture and a soothing, ever-so-chic natural colour palette. Construction machinery could not reach the hotel site and so everything has been hand-built over a four-year period - a serious labour of love for owner, Santorini native Yannis Bellonias, and Greek design and architecture firm, K-Studio. That's not to say the hotel is too far from the action: Imerovigli is located five minutes from the capital of Fira.

Perched between azure blues and the famous cliffs of the caldera, Vora is a hidden gem perfect for both adventure and relaxation. It's a place to experience the true essence of the island away from the masses and the commercial offering catering to the crowds. Inside each villa, find intricate artwork and furnishings, modern appliances and generous details. Outside, private infinity pools opens up to a monumental view, whilst offering guests the utmost privacy.

Architecture & design:

A proud member of Design Hotels, at its heart Vora combines the island's traditions with contemporary design, the two passions of the owner, Yannis Bellonias. To make his dream a reality, the Athens-based K-Studio took a stunning but seemingly inhospitable vertical landscape and carved one-and two-story dwellings into its steep cliff face to create the villas. Striking white cement and a dappling of dark stone create something akin to a living sculpture that flows above the water and into the sky, full of drama.

The villa interiors have a cave-like quality, with rendered white arched walls curving gently against the black volcanic rocks of Santorini. Living areas have been positioned to allow for the best appreciation of that view and jawdropping sunsets, and each villa is angled so that guests enjoy their unique viewpoit in privacy. Details including Zirini ceramics, Piet Boon fixtures, marble by Gascoigne and Vasaltis, Ceppo di Grey stone, lighting by Trizzo and WM, and Bang and Olufsen sound complete the picture.

The villas:

Villa Alpha

A beautiful duplex villa combining luxury with a traditional way of construction in Santorini. A private balcony hangs to the cliff, with an infinity plunge pool carefully angled to take in the sunset from the very best viewpoint. Villa Alpha features an upper living space, with indoor and outdoor lounging and dining area, plus a fully equipped kitchen. On the lower level, the bedroom space features dazzling views from the king size bed, whilst in the bathroom the freestanding bathtub made from Vasaltis, the local black marble, inspires moments of personal relaxation, completed by a generous walk in shower and blue Gascoigne double sink.

Villa Ro

The perfect balance between rest and play, Villa Ro is also built across two levels, both of which have a balcony stretching out towards those exquisite sea views. The plunge pool seems to merge with the caldera a thousand feet below and enjoys a direct view out to sea. In the upper level, a living room with open air dining area and a fully equipped kitchen await. The lower level houses the sleeping and bathing areas, using an earthy colour palette of beige, dark wood, and black. The minimal yet luxurious interiors highlight the breathtaking views outside. This is the largest villa at Vora.

Villa Omikron

Inspired by the traditional cave dwellings of Santorini, the original “cave” of this property, Villa Omikron, retains its characteristic layout of three rooms that move in succession deeper into the rock on one level. A spacious living room and dining area welcome you to this secluded, luxurious cocoon. Move deeper into the cave and you'll find the bedroom with king size bed and finally the spacious bathroom. A private veranda with plunge pool, lounging and dining areas enjoy direct dazzling views of the Aegean.

Villa services:

This is serviced villa living at its very best. Vora aims to anticipate the needs of its guests, with an extensive array of services and luxury experiences to rival any 5-star hotel. Services at Vora include - 24 hour room service and reception, delicious breakfast made to order and served on your terrace each morning, private chefs and bartenders, beauty treatments, tailor-made island excursions, private yachting, car and bicycle hire, chauffeur service, full laundry service, caldera candlelight dinners served on your terrace, pillow menus, full in-villa mini bar with bespoke wine and cocktail list, and gorgeous in-villa natural bathroom products from hip Greek brand Olive Era.

Location:

Vora is located in the most elegant and sought-after part of Santorini, between Imerovigli and Firostefani, a sublimely quiet residential area at the highest point of the caldera.

Getting there: British Airways fly direct to Santorini (Thira airport) from the UK from April to October. A variety of airlines fly to Santorini from Athens, including Norwegian, Aegean and Vueling. Vora is just a 15 minute drive from the airport.

Nightly rates at Vora, Santorini start from 600 Euros including breakfast, based on two people sharing a Villa.

www.voravillas.com

@vora_santorini

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Media contact

Emma Powell

emma@scout-co.uk

+44(0)7855245313