Hotels

Without a doubt, Greece is a paradise destination. The country is shrouded in an aura of mystery and nostalgia that comes not only from its tradition and history, but also man’s fascination with the gods of Olympus. If these gods ever existed they would certainly have come to earth in order to stay at the Hotel Katikies, on the Island ofSantorini.

This is a hotel worthy of the gods; its impeccable white presence stands out against the Greek landscape, faithful to the country’s architectural tradition. To describe the contrast between the hotels’s immaculate facade and the intense blue of the Aegean Sea that surrounds it as blinding, would be an understatement. It is no exaggeration to say that the view simply takes the breath away, leaving the mind and spirit in a state of complete harmony with their surroundings.

The Katikies did not just happen, but is the result of the architectural restoration of one of the island’s ancient buildings. So it is not surprising that, when you see it, your mind turns to images of tiny Greek houses with limestone walls that you see in geography and history books under the title “Greece”.

The architects’ aim was to retain the building’s heritage, and they made a magnificent job of doing just that, using white walls and simple lines, but also using an uneven geometric structure giving onto a maze of passages, pergolas and terraces. As a result the Hotel Katikies does not just pay tribute to Greek architecture, but also provides a charming environment for its guests.

This is not a large hotel. It does not compare with the vast buildings you find in cities like New York or Paris. And this is one of its main attractions. The hotel welcomes you into relaxation and simplicity, in the most absolute intimacy. It is almost as if guests come here to escape and are made to feel as if they are the only people left on the planet, sole owners of the imposing blue Aegean seascape.

Its location contributes to this feeling. The hotel is built on a 100 meter high cliff, against which the ocean’s waves spend themselves in an endless rhythm. It feels like a destination for hermits, but hermits with style and who enjoy life’s finer things.

This special location guarantees that guests can enjoy an unbroken view of the Greek landscape from anywhere in the hotel. Whether you are in either of the two swimming pools created from submerged volcanic rocks, the three restaurants, the spa, the open air Jacuzzi or any of the 22 guest rooms you can appreciate the vastness of the blue sea, as if it were an artist’s canvas that goes on forever.

The hotel’s guest services were designed so as to optimize this breathtaking view. The pools were located on a terrace so as to give the impression that they are an extension of the sea itself. The rooms all have balconies for relaxation. And the Suite Katikies has a living room that is more like an open air bar.

Not to be outdone, the restaurants offer guests a range of gastronomic Mediterranean delights, where they can also enjoy the landscape over the roof tops or against the backdrop of the swimming pools. The only exception is the White Cave restaurant, which provides a more intimate setting located inside a natural cave with space for just three tables. You can imagine how hard it is to get a reservation.

The atmosphere of the Hotel Katikies pays tribute to Greek simplicity, but is by no means minimalist. This is why the simple lines of the walls and furnishings do not appear to be interrupted by the decorative antique objects and marble that are used with discretion, so as not to clutter the view.

The Hotel Katikies has received significant acclaim in the hotel world thanks to its strategic location, refined architecture and exquisite style, including its selection as one of the World’s Best Hotels by Travel & Leisure magazine, and being named the World’s Best Small Luxury Hotel in 2005 by The Leading Small Hotels of the World group. To these accolades must be added the praise of its guests who have no hesitation in including it among today’s most romantic hideaways. And if they say it we have to believe it! After all the customer is always right.

Hotel Katikies
Oia, Santorini 84702, Cyclades Islands, Greece.
Telephone: 302286071401
E mail: info@katikies.com
Rates: From US$720 per person.
www.katikies.com