London, UK: On the laid-back island of Santorini, built high atop the cliffside in Imerovigli, sits Kivotos Hotel & Villas. The luxury boutique hotel stands out from the crowd, a unique jet black and smoke grey structure in a sea of traditional whitewashed and blue coloured houses – a trademark of the Cyclades. Circa 1600 BCE, the island was devastated by a catastrophic volcanic eruption, one of the largest volcanic events on Earth in human history, casting a jet black shadow across the island. Today, the smoke grey hotel is perched on the crest of Santorini’s caldera, with panoramic views of the world’s most famous sunset and sunken volcano.
This bold and innovative design is a statement of Kivotos’ one-of-a-kind hospitality, honed over the years, dating back to 1993, when the owner Spyros Michopoulos decided to open one of Greece’s first ever boutique hotel’s back on the island of Mykonos.
Ever since, the owner and his two sons Philip and Jason have continued to enhance that very first vision, opening Kivotos Hotel & Villas, Santorini in 2019. Attracting an affluent yet understated clientele, the hotel answers the need for a destination with an exceptional sense of style, place, and design. Travellers come here to unwind with the comfort that they will be well looked after, where highly personalised levels of service are combined with first-class amenities.
It was important to the Michopoulos family that the hotel was something truly luxurious and special and that the design allowed guests to appreciate the sweeping views of the Aegean Sea. The panoramas from the hotel are mesmerising, providing views into the caldera, the expanse across the other side of the island as well as the famous village of Oia.
The architecture is calming with hand-crafted interiors. Each of the hotel’s suites and villas have different perks (think indoor pools, hammams, hot tubs, split-level design and sunset balconies). State-of-the-art lighting and sound systems give guests the freedom to create the mood of their choosing. The sophisticated minimalist design embraces clean lines and invites guests to focus on being in the moment, and the beauty of the location.
Every detail has been thought of, with the owners having collaborated with several architecture and design firms to come up with the finished product they have today. The hotel is fitted out with high-end furnishings from the likes of Ethimo, Talenti, STUA and Lago. The upholstery and linens are of the highest quality.
For guests looking for the ultimate in privacy during their stay, the villas range from two, three and four bedrooms, ideal for groups of friends. Villas feature rain-showers and walk-in wardrobes, and some with hot tubs with stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the sunset. Upon request, hotel can arrange for private dining within the villas, whether that’s a romantic meal for a loved one or an elegant feast with friends, or a champagne breakfast in bed.
