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
-
‘Just beneath the surface there’s another world’: How David Lynch used hair and make-up to create his singular universeFrom Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive to Twin Peaks, David Lynch used hair and make-up in his films as a narrative device, writes Laura Havlin
-
Burns Night 2025: where to celebrate in LondonIt is time to raise a wee dram to Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns on Burns Night (25 January). Here is our pick of places to enjoy an evening of generous speechmaking, toasting, and drinking around London
-
Tag Heuer unveils sporty new collections at LVMH Watch Week 2025Tag Heuer has announced a series of new watches at LVMH Watch Week, including Formula 1 and Carrera editions
-
Step inside Koumkan, Athens’ new bar of moody glamour and whimsyDesigned by Manhattan Projects, Koumkan’s interiors blend austere yet glamorous flair, evoking the mood of an inter-war bar
-
2025 getaways: where Wallpaper* editors will be travelling to this yearFrom the Japanese art islands of Naoshima and Teshima to the Malaysian tropical paradise of Langkawi, here’s where Wallpaper* editors plan to travel to in 2025
-
Tour an Athens hotel that doubles up as a retro swim clubAce Hotel & Swim Club Athens is a glamorous urban oasis for overnight stays or just a day
-
One&Only’s portfolio of ultra-luxury escapes reaches out to new horizonsFrom the Maldives to Mexico, One&Only’s resorts and private homes around the world offer exceptional stays in idyllic locations, soon to include a first USA property, designed by Olson Kundig
-
New luxury getaways to add to your Greek island-hopping itineraryWhether heading to the beloved destinations of Mykonos and Santorini or venturing to lesser-known treasures like Syros and Rhodes, here's our pick of new Greek island getaways
-
Tour Odera, the first luxury hotel to open on the Greek island of TinosCourtesy of Studio Bonarchi, Odera is a thoughtfully designed haven embracing the Aegean Sea
-
Surrender to these six swim-perfect outdoor hotel poolsDiscover the best outdoor hotel pools, from Amankila’s aquatic triptych by Ed Tuttle to Nicolas Party’s swimmable artwork at Le Sirenuse
-
Anandes Hotel in Mykonos is a love letter to the island’s allureAnandes is a luxury boutique hotel designed by Studio Bonarchi, right in the heart of the Cycladic town
