Latest news with #Katikies
Forbes
7 days ago
- Forbes
Inside Katikies Cycladic House, Santorini's Most Design-Savvy Villa
One of the most-visited Greek islands, Santorini's allure lies in its caldera views, whitewashed buildings that spill down the mountainside, and incredible sunsets. Travelers are also drawn to the island's unique cave hotels—a concept founded by one of the longest-running, independently owned boutique hotel groups on the island: Katikies. Nearly 40 years after the group opened the doors to its first hotel, Katikies Santorini, it has remained one of the island's most beloved hotels. So much so that there are several boutique Katikies-branded hotels on Santorini, each in different locations that highlight the diversity of the island's topography, history, and beauty, plus one hotel and one private villa in Mykonos. The boutique hotel group prides itself on authentic Greek hospitality paired with elevated fine dining. The hotels offer varying experiences, design styles, and programming, yet are connected through common Cycladic style. For instance, Katikies Kirini has a robust wellness program with cutting-edge spa treatments and cave pools; Katikies Garden is housed within an ancient Catholic monastery in Fira and has an underground wine cellar; and Katikies Chromata, located at the highest point on the island's caldera side, has a vibrant, soulful ambience with energetic food and beverage concepts. Guests of Katikies have access to each property and the superior concierge can arrange anything from a private boat trip to a romantic dinner or private wine tasting. Years after Katikies's most recent hotel launch (Katikies Mykonos opened in 2021), the brand launched one of its most ambitious properties to date, the Katikies Cycladic House, a residential-style villa available to those seeking more private stays. It's located on the grounds of Katikies Chromata, and guests have the benefit of a private home with access to the hotel's amenities. Once envisioned as the personal retreat of the brand's owner, Katikies Cycladic House spans more than 7,500 square feet and has five bedrooms, three kitchens, multiple living and dining areas, a state-of-the-art gym, wine cave, entertainment lounge, and massage room. Savvas Psathas, the Cypriot designer who has worked with Katikies for more than 15 years, spearheaded the contemporary interior design. "My vision was to create a calm and serene place that exuded luxury," Psathas tells Forbes. 'When you step outside the house and see the caldera, it's very bold. I needed something more tranquil inside, and I don't think the home has one rough or angular edge.' Spread across three levels, Katikies Cycladic House merges modern design elements and high-end finishes with organic textures and soft lines. Psathas's design vernacular is present throughout the home, expressed via arched built-ins, organic plaster walls, matte marble surfaces, and soft neutral colors. Materials include handmade glazed terracotta floors, lime-based stucco on the walls, Greek and Italian marble, and rare onyx imported from the Middle East. Every detail of the residence provides a sense of place, like the hand-thrown ceramics from Santorini-based ateliers and the bespoke furnishings and light fixtures by Greek artisans. Other luxe amenities include Bulgari bathroom products. Despite its significant size, the villa provides an intimate nature thanks to the cave-inspired rooms and indoor-outdoor layout. Discreet, modern systems, appliances, and technology are present within the home, however there are many nods tying the villa to its centuries-old past. The site dates back to 1710 and once housed one of Imerovigli's four original windmills and communal ovens for baking barley bread. Psathas restored the stone foundation from one of the windmills, which now surrounds the fireplace. Psathas mentions that Katikies Cycladic House might signal the next generation and evolution of the award-winning Katikies brand. "The house is modern but still traditional, blended with natural, yet expensive, materials," he says. "It's a sanctuary, and it's a house designed with love."
Los Angeles Times
10-04-2025
- Los Angeles Times
Where To Stay in Santorini For that Perfect Greek Getaway
Santorini. Just the name makes you think of fiery sunsets sinking into the water and blue and white villages perched on the sides of volcanic cliffs. It's a spot that lands on everyone's must-see list, for good reason. Half the battle is figuring out where you'll plant yourself on this incredible island. Will you splurge for a caldera view, or find yourself adjacent to black-sand beaches? If you're cooking up your own Greek island fantasy, picking the right hotel can make the vacation something special. Here are some stays that capture that Greek island's vibe. Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection (Imerovigli)This isn't your basic accommodation. Imagine floating in an infinity pool that looks like it dumps right into the caldera – that's what you get at Grace Hotel in Imerovigli. Part of the fancy Auberge brand, they've got rooms, suites, and even a private villa if you're looking for that once-in-a-lifetime stay. Beyond just gawking at the views, you can take boat tours, get a relaxing massage or sip local wines. When you get hungry, there's an onsite bar and Michelin-starred restaurant Varoulko. And no matter who you're traveling with, this place works for couples, weddings, or fancy family get-togethers. Katikies Santorini (Oia)Over in touristy Oia, Katikies makes the most of its cliff-hanging location and offers a respite from the crowds. Dine with jaw-dropping views at Katikies Restaurant or Botrini's. Pick between different rooms and suites – many come with your own little plunge pool. Relaxing is on the menu here, with three infinity pools, lounges, an indoor hot tub and a spa. It's worth noting Katikies has sister hotels on Santorini and Mykonos if you fall for their style. Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas (Oia)Also sitting Oia's cliffside, Santo Pure focuses on bigger suites and villas, giving you actual space to breathe. Many rooms also come with private pools or bubbling jacuzzis – perfect for living your best life. Dine at their Alios Ilios Restaurant, featuring a Mediterranean menu and a gorgeous sea view. Besides the main pool, you can get rubbed down at the Anassa Spa, hit the gym or try cooking classes. Perivolas Hotel (Oia)If you're into boutique hotels with character, Perivolas near Oia village might be your jam. Perivolas Hotel has 300-year-old caves into distinct suites and villas (some with their own pools) that mix old-school architecture with modern fanciness. Naturally, the caldera views are killer. Float in their famous infinity pool or get pampered at their spa and gym. These cozy quarters are perfect for couples. Andronis Luxury Suites (Oia)Another Oia hotspot known for caldera views is Andronis Luxury Suites. These folks are serious about pools – infinity pools, cave pools and hot tubs – you name it, they have it filled with water. Pick from fancy suites and villas, get worked on at the Mare Sanus Spa, eat cliffside at their Lycabettus Restaurant or sip wine like a true Greek god. Good to know: Andronis has other hotels on the island (Andronis Boutique Hotel and Andronis Arcadia) if you want their style at different price points. Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel (Oia)Carved into Oia's cliffs, Mystique mixes luxury with that white-washed Cycladic style. Its suites and villas give you those postcard views everyone back home will covet. Lounge by the infinity pool, get rubbed down at Elios Spa or work off some indulgence at the fitness center. With luxe stays, multiple bars and restaurants on-site and perfect views, this hotel is honeymoon central. Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort (Megalochori)Looking for something that isn't packed with selfie-sticks and is a respite from summer crowds, Vedema offers fancy digs in the middle of the charming medieval village of Megalochori. Surrounded by vineyards, this resort has nice suites and villas, some with private jacuzzis or pools. You still get the premium stuff like Elios Spa, a gym, a swimming pool and jacuzzi. Dine in style at their various bars and restaurants, like Alati or Trataro, and don't skip the wine tasting in their old-school 400-year-old cave cellar. It's a solid way to see Santorini while avoiding the biggest surge of cruise ship crowds.
