Interior Design Laboratorium: ISTORIA Hotel
Interior Design Laboratorium presents its first holistic architectural and design project, ISTORIA hotel, Santorini, Greece.
After featuring the beautiful Porto Fira suites back in 2017, it is time to return to Santorini and explore Interior Design Laboratorium's latest design project 'ISTORIA', located in Perivolos, on the south of the picturesque Greek island. The hotel's name 'Istoria' translated from Greek means 'history' and it is the history of the structure and its grounds that have inspired the designs and restoration as it starts its new life as a luxury twelve-suite resort for those in search of a little slice of paradise in the Aegean Sea.
Inspired by the traditional designs, styles and materials found on Santorini Island, some of the architecture's dominating elements to feature are the conventional arched door and window openings that slice through the thick structural walls, framing the impressive views internally and externally. From the moment one arrives at the resort these distinctive features are present from the volcanic rock entrance with matching black arched doors to the suites relaxing views that greet guests every morning. Soft whites and terracotta tones adorn the walls within the grounds, adding a warm and welcoming touch to the surroundings, a contrast to the pristine white walls and bright blue windows found in Santorini's capital, Fira.
Decorated in warm and earthy tones, the resort's twelve suites depict minimalism of the Cycladic style. The simplicity for a greater expression of texture and material through design detail using an eclectic amalgamation of new and old elements. Black volcanic stone, terracotta coloured plaster, light and dark coloured wood, raw pieces of rock and black sand from the island’s beaches are the main design elements, intertwined with the richness of Mediterranean flora such as the century-old olive trees, herbs and aloe.
The bespoke furniture designs have been created exclusively for ISTORIA by Interior Design Laboratorium. Small touches such as the dark woods used in the headboard surround, artwork frames and detailing of the washrooms add depth to the interior, highlighting and creating features. Authentic elements, part of the original residence; including the old wooden roof and stone pillars are incorporated into the upgraded design, offering characterful touches to the hotel spaces that create a dialogue between the present and the past.
Photography on the right (Architectural and swimming pool from above): BREBA2
Suites range in sizes. The 35 - 37 square meter ground floor 'Recit' and 'Tarina' options each contain a terrace with an option of a private swimming pool or hot tub. The larger 45 - 50 square meter higher level 'Rakonto' and 'Storia' suites, house two separate terraces, a seating area and hot tubs with impressive views of the Aegean Sea, undoubtedly one of the biggest lures to this quiet oasis.
Under lightly bouncing canopies and shielded by beautiful walls of tropical foliage is the hotel's 'Mr. E' restaurant. Offering the best of Greek cuisine, the restaurant boasts a connection to the island with locally sourced vegetables straight from the hotel’s organic garden and freshly caught fish from the surrounding sea prepared by chef Alexandros Tsiotinis. This intimate space blurs the boundaries between the ocean and the hotel; set out on a bed of volcanic sand with beautiful handcrafted furniture that adds to the restaurant's local charm.
For guests looking to take a plunge and go for an energising swim to escape the heat of the sun, ISTORIA has a pool that sets the standard of luxury. Surrounded by black volcanic rock walls and lined on either side by mature olive trees, the pool echoes the colours of the volcanic beaches close to the property by using dark stone slabs to tile the swimming pool and integrated hot tub. Relaxing on upholstered wooden sunloungers, the bar and facilities of the resort are within easy reach for those looking to enjoy a cocktail or relaxing massage at the spa.
At a time that Santorini is at the top of everyone's travel list, it is incredible to see a luxury hotel design that delves into the history of its structure to tell a story. When many designers look to replicate a 'perceived' look of a location, Interior Design Laboratorium has extracted a history and connection to the resort and surrounding grounds that exhibit layers and an understanding of culture far closer connects its guest to this incredible island.
Photography: Giorgos Sfakianakis unless otherwise stated
