At the sublime junction where the black volcanic sand meets the midnight blue waters of the Aegean Sea, one finds Santorini’s newest addition, Istoria, a 12-suite retreat on Perivolos Beach. Istoria is inspired by storytelling, deriving its name from the Greek word ‘ιστορία,’ which means story. The 12 guestrooms — each with a name in a different language, which translates to the word ‘story’ — are impressively arched towards the privacy of individual terraces, leading, in most cases, to private outdoor hot tubs and pools. A new spin on the Greek beachside hotel, Istoria’s design is an eclectic impression of Mediterranean influences. Rustic textures — as seen in the various terracotta, wood, and concrete elements that pepper the space — sit side-by-side with sleek, modern furnishings and accents that include marble-topped console tables and low hanging ceramic pendant lighting in guestrooms. Decorative accents yield memories of times past; oversized stone pots nod to the island’s extensive history, while its abundant natural bounty is featured in the shape of volcanic stone, black Santorini sand and an environment of native trees and plants, such as ancient olive trees, herbs and aloe. Open to the elements beneath canvas sails with stylishly rustic wooden tables and chairs set on the black sand, Istoria’s Mr. E Restaurant is home to Greek gastronomy reimagined. Led by the celebrated Chef Alexandros Tsiotinis, Mr. E serves modern Greek and Mediterranean cuisine created with fresh, seasonal ingredients and seafood garnered from the Aegean Sea.
