Vora Private Villas, Imerovigli

Perched on the edge of the caldera in Santorini, Vòra is a handcrafted boutique hotel of three private villas, carved into the caves and cliffs, offering monumental views of the volcano and the Aegean sea from the private plunge pool and terrace of each villa. Inspired by the volcanic environment, Vora is a celebration of minimalistic Cycladic design, inside and out. The local, traditional cave houses of Santorini are small, cramped and overlooked. The objective was to make space for each guest to enjoy maximum privacy, inside and outside, in order to provide a high-end experience. The renovation of the original cave villa found on the site retains its characteristic layout of three rooms that move in succession deeper into the rock, naturally providing cool respite from the heat of the day. This villa sits above two newly constructed villas which slice its linear plan in half, stacking one on top of the other so that each villa features an upper level of living space and a lower level of bedroom space. This arrangement allows for light and view to dominate in all areas – each villa is also carefully angled to take in the sunset from a unique viewpoint, whilst ensuring that guests’ privacy is also maintained. The two driving forces behind the concept were the volcanic rock and traditional local vernacular. The idea was to reveal and control the drama and thrill of the site whilst securing guests with comfort, privacy and a relaxed lifestyle. Guests at Vòra will experience a series of carefully choreographed contrasts as the hotel is intense and complex yet laid out with clarity and designed with authenticity.

Business model of the project
Vòra is a design concept celebrating the inherent energy of Santorini island and its architectural traditions. The two driving forces behind the concept were the volcanic rock and traditional local vernacular. The idea was to reveal and control the drama and thrill of the site whilst securing guests with comfort, privacy and a relaxed lifestyle. The designers worked with natural volcanic rock to cut routes through the site and to retain its boundaries and with charred wood and blackened gun-metal to highlight the power of nature within the villas. These where juxtaposed with the soft curve of the traditional ‘Aspa’ render and white lime wash finish. Lighter stone finishes and naturally pale linens were introduced to bring a balancing sense of cool and calm interiors. While the exterior setting here presents endless, breathtaking views, inside one finds elements plucked from the pages of a design magazine. Guests will enjoy here some high-end features like Zirini ceramics, Piet Boon fixtures, marble by Gascoigne and Vasaltis, Ceppo di Grey stone, lighting by Trizzo and WM, as well as Bang and Olufsen sound. All of it is embraced by white interior walls and the black volcanic rocks of Santorini. Vora focuses on the details to achieve the perfect balance between the island’s tradition and contemporary design.