The hotel perched on the caves of Santorini

Oia, with its blue-domed churches, twisty alleys and white houses that seem frozen in time, is the most beautiful village of Santorini. Here, on top of the volcanic rocks of the Caldera, stands the Saint Hotel. 

Kapsimalis Architects studio has converted an old cubistic residence and underground caves of the Greek island, once used as storage areas, barns or cellars, into a resort including sixteen rooms, a small reception, a restaurant, a communal swimming pool area and a wellness centre. The result is a modern ode to local Cycladic architecture that respects traditional elements such as the use of white and human scale, but without renouncing modern comfort. 

The hotel, which is located on a sloping terrain, is articulated on six levels. Its geometric lines run along the slope towards the sea, following the ground lines, with a discontinuous interweaving of stairs and passages between minimal stone houses that recall the surreal layout of Oia. The entrance starts from the highest level, and then gradually descending as the ground degrades. On the upper level are located the reception and an outdoor lounge area. Α central exterior staircase which looks like the crack on a building, leads first to the rooms with their private patios and pools, and then to the lower level. Here we find a restaurant,  the infinity pool area, connecting the intermediate three levels which comprise the hotel rooms and their private yards and pools. The lowest level includes a spa reception, a small gym, massage rooms, hammam, sauna booths, w/c, storage areas and a private relaxation yard on the edge of the cliffs. 

The numerous sea-front terraces and swimming pools that offer breathtaking views on the distant volcano and on the surrounding landscape are definitely one of the most attractive features of the Saint Hotel. 

The interiors combine inspirations from traditional Greek design with details of the Mediterranean South. White, with hints of gold and green, colors all surfaces, highlighting the curved ceilings of the rooms and, above all, the deep blue of the sky and sea.