Porto Fira Suites in Santorini

As I scroll through my Instagram feed filled with photos of Spain, Greece, Italy, France, Iceland, and Costa Rica, among others, it seems as if everyone’s traveling right now. I love living vicariously through them as they share their experience and often save favorite hotels, restaurants and sites. This inevitably stirs a bit of wanderlust and gets me thinking about places I’d like to go next.

It may have to be Greece. I took a long pause when I saw the first photo of this stunning property on the island of Santorini. Recently redesigned and renovated by design firm, Interior Design Laboratorium, the Porto Fira Suites, sits high on the cliff of the island’s volcanic Caldera, blending in with the natural surroundings and perched to take in picture perfect views. Inspiration was taken from monastic architecture, appropriately since the oldest part of the hotel previously served as a house for nearby Saint John the Theologian church.

Minimalist design with the elements you’d want and expect when visiting Greece includes whitewashed walls, cool stone floors, arched passageways, and a soothing color palette. Nothing needs to compete with the expansive sky and crisp blue of the Aegean Sea. Simplicity and purity are an extension of the monastic theme creating a soothing and peaceful atmosphere.

As a contrast to the smooth, white walls, texture is quietly added with traditional, hand-woven textiles, kilims, and rugs. A shot of black, referencing the dark volcano, runs through the neutral palette acting as a punctuation against the stark surroundings. The custom lights made from black rope hanging bedside are a nod to Greek traditional chaplets.

Ebony accents are repeated in several areas including wardrobes with perforated doors made from Viennese straw and the outdoor tables. A black bottom pool is the inviting finishing touch which visually blends hotel to sea.