We

We
arrived in Santorini with the best intentions. We’d lounge on
the beach all day, cruise around the island on a boat tour, hike
across the rocky outcrop, seek out secluded restaurants and happily
stumble home from moonlit bars, before rinsing and repeating.

That was until we arrived at Vora.

A veritable haven clinging to the caldera in the north of the
island, the hotel comprises three villa suites, each with their own
private plunge pool looking out over the velvet-navy expanse of the
Aegean Sea.

We know, we know, there are plenty of similar accommodation
options in Santorini, but Vora is cut from a different cloth. Of
the many, many hotels that cascade down the cliffside, this is the
one you’d gawp at and say “whoa, look at that one!”, except you
can’t look at it because, unlike the others, at Vora you are not
overlooked.

This level of seclusion, combined with state-of-the-art design
and quietly brilliant staff, is why, dear reader, our intentions
went straight down the plughole of our volcanic-rock bath and we
didn’t open the door to our suite for two days.

Vora is, in fact, one of the best hotels we have ever stayed at.
We’ve already begged them to have us back for our honeymoon,
despite marriage not being on the horizon. And that’s saying
something.

Rooms

Cocoons of privacy, soft creamy walls contrast with black-stone
accents and minimalist design. Heed is paid to the traditional cave
houses of the island, while furniture is a modern take on
mid-century – it feels like a design museum yet simultaneously
homely. Beds are mammoth in size and sublimely comfortable, thanks
to memory-foam mattresses.

What’s for breakfast?

There’s no restaurant; these guys have gone one step further and
plumped for an in-house private chef. Expect a fantastic selection
of Greek favourites alongside the usual fare. Portions are not
enormous, but top marks for taste.

How about lunch and dinner?

Dinner is served on your terrace from a Mediterranean-inspired
menu – the beef tagliata was a highlight. With notice, the chef can
also prepare a tailored tasting menu.

Is there a bar?

If you can’t see your choice among the extensive in-room
selection of (full-size) wines, you can order from a list of local
and international wines until 10pm. The cocktails are exceptional –
watch the sunset with the signature margarita and try your utmost
not to mutter “this is the life”.

Amenities

In-room massages and facials can be arranged.

Within a short walk I can find

Erm. We didn’t leave. But if you do, Imerovigli village is just
five minutes up the road, with shops, pharmacies and plenty of
places to eat and drink (none with quite the same view as from
Vora, mind). There’s also Skaros Rock, a craggy promontory of
medieval ruins, accessible by a walking trail. Not for the
faint-hearted.

Things I should know

Renowned London architecture practice K-Studio masterminded the
almost-mythical Vora out of rock. The way the natural landscape and
light are utilised is really something to be marvelled at.