Perivolas Traditional Houses, Santorini, Greece

Any design hotel aficionados planning a sojourn to Santorini should put Perivolas at the very top of their wish-list. For almost a quarter of a century owner Costis Psychas has been hosting the great and the glamorous at his family-owned hideaway, and his generous hospitality, incredible attention to detail and impeccable taste make this one of the best hotels in Greece.

The rooms

All twenty rooms are lovingly lacquered in traditional white plasterwork every winter and polished up to gleam against home-spun fabrics in hot pink, purple and bright Grecian blue. Beds are stone platforms carved from the living rock in the local tradition, kitchenettes add a homely feel and the lack of baths encourages guests to settle down around the stunning pool. Breathtaking views of the caldera, a gym with Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and jet showers and a perfect location on the outskirts of Oia, the chicest village on Santorini, add to its many charms.

Coming up...

Those who have already known and loved Perivolas should start saving their pennies for the sequel – Perivolas Hideaway – which is due to launch in 2009. Located on the island of Thirosia in the middle of the caldera, this single 18th-century villa will sleep 8 to 10 and will only be accessible by boat. A private beach, its own wellness centre, full catering and 120,000 m2 of private grounds will give Perivolas Hideaway that magical combination of stunning views and guaranteed privacy that initially drew Maria Callas and Queen Elizabeth to Santorini way back in the Sixties.