Greek hotelier carves hideaway into volcanic rock

A luxury boutique hotel carved into natural volcanic rocks has opened on the island of Santorini in Greece.

The five-star Iconic Santorini offers 22 luxury rooms and suites and is located in the village of Imerovigli. It sits 336 metres above sea level on the edge of steep cliffs and offers panoramic views of the blue sea below, the remains of a huge crater and sunsets.

Each of the 22 rooms and suites are individually designed, maintaining the uneven shapes of the rustic walls. They also echo the origins of former historic cave homes that were once dug out by locals in the village.

Elements of the original homes were incorporated in the design of the rooms, including a fireplace in the Iconic Suite, which originates from a former bakery’s stone. The heated indoor pools in the Grotto or Cliff Suites used to be wells that the locals used to collect rainwater.

Pergola restaurant offers a Greek-style tavern setting where guests can sample Santorini flavours, while the hotel also has a gym and spa, with a full range of professional exercise equipment and private room for single or couples massages.