Nestled into a cliffside on the crescent-shaped island of Santorini, Nature Eco Residences Santorini is set to open in early May 2020. Here, near the ancient city of Akrotiri, guests can expect sights of midnight-blue waters from the caldera and sheer lava cliffs layered in multicolored rock, while an experience steeped in human connection further illuminates the natural world.
The 15-suite hotel is awash with vintage deco items, earth tones, and handmade furniture while the straight lines, crisp white, and deft curves typical of Santorini architecture are on full display. Rounding out a high-luxe Grecian stay here, a kitchen concept of elevated regional cuisine, a panoramic pool perched on the edge of a cliff, and a social outdoor center which will host multi-disciplined wellness programming.
Nature Eco Residences Santorini follows a philosophy born from the respect of natural materials, aptly evidenced by the use of stone and wood. Original Kostas Maltezos used his years of experience as the General Manager of the global brand of sleeping products Coco-Mat to create hospitality experiences informed by luxury that blends organically with the natural surroundings. Working with architect George Zafiriou, Maltezos created a brief based on unpretentiousness and a back-to-basics mentality. In breathing new life into these residences, Zafiriou merged the traditional elements of local architecture with an expansive industrial feel to create hospitable spaces full of natural light and in complete harmony with their environment.
Handling the interior design, Dimitris Loukas married warm and bright spaces, rich in earth tones, with carefully selected pieces found on Santorini and deco items from Athens. The designer employed a soft-color palette and natural fabrics to create bright and minimal spaces that draw one’s eye naturally to the exterior beauty of the caldera and the sea. Pine, teak, and chestnut were shaped by artisanal builders who brought to life the furniture designs of Zafiriou.
Rooms range from 30-60 square meters, all boasting sea or volcano views, and some with balconies, terraces, or private outdoor jacuzzis. The 60-square-meter Infinity Residence is built within the rock, resembling a cave-like house, and features a bedroom, a bathroom, a private outdoor Jacuzzi, and wonderful panoramic island views. As a veritable showcase of Coco-Mat’s sleep ethos, all rooms are outfitted in the brand’s world-renowned mattresses.
Central, both physically and conceptually, an outdoor community-based area will create a space for human connection, and will host yoga, meditation, and conversations around wellbeing–an oasis for restoration and relaxation. Post self-connection sessions are best digested from the pool deck, which dramatically peers over the endless Aegean Sea. Completing the soul-nourishing offerings, Chef Yiannis Liokas has created a menu of sophisticated Greek cuisine, highlighting the region’s incredible ingredients. Those looking to explore will find a day-trip to the caldera islets or a visit to the excavations at Akrotiri, where one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean was discovered, of interest.
An advanced civilization preserved in volcanic ash, Akrotiri is one of the world’s most mythical and mystical sites, and a must-see. Santorini itself is famous for its jaw-dropping caldera views, Assyrtico wines, and volcanic beaches. In addition to offering one the luxury of privacy and easeful living, the hotel can arrange for sailing, wine tasting, vineyard tours, horseback riding, water sport activities, and much more.