Vora

A place as naturally scenic as Santorini isn’t generally known for being on the cutting edge of design and architecture. It would be foolish to think you could compete with the legendary views of the volcanic caldera — better to keep it traditional and keep out of the way. But a hotel like Vora proves that there’s much to be gained by a designer who’s up to the task. Here contemporary architecture complements, rather than competes with, the famous view, and the minimalist style and the traditional methods — Vora was built by hand, owing to its difficult hillside location — ensure that it meshes well with its setting and the surrounding buildings.

With just three villas it’s scarcely a hotel at all — and these are proper villas, each one containing separate living and dining areas, spacious verandas with views, an outdoor infinity-edge spa tub, and a full kitchen (with a chef available for hire). The color palette is restrained, even by Greek standards, with some earth-tone accents in natural materials set against the cloud-white walls. It’s a substantially more refined look than what you’re used to here, even at the high end — and still the merest glance outside at the majestic caldera proves that nature is in no danger of being overshadowed.