On Santorini, an old cave complex on the edge of island’s western spine translates into covetable – and, these days, eye-wateringly expensive – real estate. Not that this has stopped local hoteliers from scrambling for their cheque books whenever one comes on the market. Even if the space is only large enough to accommodate three rooms.
For the newly opened White Ark, this translates into an exclusive and intimate bolt-hole. Turning its back, literally, to Thira town, the hotel opens out onto jaw-dropping views of that spectacular caldera. Local architects Alexandros and Marianna Kapsimalis have wisely stayed close to the Santorini playbook – which is to say, vast expanses of white surfaces, minimalist wire chairs to decrease visual bulk, light grey linen and accents of marble and steel.
The hotel’s relatively bijou size means facilities are limited. There is no restaurant or spa, though there is a tie up with the Andronis Concept Hotel over in Imerovigli. That said, the hotel and the architects have clearly gone to some length to ensure creature comforts are comprehensive. Each room features a kitchenette, outdoor terrace and infinity pool, whilst the Kivotos suite, which sleeps four, includes a hammam.