ISTORIA HOTEL - PERIVOLOS, Santorini | Escape to Greece

At the sublime junction where the black volcanic sand meets the midnight blue waters of the Aegean Sea, one finds Istoria, a 12-suite retreat on Perivolos Beach. Located in the pristine eastern side of Santorini that is still left undisturbed by the visiting crowds, the property is just 10km from the port and 13km from the airport.

A new spin on the Greek beachside hotel, Istoria?s design is an eclectic impression of Mediterranean influences. Decorative accents yield memories of times past; oversized stone pots nod to the island?s extensive history, while its abundant natural bounty is featured in the shape of volcanic stone, black Santorini sand and an environment of native trees and plants, such as ancient olive trees, herbs and aloe.

Inspired by storytelling and deriving its name from the Greek word for story - the 12 guestrooms, each with a name in a different language, which translates to the word ?story?,are impressively arched towards the privacy of individual terraces, leading, in most cases, to private outdoor hot tubs and pools.

Despite an overwhelming dedication to tranquility and solace, Istoria features several spaces for guests to unwind. An impressively large pool, made with a green artisan tile work, ensconced within protective walls and bounded by loungers is enhanced by a statement sunken pool bar. Elsewhere, the hotel?s main restaurant, serves modern Greek and Mediterranean cuisine created with fresh, seasonal ingredients and seafood garnered from the island and the Aegean Sea. Amenities are rounded up with the serene Elios Spa offering treatments that cure the body, soul and spirit.

Open to the elements beneath canvas sails with stylishly rustic wooden tables and chairs set on the black sand, Istoria?s Mr. E Restaurant, led by the celebrated Chef Alexandros Tsiotinis, is home to Greek gastronomy reimagined. Offering a unique culinary journey that is influenced by Santorini?s epicurean heritage and its abundance of fresh seafood, the cuisine at Mr. E pays tribute to old traditional recipes and local produce, best savoured with a glass of sublime Santorinian wine.

Mindful of your wellbeing and encapsulating the ethos of nature and man in harmony together, the spa holistic treatments use exclusively organic and regionally derived resources. The therapeutic ingredients used in the Elios Spa provide refreshing treatments for whole body relaxation rituals. Wraps, massages and facials, using only the finest natural oils and techniques, are available in the two treatment rooms. Twice weekly Yoga sessions are also available.