Santorini hotel bliss..

How about this relaxed luxury hotel which is pitched on top of a cliff above the glistening Aegean Sea on the island of Santorini?! To me it looks like the ultimate (kid-free!) escape and I absolutely love the simplicity of the Cycladic style design and soothing colours of the suites.

The history of the Perivolas dates back to the 19th century and the Psychas family, who moved to Santorini from Odessa. Falling in love with the island the family wanted to settle here. They soon bought a property perched on the cliff that also included several 300 year old caves. They started dreaming of developing the site into an idyllic island retreat. With the help from local craftsmen using traditional materials, the caves were slowly transformed into 20 luxury suites..

This is where my knees begin to tremble.. How amazing isn't the 'water cave'?! You can actually swim right up to a second entrance at the back of it! Oh heaven..

 

The resort started out as a private residence and has a wonderful sense of intimacy and comfort. Despite the immediate boldness and white washed walls, it doesn't feel cold or stark in any way.  I think it makes for the perfect backdrop to the breathtaking exterior scenery as well as the wonderful interior accent colours.

I love the texture of the walls, the organic shapes and sculpted features of the rooms. The alcoves and vaulted niches make for the perfect little cubbyholes. Perfect to snuggle up in after a day under the Greek sun. And how wonderful to incorporate the natural rock here and there for contrast.. I have a real weakness for this kind of thing (Frank Lloyd Wright did that to me as a young architect student at Univeristy in London..).

Each of the 20 suites are different, however share the loving attention to detail and stylish touches. I feel as if every room breathes freshness and cool breezes from the Aegean Sea beneath, and it is hard to believe that they are actually carved into the actual cliff..

** sigh ** No words needed here..

Oh..Can you imagine waking up in this sun-drenched alcove.?!?.. To stretch ones sleepy limbs and just breathe in that divine light and all the Aegean goodness pouring in from the windows.. Heaven!

** more sighs ** It's minimalism with out that alienating feeling I so often get when rooms are deliberately under dressed or left bare. The little thoughtful flower arrangements are lovely and help enhance the wonderful energy that flows so freely and in abundance through these rooms..

Mon Dieu..!! Would one ever want to leave this place?

All images via Perivolas

This place is definitely going on to our 'must visit' list..!

xx Charlotta