Vora Villas & Bellonias Villas, Santorini, Greece 2022 Season Opening Dates
One is a micro hotel of just three rooms and one of the most exclusive places to stay on the island; the other is an affordable masterclass in laid-back modern Cycladic design. Both properties are owned by the impeccably stylish Santorini local, Yannis Bellonias. Dreaming of pool days in a Greek haven? Vora Villas and Bellonias Villas have announced their 2022 season opening dates as below.
Vora Villas - season begins 1st April 2022
Vora is a beautiful micro hotel of three rooms or “villas”, carved into the cliffs of Santorini - it's a place to experience Santorini away from the crowds.
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 rooms or "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 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.
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. 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 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 jaw-dropping sunsets, and each villa is angled so that guests enjoy their unique viewpoint 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. *For 2023 a new forth villa will be added.*
Hotel services:
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, 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.
2022 rates: Nightly rates at Vora, Santorini start from 680 Euros including breakfast, based on two people sharing a Villa.
Bellonias Villas - season begins 1st May 2022
Bellonias Villas is a peaceful, contemporary beach hotel on the black volcanic sands of Kamari, Santorini.
The concept:
Natural, simple elegance is at the heart of this property. Here you’ll find 26 beach suites scattered alongside the black volcanic beach, on the east coast of the island overlooking the mountain of ancient Thira. This boutique hotel is also home to Elia Restaurant, a pool-side cocktail bar, and its own private stretch of beach, making it the ideal choice for couples and families who seek stylish, unpretentious luxury and beachside relaxation.
Architecture & design:
This is a contemporary project that conveys the passion and creativity of the local owners, in combination with the innovative & fresh thinking of up-and-coming Greek architects & artists. The exterior bar, pool area, restaurant and reception were designed by Athens-based design gurus K Studio. Interiors draw inspiration from the unique landscape of Santorini. The design is composed of natural materials such as wood and stone, with a contemporary aesthetic.
To do:
For a spot of pampering, a wellness area including whirlpool tub, gym, steam, sauna and treatment room is available for guests to book on request. For those wanting a more active day, SUP paddleboards are available to take to the water, and a host of tailormade tours and excursions around Santorini can be arranged, as can bike rental, and private boat trips for an uninhibited discovery of the island from the water.
Location:
Bellonias Villas sits alongside the black volcanic beach of Kamari, on the eastern shores of Santorini. With its own serene stretch of beach, the hotel has an excellent position in a peaceful part of Santorini. With a handful of shops and restaurants along the boardwalk, take an ocean-side stroll straight from your room.
2022 rates: Nightly rates at Bellonias Villas, Santorini start from 240 Euros including breakfast, based on two people sharing a Studio Suite.